Boat Rams: Kerr Lake's Best Open Spots

Kerr Lake, one of Florida's sinkhole lakes, is a serene body of water that offers a range of recreational activities. With its unique formation, calm surface, and excellent fishing opportunities, it's no surprise that many visitors enjoy boating on the lake. Before launching a boat, it's important to know which ramps are open. The availability of boat ramps at Kerr Lake depends on various factors, including water levels and maintenance. Some ramps may be closed if the water levels are too low or too high, and some facilities may charge a fee for usage. It is always a good idea to check with the appropriate agencies and stay updated on the current water level information.

Some Kerr Lake boat ramps are closed when the lake level is low

Kerr Lake, located in Vance and Warren counties in North Carolina, is a 50,000-acre reservoir that offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, sailing, and water skiing. The lake features numerous boat ramps that provide access for boaters. However, it's important to note that some of these boat ramps are closed when the lake level is low.

When the water level in Kerr Lake drops, some boat ramps may not extend fully into the water, rendering them unusable. In such cases, authorities take the necessary step of closing those ramps to ensure the safety of visitors. They may even close the ramps before the bottom elevation is exposed if the water is predicted to continue receding. This proactive measure helps prevent potential hazards and inconveniences for boaters.

The Kerr Lake Guide website offers a strategy to determine whether a ramp is likely closed due to low water levels. By comparing the "Latest Observation" with the "Bottom Elevation" from the chart, if the "Bottom Elevation" is higher, it suggests that the ramp is probably closed. Additionally, when the lake experiences unusually high water levels, some ramps may be closed as they become completely submerged.

The Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, managed by NC State Parks, provides year-round access to boat ramps at County Line, Henderson Point, Hibernia, and Nutbush Bridge. However, it's important to check their website for the most up-to-date information on facility availability, as not all day-use areas are open year-round. Additionally, some boat ramps may charge a day-use fee, typically around $4.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience at Kerr Lake, it is recommended to check with the appropriate agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NC Division of Parks and Recreation, and Virginia State Parks, for the latest information on boat ramp closures and lake water levels.

Kerr Lake boat ramps are regulated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Kerr Lake, which started filling in 1952, is a 50,000-acre reservoir that straddles the border between North Carolina and Virginia. The majority of the boat ramps on the North Carolina side of the lake are operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. These boat ramps have historically been open 24/7, 365 days a year, but in 2020, the Commission began installing locked gates to restrict access.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is responsible for regulating boating in North Carolina, including at Kerr Lake. This includes a variety of regulations related to safety equipment, lighting, alcohol consumption, and more. The Commission's Engineering Division designs, constructs, and maintains boating access areas for public use. These areas are subject to regulations aimed at keeping them clean and safe, such as prohibitions on leaving obstructions on ramps, speeding within 50 yards of a ramp, and possessing loaded firearms.

The Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, located in Vance and Warren counties, offers eight access areas around the shoreline, each providing at least one boat ramp. These ramps are open year-round, with 24-hour gate access. Some of the specific access points include Satterwhite Point, J.C. Cooper Campground, Bullocksville, Henderson Point, and Nutbush Bridge.

In addition to the ramps maintained by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there are also boat ramps and marinas on Kerr Lake that are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia State Parks, and the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. It's important to note that when the lake level is low, some ramps may not extend into the water and cannot be used.

The Satterwhite Point Marina has a boat ramp

The Satterwhite Point Marina is privately owned and offers fuel, slips, dry stack storage, service, and supplies. The marina's boat ramp is open year-round, with 24-hour gate access. However, it is important to note that some boat ramps at Kerr Lake may be closed if the water level is too low or too high. When the lake is unusually low, some ramps cannot extend all the way into the water and are closed for safety reasons. Similarly, when the lake is unusually high, some ramps may be completely underwater and closed.

The Satterwhite Point Marina is located at 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537. The GPS coordinates are 36.4411, -78.3688. The marina is a great place to access the lake and offers all the amenities needed for a day out on the water.

In addition to Satterwhite Point, there are several other access areas around Kerr Lake that offer boat ramps. These include the Hibernia Access area, which has a 24-hour boat ramp, and the Eagle Point Boat Ramp. Some of these boat ramps, such as those at Eastland Creek Landing and Longwood Recreation Area, charge a $4 day-use fee. It is always a good idea to check with the appropriate agencies or visit the Kerr Lake Guide website for the most up-to-date information on boat ramp closures and accessibility.

The Steele Creek Marina has four boat ramps

The Steele Creek Marina is located on Kerr Lake, a 50,000-acre reservoir in Vance and Warren counties in North Carolina, near the Virginia border. The marina has four boat ramps, providing access to one of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States.

Boat ramps at Kerr Lake are operated by various agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina State Parks, and Virginia State Parks. Some of the ramps are open 24 hours a day, while others have specific operating hours or seasonal restrictions. It's important to note that some boat ramps at Kerr Lake may be closed when the water level is unusually low or high, as the ramps may not extend all the way into the water or could be underwater.

In addition to the four boat ramps at Steele Creek Marina, there are several other boat ramps around the lake. These include ramps at Bluestone Access Area, Eagle Point, Eastland Creek Landing, and more. Some of these ramps charge a day-use fee, which may vary depending on the location and amenities offered.

Kerr Lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities besides boating, such as camping, fishing, swimming, and nature watching. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and provides a diverse range of facilities and activities for visitors to enjoy.

The Nutbush Bridge Access has a boat ramp

It's important to note that not all boat ramps at Kerr Lake are always accessible. When the lake level is unusually low, some ramps may not extend into the water and are closed by the authorities. In some cases, if the water is expected to continue receding, the ramps may be closed before the bottom elevation is exposed. Similarly, when the lake level is unusually high, some ramps can be underwater and closed.

Boat users are advised to check the latest lake level observations and compare them with the bottom and top elevation levels of the ramps to get a general idea of their accessibility. The Kerr Lake Guide website provides detailed information on these levels for each ramp.

Additionally, some boat ramps at Kerr Lake require a day-use fee, and some facilities charge for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations. It is always a good idea to check the official websites or relevant agencies for the most up-to-date information on boat ramp accessibility and any applicable fees.

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