Tailrace Park

2 reviews

5458 Buggs Island Road, Boydton, Virginia 23917

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Tailrace Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservation-related service fees include a $10 change fee for switching dates entirely outside the original reservation dates; a $10 service fee...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(434) 738-6143

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

155 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomswater

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Tailrace Park, describing it as a beautiful, peaceful place to relax, fish, and enjoy wildlife. Visitors highlight the scenic dam and lake, abundant birds (especially bald eagles), and good fishing as key draws, with several noting it’s great for families and nature outings."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Tailrace Park

The park welcomes visitors year-round, with flush toilet facilities available during the busy peak season when families and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the riverside. While the park doesn't close its gates when temperatures drop, the shoulder seasons offer their own rewards: spring brings migrating birds and blooming shorelines, summer delivers long days perfect for extended fishing sessions, fall paints the semi-wooded landscape in brilliant colors, and winter offers solitude and some of the best bald eagle viewing opportunities along the river.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Tailrace Park

Nestled along the Roanoke River just below the mighty John H. Kerr Reservoir, Tailrace Park offers an intimate riverside escape where anglers cast their lines, kayakers launch into gentle currents, and bald eagles soar overhead. This charming family-friendly park combines essential amenities—including a picnic shelter, fishing pier, and seasonal flush toilets—with the raw beauty of the river's edge, creating an ideal spot for both spontaneous day trips and peaceful waterside afternoons.

Historical SignificanceThe waters flowing past Tailrace Park tell a story that began in 1952, when the completion of the John H. Kerr Dam transformed the Roanoke River valley into what locals call Buggs Island Lake. This massive engineering feat created a 50,000-acre reservoir stretching 39 miles across the Virginia-North Carolina border, forever changing the landscape and creating new recreational opportunities for generations. The tailrace area below the dam, where this park sits, became a premier fishing destination as the controlled water releases created ideal habitat for both coldwater and warmwater species.

Weather and SeasonsThe park welcomes visitors year-round, with flush toilet facilities available during the busy peak season when families and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the riverside. While the park doesn't close its gates when temperatures drop, the shoulder seasons offer their own rewards: spring brings migrating birds and blooming shorelines, summer delivers long days perfect for extended fishing sessions, fall paints the semi-wooded landscape in brilliant colors, and winter offers solitude and some of the best bald eagle viewing opportunities along the river.

Natural Features and SceneryWhere the reservoir releases its waters back into the Roanoke River, Tailrace Park occupies a scenic stretch of semi-wooded shoreline that feels worlds away from everyday life. The convergence of moving water, sheltered coves, and wooded banks creates a haven for wildlife—patient visitors are often rewarded with sightings of majestic bald eagles perched in riverside trees or diving for fish, while great blue herons stalk the shallows and wood ducks navigate the quieter pools. The park's kayak launch provides easy access to explore the river's moods, while the small pier extends over waters known for yielding striped bass, catfish, and other prized catches, all framed by the gentle rustle of leaves and the constant, soothing voice of the river itself.

Geological RegionSituated in the Piedmont region where the Roanoke River flows beneath John H. Kerr Reservoir (locally known as Buggs Island Lake), this area marks the transition zone where the reservoir's still waters give way to the river's natural current, creating a dynamic aquatic environment rich with fish and wildlife.

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesThe park is described as family-friendly and is well-suited for anglers and birdwatchers; a kayak launch and small pier provide direct water access for recreational use.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

3:00 pm

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov and the Recreation.gov call center

Cancellation PolicyVisitors may cancel reservations prior to arrival online or through the call center; a $10 service fee is withheld from refunds. Cancellations the day before or on the day of arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's approved rate (including tax and add-ons). One-night reservation cancellations forfeit the entire amount. Group overnight facility cancellations less than 14 days prior to arrival pay a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate. No-shows are assessed a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-ons. Refunds processed to original payment method; check/cash refunds issued by Treasury check (may take 6-8 weeks). In the event of an emergency closure, fees will be refunded.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tailrace Park and the surrounding Kerr Reservoir area offer fishing, birding/wildlife viewing, and paddling access to the Roanoke River. Nearby Wildlife Management Areas around the lake provide additional opportunities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Hiking

Hiking opportunities exist in the area via 26 Wildlife Management Areas around Kerr Lake that provide year-round hiking and related outdoor recreation.

Fishing

Fishing is a primary recreation in the Kerr Reservoir area with species noted regionally including largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, flathead catfish, channel catfish and blue catfish.

Boating

A kayak launch at Tailrace Park provides access to the Roanoke River; the reservoir offers extensive shoreline recreation opportunities.

Wildlife viewing

Birding and wildlife viewing are highlighted; a small pier and semi-wooded setting support birding and bald eagle sightings. Nearby WMAs also support birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsPublic lands around the lake are open to hunting; visitors should be aware of hunting activity and ensure adherence to regulations and appropriate safety measures/licenses.

Weather at Tailrace Park

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 8.8 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on the Roanoke River just below John H. Kerr Reservoir; includes a kayak launch and a small pier providing direct access to the water.

HostThis location is unstaffed onsite. For general information contact the main office at (434) 738-6143.

Campground Map

5458 Buggs Island Road, Boydton, Virginia 23917

Driving directionsTailrace Park is located at 5458 Buggs Island Road, Boydton, VA. The park is approximately 17 miles (about 20 minutes) south of South Hill, Virginia and is situated just below John H. Kerr Reservoir on the Roanoke River.

Nearby places

South Hill, VA — approximately 17 miles (about 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Shopping, gas, and groceries available in South Hill, Virginia (approximately 17 miles / ~20 minutes)

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Tailrace Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Tailrace Park, describing it as a beautiful, peaceful place to relax, fish, and enjoy wildlife. Visitors highlight the scenic dam and lake, abundant birds (especially bald eagles), and good fishing as key draws, with several noting it’s great for families and nature outings.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests love the natural beauty of the Kerr Dam/lake area and the park’s peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Many praise the quality of fishing (especially catfish and stripers) and enjoy watching bald...

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

One reviewer notes the area can be busy and that there is a lot of trash around, suggesting crowding and litter can be issues at times. No other recurring complaints appear in these reviews.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This park is especially good if you enjoy fishing for stripers and big catfish, or watching and photographing bald eagles and other water birds near the dam. Plan to sit in the shade to relax and...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very cool place just busy and a lot of trash around the area." "We love going here to watch/photo the Bald Eagles and wildlife." "Fishing. At the dam,. Stripers and big cat fish."

Based on 2 reviews