The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates this 50,000 acre reservoir and an additional 50,000 acres of surrounding land. Opened in 1952, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) was constructed primarily to provide flood control and hydropower generation. The 900 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across Virginia and North Carolina. Along the shoreline you can find opportunities to boat, fish, camp, swim, picnic, hike, and hunt. The Corps of Engineers operates five campgrounds and several day-use facilities for boat launching, swimming and picnicking. Kerr Lake is widely known for large-mouth and striped bass fishing, as well as crappie fishing. Resident and non-resident fishing licenses from Virginia or North Carolina are recognized on all reservoir waters. Visit us to pick up area brochures and maps, as well as, learn about some of the history of the area.