Dam Site Shelter

Welcome, North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts! Are you looking for a convenient and scenic spot to access the beautiful W. Kerr Scott Lake, host a small gathering, or simply enjoy a day by the water? Dam Site Shelter, located in Wilkesboro, NC, serves as an excellent entry point to this expansive reservoir and its numerous recreational opportunities. While not a traditional overnight campground with individual campsites, Dam Site Shelter is a vital facility within the larger W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir complex, offering essential amenities and easy access to the lake's aquatic and land-based adventures.

This location is particularly favored by locals for its ease of use and strategic position. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a "favorite boat launch for Kerr Scott Lake," highlighting its primary appeal for those eager to get out on the water. Beyond boating, it provides a pleasant setting for day-use activities, from picnicking to enjoying the scenic views that characterize this corner of the foothills. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a leisurely day on the lake, or a small outdoor celebration, Dam Site Shelter and its surrounding area at W. Kerr Scott Lake offer a welcoming environment for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

Dam Site Shelter is located at 499 Reservoir Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA. This address places it directly within the W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir recreational area, a prominent and well-managed facility by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For North Carolina residents, particularly those in the Piedmont and Western regions, accessing Dam Site Shelter is straightforward. From major cities like Winston-Salem or Charlotte, the drive involves navigating well-maintained highways to Wilkesboro, then following local roads like NC 268 and Reservoir Road, which lead directly to the dam site and visitor assistance center area.

The accessibility is a key advantage. Unlike some more secluded recreational areas, Dam Site Shelter is designed for easy entry, making it an excellent choice for quick boat launches or impromptu day trips. The location also means it's adjacent to the W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center, providing convenient access to information and other park amenities. Its position at the dam ensures that users are immediately immersed in the lake environment, ready to embark on their chosen activities without extensive travel within the park itself.

While Dam Site Shelter itself is a specific facility, its location within the broader Dam Site Park at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir implies access to a range of services and amenities common to this popular recreation area:

• Boat Ramp: A primary service, as highlighted by reviews, providing easy and efficient access for launching boats, kayaks, and canoes onto W. Kerr Scott Lake.

• Picnic Shelter: The "shelter" in the name indicates a designated covered area, typically equipped with picnic tables, suitable for day use, family gatherings, or small events. These shelters are often available on a first-come, first-served basis, though some may be reservable within the larger W. Kerr Scott Reservoir system.

• Restroom Facilities: The area around Dam Site Park, including the Visitor Assistance Center, features both flush toilets and vault toilets, ensuring convenient access to clean facilities for visitors.

• Visitor Assistance Center: Located nearby, this center offers information, exhibits, and potentially program details for W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.

• Fishing Access: The reservoir is well-known for fishing, and the Dam Site area provides direct access for anglers, whether from a boat, kayak, or along the shoreline.

• Parking: Adequate parking is available for vehicles, including those with boat trailers, facilitating easy access to the boat launch and shelter.

• Accessibility: The broader W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir complex, including areas near the Visitor Assistance Center, often includes handicap-accessible facilities and trails.

• Water Spigot: Access to drinking water is typically available in recreation areas around the reservoir.

It's important to note that while Dam Site Shelter is excellent for day use and access, it is not an overnight camping ground with individual campsites for rent. Overnight camping facilities are available at other campgrounds around W. Kerr Scott Lake, such as Bandits Roost, Fort Hamby Park, and Warrior Creek Campground.

• Premier Boat Launch: The most celebrated feature of Dam Site Shelter is its highly regarded boat launch. Its accessibility and efficiency make it a favorite for local boaters and anglers looking to get onto W. Kerr Scott Lake quickly and easily.

• Access to W. Kerr Scott Lake: Being a part of the W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir complex means users gain access to a vast 1,475-acre lake offering exceptional opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and various water sports. The lake is known for its size and typically uncrowded waters, especially on weekdays.

• Excellent Fishing Destination: W. Kerr Scott Lake is a renowned fishing spot. Anglers at Dam Site can target a variety of species, including channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, and bluegill.

• Proximity to Visitor Center: The nearby Visitor Assistance Center provides an added layer of convenience, offering information, educational exhibits, and sometimes even ranger-led programs, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

• Scenic Surroundings: The area around the dam and reservoir is characterized by beautiful, tree-filled landscapes and rolling foothills, offering scenic views perfect for photography or simply enjoying nature's tranquility.

• Day-Use Convenience: The picnic shelter provides a perfect spot for day outings, whether it's a family birthday party, a casual picnic, or a gathering of friends. Its "first-come, first-serve" nature for the shelter at Dam Site Park allows for spontaneous visits.

• Gateway to Extensive Trail Systems: While Dam Site Shelter itself is focused on lake access, its location within the W. Kerr Scott complex means users are minutes away from miles of multi-use trails, including those for hiking and mountain biking (such as the popular Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Dark Mountain, and Warrior Creek trails), offering diverse recreational options beyond the water.

For inquiries about Dam Site Shelter or the broader W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir facilities, please use the following contact details:

Address: 499 Reservoir Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA

Phone: (336) 921-3390

Mobile Phone: +1 336-921-3390

It is advisable to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office for W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir directly for specific information regarding shelter reservations, current lake conditions, or any operational updates.

For North Carolina locals, Dam Site Shelter and the surrounding W. Kerr Scott Lake area in Wilkesboro represent an exceptional regional asset for outdoor recreation. Its accessibility, particularly as a top-rated boat launch, makes it incredibly convenient for spontaneous trips to the lake, whether for fishing, watersports, or simply enjoying the open water. This immediate access to such a large and beautiful reservoir is a significant advantage for those living in the Piedmont and western regions of the state.

Beyond boating, Dam Site Shelter provides a perfect setting for day outings, offering a pleasant picnic area and clean restrooms. It's an ideal spot for family gatherings, casual picnics, or simply a quiet afternoon by the water. The proximity to the Visitor Assistance Center and the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails around the lake means that a trip to Dam Site Shelter can easily be combined with other outdoor adventures, catering to a wide range of interests. Its focus on day-use amenities, coupled with the vast recreational opportunities of W. Kerr Scott Lake, makes it a highly suitable and cherished destination for North Carolinians seeking accessible and enjoyable outdoor experiences close to home.