Fish Dam Creek Park

Fish Dam Creek Park

Part of W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Overview

Fish Dam Creek Shelter is located directly adjacent to W Kerr Scott's Dam. This shelter features horseshoe pits, and has a panoramic view of the reservoir.

Facilities

The Fish Dam Creek shelter offers eight, 8-foot picnic tables and one, 10-foot ADA-accessible picnic table. A water spigot and charcoal grill are close by. The electrial outlets currently do not work due to an underground problem. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include horseshoe pits, grill, vault toilets, hiking trails and five mini-shelters (first come-first serve). (The power to this shelter is currently off)

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Dark Mountain Trail which can be accessed from the shelter. The Warrior Creek and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail feature an additional 25 miles of trails.

Nearby Attractions

W. Kerr Scott Lake has 3 main trail systems. Dark Mountain, OVT, and Warrior Creek trail systems. 

The Visitor Assistance Center is located at 499 Reservoir Road. W. Kerr Scott Lake is 10 minutes from Wilkesboro, NC. 

Important Notices

  • All reservations, changes, and cancellations must be made by the guest using Recreation.gov, by calling 877-444-6777, or using the Recreation.gov moblie app. 

    Shelter reservation signs will be posted by a ranger prior to your arrival. If shelter is not reserved for that day, then the shelter is usable by first come first serve. 

    The playground is for common use. It is not inclusive to the shelter reservation holder. 

    Parking is limited. Notify the ranger station if more parking spaces will be required. Do not park on grass at the flagpole area. 

    Place all trash in trash cans. Do not leave trash beside the trash cans. 

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at W. Kerr Scott Lake. 

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Available Activities

  • Picnicking - Picnicking
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Biking - Biking
  • Birding - Birding
  • Day Use Area - Day Use Area
  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

From Charlotte, North Carolina , take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right. From Winston-Salem, North Carolina , take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto right onto Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right. From Wilkesboro, North Carolina , head west on Main Street/Hwy 268/Hwy 18 (approximately 4 miles) and turn right on Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right.

Cancellation Policy

<p>All reservations, changes, and cancellations must be made by the guest using Recreation.gov, by calling 877-444-6777, or using the Recreation.gov moblie app. </p> <p>All refund request will need to be submitted via recreation.gov. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 336-921-3390

499 Reservoir Road
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
End of Reservoir Road
Does not have a 911 address
Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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