Buffalo Park Picnic Shelter
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
Buffalo Park is a small day use and campground park, located on John H. Kerr Reservoir. The campground is open May 1 - September 30. The Day Use Park is open year-around. The shelter is reservable from April 1 - October 31.
Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. Kerr Reservoir was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties in two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.
Visitors to Buffalo Park will enjoy the lakeside views and the quaint park. The day use section of the park has a swim beach, picnic shelter, and a boat ramp. There is also picnic tables and a life jacket loaner station for you to borrow and return life jackets.
Need to Know
If you have reserved the shelter and it is already occupied the day of your reservation, please call Buffalo Campground at 434.374.2063. Keep in mind that you are reserving the shelter only.
Vehicle parking is first come first served. Shelter reservation holders are reserving the shelter only and are not guaranteed parking due to the area being open to the public.
All vehicles entering the day use area are required to pay the $7 day use fee including those who have rented the shelter for the day. You can purchase a day use pass by using the fee machine. If you would like to purchase in advance, please speak to the gatehouse or call the Visitor Assistance Center at 434.738.6143. Please see rules below if you have an America the Beautiful, Golden Age/Access, or Corps Annual Pass.
This shelter does not have electricity.
Alcoholic beverages, camping and hunting are prohibited in the day use area.
Off-road vehicles and golf carts are prohibited.
Dogs are allowed but must stay on a maximum 6-foot leash and are prohibited in the designated swimming area.
Golden Age/Access, America the Beautiful Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Corps Annual Pass are accepted at this park and cardholders receive free entrance to the day use area only and not the campground. Pass must be displayed correctly.
For a full list of rules and regulations please visit Title 36 Rules and Regulations.
Please read through the fees and cancelation policy for Recreation.gov.
Natural Features
Kerr Reservoir has approximately 48,000 acres of hardwood and pine forest and 50,000 acres of water. The picnic shelter in the park has a spectacular view of the lake, where the Roanoke (Staunton) River meets the Dan.
Nearby Attractions
Buffalo Springs Park is on the Virginia State and National Historic Sites, and is located approximately 7 miles from Buffalo Park. Once a world-renowned source of bottled lithia waters, the little park now offers a picnic pavilion and solitude. People still get their water from the fountain there.
Gas and groceries are available in Clarksville, Virginia, about 15 minutes away. Clarksville holds the distinction of being the only town on Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake.
Recreation
Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon. Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese.
The Army Corps of Engineers manages 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more.
Kerr Lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish caught. Fishing and hunting are regulated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries on the Virginia side of the lake.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: Buffalo Park Phone Number: (434) 374-2063
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
