Kerr Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kerr Lake |
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John H. Kerr Dam and Lake in Mecklenburg County, Virginia
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 Kerr Lake
Location in North Carolina
Kerr Lake
Location in Virginia
Kerr Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Carolina–Virginia border, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°34′16.13″N 78°19′33.59″W / 36.5711472°N 78.3259972°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Roanoke River, Dan River |
| Primary outflows | Roanoke River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 50,000 acres (200 km2) |
| Average depth | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Max. depth | 100 ft (30 m) (at John H. Kerr Dam) |
| Surface elevation |
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Kerr Lake (officially known as John H. Kerr Reservoir) is a very large man-made lake. It sits right on the border between North Carolina and Virginia in the United States. This lake was created by building a big wall, called the John H. Kerr Dam. The dam was built between 1947 and 1952. Its main jobs are to make electricity using water power (called hydroelectricity) and to stop floods.
Kerr Lake is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It is the biggest lake of its kind in Virginia. The lake stretches across several counties. In North Carolina, it covers parts of Vance, Granville, and Warren counties. In Virginia, it's in Mecklenburg, Charlotte, and Halifax counties. When the lake is full, it's one of the largest in the southeastern U.S. It covers about 50,000 acres (200 km2) and has over 850 miles (1,370 km) of shoreline. The lake is named after John H. Kerr, a politician from North Carolina. He helped make sure the lake project happened.
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How Kerr Lake Was Made
Kerr Lake is a reservoir, which means it's a lake created by people. It was formed by blocking the flow of the Roanoke River. This river is also known as the Staunton River in Virginia. The Dan River and many smaller creeks also flow into the lake, filling it up.
Just downstream from the John H. Kerr Dam, you can see a place called Buggs Island. This island was named after an early settler, Samuel Bugg. Because of this, people in North Carolina usually call this body of water Kerr Lake. However, people in Virginia often call it Buggs Island Lake or Buggs Island Reservoir.
Fun Activities at Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake is a very popular spot for both North Carolinians and Virginians. Many people come here for fishing and other fun activities.
Fishing at the Lake
If you love to fish, Kerr Lake has lots of different kinds of fish. You can find many large-mouth bass here. There are also striped bass, which are special because Kerr Lake is the only certified lake in Virginia where they naturally have babies. You can also catch crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
Camping and Outdoor Fun
Camping is another popular activity around the lake. There are many campsites along the shore. These sites are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina State Parks, and Virginia State Parks. Some popular campsites include Kimball Point, North Bend Park, County Line, and Hibernia. You can find spots for both tents and RVs.
Water Sports and Boating
The lake is also great for water sports. Many people enjoy jet-skiing and water-tubing. You can also go recreational motor boating or sailing. There are four private marinas around the lake. Marinas are places where you can park your boat and get supplies.
- In North Carolina, you'll find Steele Creek and Satterwhite Point marinas.
- In Virginia, there are Clarksville and Rudds Creek marinas.
These marinas offer places to rent slips for your boats. They also have fuel docks, stores, and sometimes even yacht clubs. The Carolina Sailing Club holds sailing races, called regattas, every month from April to October. They race different types of sailboats.
