Kerr Lake (aka JH Kerr Reservoir) in North Carolina

Trip Overview

Kerr Lake is a large lake that caters to fishermen. It is a man made lake with approximately 850 miles of shoreline. I paddle here during the week and rarely run into anyone fishing. There are several small coves that you can navigate through the live standing trees and shrubs. There are wilderness areas and residential areas along this lake. There are several State parks in NC & VA on this lake.

I put in at the free boat launch at the end of Flemingtown Rd approximately 3 miles from exit 220 on I-85. There are 3 docks and lots of parking area. However this boat launch has no other facilities. From this launch area you can paddle about 1.5 miles south to the southern most pt of this section. If you go north you can paddle for days.

To make an extended trip you must plan your paddling days from State Park to State Park for there is no camping in the wilderness areas of this lake.

I rated this lake moderate due to the large expanses of water that can get very choppy when the wind picks up & the possibility of dealing with a lot of power boats if the fisherman are out.

Accommodations:

Several State parks with camping on this lake

Fees:

unknown camping fee or launch fee if you use the State Parks.
Free if you use the boat launch on Flemingtown Rd.

Directions:

The free boat launch is at the end of Flemingtown Rd approx. 3 miles from exit 220 on I-85.

Resources:

see the Kerr Lake report from the Virginia side