J C Cooper Campground

For North Carolinians seeking the quintessential lakeside camping experience, J C Cooper Campground, nestled within the expansive Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Henderson, offers an ideal escape. This well-regarded campground provides a blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and direct access to one of the largest and most beloved reservoirs in the southeastern United States. It's a place where the sounds of nature, the shimmer of water, and the warmth of a campfire create lasting memories for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

J C Cooper Campground is known for its serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, a testament to its management within the North Carolina State Parks system. Whether you're pulling in with a large RV, setting up a family tent, or even a smaller camper, the park offers a variety of sites designed to accommodate different preferences. Its appeal lies not just in its scenic surroundings but also in the thoughtful amenities that enhance the camping experience, from clean restrooms and hot showers to reliable hookups and dedicated boat access for campers.

This campground serves as a perfect launchpad for exploring the vast recreational opportunities of Kerr Lake, from fishing and boating to simply unwinding by the water. For locals in North Carolina, J C Cooper Campground represents an accessible and cherished destination to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy the natural treasures of their home state.

J C Cooper Campground is located within the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, with its mailing address associated with Henderson, NC 27537, USA. Kerr Lake, often referred to as Buggs Island Lake, is an enormous reservoir that straddles the border between North Carolina and Virginia. This strategic location makes J C Cooper Campground highly accessible for a vast number of North Carolinians, particularly those in the central and eastern parts of the state.

The campground is specifically situated in the Satterwhite Point area of Kerr Lake. Henderson, as a regional hub, provides all necessary services and supplies, including grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail options, typically within a 15-20 minute drive from the campground. This proximity ensures campers can easily stock up on essentials without having to venture too far from their natural retreat.

Accessibility to J C Cooper Campground is excellent, typically via well-maintained state highways that lead directly to Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. From Interstate 85, a major north-south corridor, travelers can take exit 217 and travel north on Satterwhite Point Road for approximately 5.5 miles to reach the park office and then the campground. Roads within the campground itself are newly paved, making for smooth navigation for all vehicle types, including large RVs and those towing campers. The overall ease of access combined with the park's natural setting makes J C Cooper Campground a convenient and desirable destination for a wide range of visitors from across North Carolina.

As part of the North Carolina State Parks system, J C Cooper Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors.

• Campsites with Water and Electricity Hookups: A significant number of the 98 campsites, specifically 61, offer 30-amp electric hookups and water connections. This caters well to RVs and pop-up campers, providing essential utilities for a convenient stay. Some sites also have 50-amp electricity available.
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is available within the campground for RVers to dispose of their wastewater. (Note: There are no sewer hookups at individual sites; dumping at the campsite is prohibited.)
• Clean Restroom Facilities: The campground boasts "clean bathrooms" and "large, clean bath houses" with flush toilets and hot showers. Some even feature "changing area and shower area in each stall," offering enhanced privacy.
• Boat Dock (Campers Use Only): A highly valued amenity is the "very nice boat dock just for campers use only," providing exclusive and convenient access to Kerr Lake for boating activities.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings with Grates: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill grate, perfect for cooking and enjoying traditional campfire experiences.
• Trash Disposal: Dedicated garbage cans at the end of each site, or centrally located dumpsters, ensure easy and clean waste disposal. Some sites may even have daily trash pick-up services.
• Newly Paved Roads: The internal roads within the campground are newly paved, providing smooth surfaces for driving, cycling, and even activities like longboarding.
• Variety of Site Types: The campground offers a mix of site configurations, including pull-through camping areas (some "plenty of room for camper parking" for "longer rigs") and back-in sites, catering to different RV and tent sizes. Many sites are "lakefront."
• Potable Water Spigots: While many sites have water hookups, spigots are also available throughout the campground for general water access.
• Camp Host Presence: There is a campground host at each campground in case of after-hours emergencies and for general assistance.

• Prime Lakeside Location on Kerr Lake: J C Cooper Campground offers exceptional access to Kerr Lake, one of the largest and most popular lakes in North Carolina. Many sites are "right by the water" or "lakefront," providing stunning views and immediate access to water activities.
• Exclusive Campers-Only Boat Dock: A significant highlight is the "very nice boat dock just for campers use only." This exclusive amenity provides unparalleled convenience for campers who bring their boats, ensuring easy launching and docking.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Guests consistently praise the "clean bathrooms," "large, clean bath houses," and overall cleanliness with "no trash anywhere." This commitment to upkeep greatly enhances the camping experience.
• Reliable Water and Electric Hookups: With 61 sites offering both water and electric hookups (30-amp, some 50-amp), the campground caters effectively to RVers and those needing power, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Spacious and Varied Campsites: The campground offers "plenty of room for camper parking," including "pull through camping areas" and a mix of large and smaller sites suitable for various rigs (up to 108 feet in parking area at some sites) and tents, many with partial to full shade.
• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Despite being a popular destination, reviewers often note it's a "very quiet area most of the time," providing a serene escape for relaxation.
• Newly Paved Roads: The "newly paved road" within the campground is a practical highlight, making it "perfect to ride Longboards" and ensuring smooth driving for all vehicles.
• Excellent Recreational Opportunities: Beyond camping, Kerr Lake offers superb fishing, boating, swimming (at designated areas), kayaking, and paddleboarding. The park also features an amphitheater, playground, and hiking trails.
• Friendly and Safe Environment: The presence of park rangers, campground hosts, and clear park rules (e.g., quiet hours enforcement, pet policies) contributes to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all campers.
• Good Cell Signal: Some reviews mention good cell signal, which is a practical convenience for those who need to stay connected.

As part of the North Carolina State Parks system, J C Cooper Campground operates under a standardized fee structure determined by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. Therefore, typical commercial "promotions" or "special offers" (such as percentage-based discounts for specific seasons or bundled packages) are generally not offered for individual campsites.

However, the state park system does provide inherent value and some consistent rate benefits:

• Affordable Rates: Compared to many private campgrounds, state park camping fees are generally very reasonable, offering excellent value for the amenities and natural access provided. Standard electric hookup sites typically cost around $31 per night.
• Senior Discounts: A senior discount is available for individuals aged 62 and over, with age verified upon arrival. This provides a consistent reduction in daily rates (e.g., $4-$5 per car per day for seniors vs. $6-$7 for standard).
• Annual Passes: While not specific to J C Cooper Campground, the NC State Parks system may offer annual passes or programs that can provide benefits for frequent visitors across multiple parks, though these usually relate to entrance fees rather than campsite discounts.

Reservations for J C Cooper Campground are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in spring and fall) due to its popularity. Reservations can be made online through the official NC State Parks reservation portal (e.g., ReserveAmerica) or by calling the park directly. While there's a small online booking fee, the ability to secure a site, particularly a desirable lakefront or pull-through spot, far in advance is a significant benefit.

For inquiries about J C Cooper Campground, to check availability, or to make a reservation within the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area (Satterwhite Point access), please use the following contact details:

Address: 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537, USA. (Note: The initial provided address was a general Henderson, NC one; the park's official address is Satterwhite Point Road.)

Phone for Kerr Lake State Recreation Area (Park Office): (252) 438-7791.

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official North Carolina State Parks online reservation system through ReserveAmerica, or call the state park reservation line (often 1-877-7CAMP-NC, though the park's direct number can also assist). As J C Cooper is a part of the larger state park, specific campsite details are managed through these central channels.

For North Carolinians, J C Cooper Campground at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for numerous reasons, making it a beloved local escape. Its appeal is deeply rooted in its accessibility, the abundance of recreational opportunities, and the quality of experience offered by the state park system.

Firstly, its prime location near Henderson makes it incredibly convenient for a vast number of residents across the state, particularly those in the Triangle and surrounding areas. This means less time traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty of Kerr Lake. For local families, this translates into more frequent opportunities for weekend getaways, fostering a stronger connection to North Carolina's natural landscapes without the hassle of long drives.

Secondly, J C Cooper Campground caters to a wide spectrum of outdoor interests that are popular among North Carolinians. Whether you're an avid angler seeking the renowned bass and crappie fishing of Kerr Lake, a boater looking for easy water access via the campers-only dock, or simply a family desiring a quiet spot by the water for a campfire and stargazing, this campground delivers. The "small beach" and "newly paved road" for activities like longboarding add diverse recreational options right at your campsite. It's a place that truly embraces the outdoor lifestyle that is such a strong part of North Carolina culture.

Finally, as a North Carolina State Park, J C Cooper Campground offers reliable, clean, and well-maintained facilities. From "clean bathrooms" and "good shower pressure" to "water and electricity hook up" at many sites and a convenient dump station, the amenities ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay. This commitment to quality, combined with the affordable pricing typical of state parks, provides excellent value for local residents. It’s a place where you can feel confident in the facilities, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and return home refreshed, knowing you've experienced the best of North Carolina's outdoor treasures.