Summer Fun on the Water -- W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Has it All

Summer Fun on the Water -- W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Has it All

Fishing in a quiet cove, water skiing on smooth waters, playing at the beach with your kids or paddling along the lakeshore -- whatever way you like to enjoy the water, you can do it all at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.

The lake was created in the early 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a dam to tame the Yadkin River. The reservoir serves as a way to control flooding along the banks of the Yadkin, from Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro all the way to Elkin. This functional construction is also a great natural beauty. The Brushy Mountains provide a perfect backdrop to the clear, sparkling waters of the lake. With public beaches, campgrounds, boat ramps and a marina, Wilkesboro’s Kerr Scott Dam provides a great opportunity for outdoor recreation of all kinds.

Boating for Everyone

Whether you’re bringing your own boat or renting one out, it’s easy to enjoy a fun day on the water. One of the great things about boating at Kerr Scott Dam is it’s never very crowded, so it’s easy enough to pull your boat in and out of the water without waiting in long lines for ramp access. It also makes for a good place to water ski or go tubing. It’s relatively easy to find a quiet place to help teach a beginner skier how to get up on skis, and turn back to pick up a kid or two who might have flown off the tube when jumping over some big wakes.

Two local outfitters provide boat rentals, Skyline Marina and Foothills Outdoor Adventures. Skyline Marina is the only marina located on the lake, providing a convenient place to gas up the boat. Grab a bite to eat before you head out at Taylor’s Floating Snack Shop is open April-October and serves sandwiches, wraps and ice cream. Foothills Outdoor Adventures, located on Highway 268 just a short distance from the reservoir’s main entrance, offers rentals of pontoon and fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and tubes. The shuttle service will launch your boat right off the boat ramp and dock near the visitor center.

Fishing and Swimming

A variety of options available for public use make Kerr Scott Dam a great place to play, whether you’re in a boat or not. Bring the kids and a picnic and spend the day on the beach at Boomer Park, near the Blood Creek Overlook. Or bring your fishing rods and find a quiet spot on the bank or fish off the piers at Keowee Park, a little further down Highway 268.

You’ll also find great camp sites for everything from tents to RVs at Fort Hamby or Bandits Roost campgrounds. Unfortunately, Warrior Creek Campground is closed temporarily due to a sink hole.

Check out the Recreation Site for a full list of public areas and fees.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is great for a daytrip, a weekend getaway or a full family vacation! Find places to stay and eat in Wilkesboro while you’re visiting the lake here on our website.