Major Campground Improvements Planned for Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

North Carolina State Parks will begin a major campground improvement project at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area later this year, bringing significant upgrades to campground facilities, electrical infrastructure, accessibility features, and park operations facilities.

To accommodate construction, JC Cooper Campground, Nutbush Area 1 (North), Nutbush Areas 3 and 4 (South), and Hibernia Campground will close Aug. 1. The closures are expected to remain in place throughout the construction period, which is currently scheduled for completion by June 30, 2027. Project timelines may be changed by weather, contract approvals, bid results or other unforeseen circumstances.

Funded through Connect NC Bond funding, the project will address aging infrastructure while improving accessibility, upgrading amenities and enhancing the visitor experience for future generations of campers.

"These improvements will help ensure Kerr Lake continues to provide a high-quality camping experience for years to come," said Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Superintendent Bill Stanley. "While temporary closures are necessary to complete the work, visitors will benefit from modernized facilities, upgraded campsites and improved accessibility throughout several campground areas."

Major improvements planned as part of the project include:

· Construction of a new bathhouse at JC Cooper

· Installation of new septic systems at JC Cooper and Nutbush Area 1

· Upgrades to campground electrical service, including conversion of campsites to 50-amp service at JC Cooper, Nutbush and Hibernia

· Renovation of campsites and accessibility improvements, including upgrades to existing ADA-accessible sites and the addition of new accessible campsites

· Construction of additional parking at campground bathhouses

· Conversion of underutilized non-electric campsites to electric campsites at Nutbush Area 3

· Construction of a new maintenance and auto shop facility at Satterwhite Point to support park operations

About the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation, with a vision to connect generations with nature through exceptional outdoor experiences. The state parks system features 35 state parks, 25 state natural areas, four state recreation areas, seven state lakes, four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and 15 state trails - spanning over 264,000 acres of iconic landscapes and welcoming 18 million visitors annually.

In addition to overseeing the state parks system, the division administers federal and state parks and trails grants, including the state-funded Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program, as well as the federally funded Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The division is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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