Overview

Longwood Park Picnic Shelter is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, 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, also known as Buggs Island Lake, was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties and two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.

Facilities

Visitors to Longwood Park Day Use Ara will enjoy the lakeside view. The picnic shelter is located right next to the water. There is a desingated swimming area with a nice sandy beach. There is also a life jacket loaner station that you can borrow and return life jackets if you forgot yours.

Natural Features

Longwood Park is forested and offers plenty of shade. It is located on the Grassy Creek part of Kerr Reservoir.

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.

There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more.  

The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Viriginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries regulate hunting and fishing on Kerr Lake on the Virginia side (which is known as Buggs Island Lake).

Nearby Attractions

Longwood Park is located only 10 minutes from Clarksville, Virginia. Shopping, gas, and groceries are available. Clarksville Marina is about 15 minutes away by highway; approximately 30 minutes by water.

Important Notices

• If you have reserved the shelter and it is already occupied the day of your reservation, please call Longwood Campground at 434.374.2711. 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 and camping are prohibited in all recreation areas

• 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. Passes 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. 

Notifications and Alerts

• The US Army Corps of Engineers at John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir have temporarily closed the 2026 reservation booking window until March 4, 2026. To learn more about this temporary closure, visit the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Facebook page for updates: @JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake

Available Activities

• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Photography - Photography
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Swimming Site - Swimming Site
• Water Access - Water Access

Contact Information

Phone: Longwood Campground Phone Number: (434) 374-2711 Visitors Center Phone Number: (434) 738-6143

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip