Luis Suau
Above: An afternoon at Henderson Point Campground # 1 site 23D. PHOTO BY LUIS J. SUAU.
For many reasons, I consider myself a very fortunate person. My family, job, way of life and the recreational opportunities available are some reasons why. To me, nothing beats going camping with friends and family and I have been lucky enough to have done it since a very young age.
I went from Boy Scout to troop leader to a camping enthusiast and did it mostly for the same reason many people do it: because is fun. So, after falling in love with the whole experience and after 41 years of camping adventures in all sort of settings, my camping preferences have changed from big camping groups with lots of noise to a smaller area with more space and just a few people. The places I frequent these days must meet two requirements: plenty of wildlife for photography opportunities and good fishing.
The Piedmont in North Carolina is a region in the center of the state that offers many unique camping opportunities with many places to choose from that can satisfy my two requirements. The word piedmont comes from the Latin word “pedemontium” which means “at the foot of the mountains” and that is where you find many of the wonderful valleys and lakes that allow for camping opportunities. Among those is my favorite, Henderson Point, located within the John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir, a state park, about an hour north of Raleigh.
Kerr Lake Recreation Area has hundreds of campsites in five access areas and offers a range of outdoor experience, from RV hookups to group camps. There are several swim beaches (no life guards) and multiple boat ramps, some offering 24-hour access with a few reserved for campers. The 50,000-acre reservoir reaches into Virginia, is regularly in in the top 50 best fishing lakes in the nation.
When it comes to fishing, Henderson Point never disappoints. Shore finishing is among the best I’ve experienced in the area and has a splendid boat ramp for campers only. The ramp has several metal piers that can accommodate a few anglers without obstructing boat launching activities.
To fish at Kerr, all anglers need to have a valid state fishing license and must follow all sizes and limits outlined in fishing regulations. My priority is Largemouth Bass and Catfish (Blue or Flathead). All my fishing is catch and release.
The park also enjoys a robust population of bald eagles that roam the skies while raccoons, deer and otters can be seen in the park and along shorelines.
The facilities at Henderson Point are among the best in terms of quality and cleanliness. There are 73 campsites—44 have electricity and water and accommodate group, tent and trailer camping.
I prefer sites located in campsite area 1 and more specifically between sites 22 to 29. The proximity to the lake and the huge open area in the middle of the loop allows for an exceptional star gazing experience during clear skies at night. Campsite area 1 is non-electric with water hookup.
They have a gravel back-in entry area, so your vehicle will be very close. Camping surface is sand with a separate gravel area with a picnic table, lamp hook and fire ring. The restrooms were recently upgraded and have hot water showers and flushing toilets. For people with RVs there is a sanitary dump station close by.
The cost for the camping site ranges from $15 to $46.00/night for non-electric and $18 to $56 for electric. Holiday weekends have higher rates and require two-night minimum stay. Plan ahead and make reservation for desired date and site .
Before going, be sure to visit ncparks.gov for rules, news updates and other information. And visit northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com, where you can make reservations and find information about the best camping site for your needs as well as pictures and maps of each site.
While Henderson Point is by far my favorite area, it also has its flaws. While many camping areas in Kerr Lake SRA are open year-round, Henderson Point is only open from late March to late September.
My preference is to go as close as possible to the start or end of the season since summer it can bet very hot during the day. There’s no WiFi at the site so I bring my weatherproof portable radio for weather updates and music. You can charge your phone via electric outlet in wash h ouse.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the park and camping area gates close and are locked at posted closing times. Once in the camping area, you might not be able to go (unless by foot) to other areas in the park as there is no exiting or entering after closing time.
On the bright side, this also means that no unauthorized visitors can access the camping areas. There are rangers on site and contact information in case of emergency during lockdown hours. At this park and others park rules and regulations are posted and enforced.
The park website says that rule violations are misdemeanors and may result in a fine and revocation of permit. Also, alcoholic beverages, guns (unless with permit) and fireworks are prohibited. Pets are allowed except in park buildings and swim areas but must be on a leash and cannot be left unattended and fires in undesignated areas are prohibited.
Henderson Point holds a special place within our family but there are plenty of parks and sites that might fit your interest and needs. If you enjoy camping and the outdoors as much as I do, visit the Kerr Lake website (ncparks. gov/kerr-lake-state-rec-area) or state park website to explore options.
Henderson Point at Kerr Lake Recreation Area contact information:
6254 Satterwhite Point Rd.
Henderson, NC 27537
252-438-7791
kerr.lake@ncparks.gov