Occoneechee State Park

General Information

Named for Native Americans who lived in the area for hundreds of years, Occoneechee is on the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, and is popular with anglers and boaters. Facilities include cabins, campsites, an equestrian campground, picnic shelters, an amphitheater, a playground, boat ramps, and a private concession offering boat rentals and snacks. Occoneechee Marina offers a fuel dock and boat slips with water and electric service for annual rentals. Six slips are available for rent to overnight camping and cabin guests. The park also has 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The visitor center and museum introduce visitors to Native American history and the indigenous Occoneechee people.

Providing 24-hour access to Virginia’s largest lake, three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and aquatic recreation. Forty-eight campsites are available for tent and RV campers. Some sites are right on the shoreline, providing easy fishing and boating access. The park also has 13 cabins that allow guests to enjoy the comforts of home as well as beautiful views of the lake. An equestrian campground with 11 sites and 11 covered horse stalls offers easy access to the park’s trail system. Occoneechee also has picnic areas near the lake, a playground, boat rentals and a lakefront amphitheater.

Hours

8 a.m. – dusk.

Location

From I-85, take Route 58 West Exit at South Hill. Park is located on Route 58 one mile east of Clarksville.

Its address is 1192 Occoneechee Park Road, Clarksville, VA 23927-9449; Latitude, 36.626101. Longitude, -78.524101.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and half hours

Park Size

2,698 acres. Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir), 48,000 acres. Occoneechee Wildlife Management Area is 1,900 acres.

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

There are 11 cabins, two lodges, three yurts, 45 campsites for tents and RVs, 11 equestrian campsites and 11 horse stalls. The boat launch is free for campers. Most campsite areas are shaded. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

Click here to visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins and lodges at the park. Cabins and lodges vary; any given dwelling may not match what's shown in the photos.

Click here for details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. Only overnight guests are allowed in the park after 10 p.m.

Cabins | Lodges | Yurts | Bunkhouse | Camping

Cabins

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, cabins are rented by the week, and rentals start on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the cabin. This requirement is reduced to a four-night stay three months out and dropped to two nights in the last month before arrival. A two-night minimum stay is required the rest of the year. No additional bed rentals are available. Cabins and lodges are open year-round and may be reserved up to 11 months in advance. 

When a week-long stay is required, cabins 1-6 rentals start on Saturday, and cabins 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13 rentals start on Sunday.

Late arriving guests may proceed straight to their cabin, their information packet will be in the mailbox next to the door.

• Provided: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes,  silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radio and a fireplace.
• What to bring: Food, dishcloths, coffee filters, coffee, seasonings, nonstick cooking spray, all linens: sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels, bathmat and kitchen towels.
• No linens are provided. 
• Smoking is not allowed in the cabins. 
• Firewood is available for purchase at the office.
• No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer
• Rustic furniture; mission style
• All cabins are climate-controlled
• A picnic table and a charcoal pedestal grill is located in the yard beside each cabin
• Every cabin features a wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables
• Cabins 4 and 11 are universally accessible.
• Cabins 8, 11 and 13 are water-view
• Two vehicles, including trailers, are allowed per cabin. A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. All vehicles and trailers must be parked in designated areas, at the cabin or in the overflow parking area.
• Pets are allowed. There is an extra fee per pet per night, plus tax.
• Three bedroom cabins have two bathrooms (3 and 4).
• Two bedroom cabins have one bathroom (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11).

Total sites of each type: Two-bedroom frame, 6; two-bedroom frame water-view, 3; three-bedroom frame, 1; three-bedroom frame water-view, 1; six-bedroom lodge, 2

Site Types

Two-bedroom frame – two-bedroom frame cabin, sleeps six maximum, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds (sleeps four); no bed rentals.

Two-bedroom frame water-view – two-bedroom frame cabin, water-view, sleeps six maximum, one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds. (Cabin 11, which is universally accessible, has a queen bed that sleeps two and one set of bunk beds that sleeps two.) No bed rentals. Maximum occupancy is six; bed for four.

Three-bedroom frame – three-bedroom frame cabin, sleeps eight maximum, one queen bed, two single beds in the second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds (sleeps four) in the third bedroom; no bed rentals.

Three-bedroom frame water-view – three-bedroom frame cabin, water-view, sleeps eight maximum, one queen bed, two single beds in the second bedroom, two sets of bunk beds in the third bedroom; no bed rentals.

Six-bedroom lodge – six bedrooms, sleeps 16 maximum, three baths, universally accessible, two bedrooms with a queen-size bed in each, two bedrooms with two single beds in each, and two bedrooms with two sets of bunk beds in each; no bed rentals.

Total: 11 cabins; two lodges

Lodges

Occoneechee has two universally accessible water-view 6-bedroom lodges. When a week-long stay is required, lodge 9 rentals start on Saturday, and lodge 12 rentals start on Sunday.

Late-arriving guests may proceed straight to their lodges. Their information packet will be in the mailbox next to the door.

• Provided: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, clock radio, TV/Blu-ray player, washer and dryer. 
• What to bring: All linens - sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bathmat, kitchen towels and cloths, food, dish detergent, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray and soap.
• Two bedrooms have queen-size beds, two have two single beds, and two have two sets of bunk beds.
• Three bathrooms.
• Universally Accessible: kitchen, dining area, living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom
• Climate-controlled.
• The front and back decks have rocking chairs.
• Next to the lodge is a picnic table and a charcoal pedestal grill.
• Maximum occupancy is16.
• Maximum six cars, including trailers, per lodge.
• A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in designated areas, at the lodge or in the overflow parking area.
• No smoking is allowed in the lodges. 
• Pets are allowed. There is an extra fee per night per pet plus tax.
• The boat launch is free to overnight guests. There are no designated swimming areas.

Yurts

Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. It's a cross between a tent and a cabin. Occoneechee's Campground C has three yurts neatly tucked into wooded areas for extra shade. Each yurt has a large wooden deck with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate. Parking for two vehicles is allowed on a mostly level lot with easy access to the yurt. Any additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee and park in the nearby overflow lot. Yurt 3 provides ADA access.

Check-in is at 4 p.m., and checkout is at 10 a.m. The rental season begins on the first Friday of March and ends on the first Sunday of December. Cabin rental and cancellation policies apply. Yurts require a two-night stay on weekends, during the week a one-night stay is required.

Late-arriving guests may proceed straight to their yurt. Their information packet will be attached to the post in front of the yurt.

• Maximum occupancy is 4. Sleeps 3—One queen-sized bed and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and towels.
• No smoking, cooking or pets are allowed in the yurt.
• Yurts 1 and 2 have electricity but no heating or air conditioning. Guests may bring cooling and heating devices. Yurt 3 has no electricity, heat or air conditioning.
• Yurts do not have running water or restrooms; however, a wash basin, showers, water, and restrooms are located at the Campground C bathhouse, within walking distance.
• A picnic pad providing a table, fire ring and grill grate is provided at each yurt.
• Yurts contain an indoor dining table that seats four.
• Yurt 3 is ADA-accessible.

Bunkhouse

The camping lodge is in the Campground C area and is available from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December. The two-room lodge has seven bunk beds, refrigerator, microwave, coffeepot, heating and air conditioning. A small front deck and a large (12 feet by 24 feet) covered back deck with two picnic tables are just outside the building. Cooking and smoking are not permitted inside the lodge. Check-in is 4 p.m., and check-out is 10 a.m.

Two-night minimum; no full-week requirement.

The transfer deadline policy, cancellation, and pet fees are the same as those for cabins.

Late-arriving bunkhouse guests may proceed straight to the bunkhouse. Their information packet will be in the mailbox next to the door.

• Guests must bring all linens: sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and towels.
• Maximum occupancy is 14. Guests are responsible for any damage.
• No bathroom, kitchen, fireplace or cable hookup.
• Camping lodge guests use the bathhouse in Campground C-35 loop. Guests must access water from the bathhouse.
• Gas and charcoal grills are allowed but not provided.
• Four vehicles are allowed for camping lodge guests. There's a daily parking fee for any additional vehicles, and those vehicles must be parked in the designated overflow parking area.
• No extra bed rentals.

Camping

Camping is available from the first Friday in March until the first Monday of December. Check-in time is 4 p.m., check-out time is 1 p.m.

All sites are reserved by a specific site.
Site details
Campground map
Photos of the sites.

• Campground B sites allow equipment up to 35' long and Campground C sites allow equipment up to 30’ long. Exact equipment length restrictions are site specific.
• Campground B sites all have electric and water hookups.
• Campground C has both sites with electric and water hookups and sites without.
• Campground C has select waterfront sites.
• Campers may proceed straight to their site once they arrive at the park. Their welcome packet will be posted at the site once the Camp Host has prepared the site for check-in.
• Campsites have round grills on a cement pad on the ground. The grill can be used to make a campfire or for cooking. Campfires are allowed only in the designated area.
• Campgrounds have bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets.
• Two vehicles are allowed per site.  A daily parking fee is charged for additional vehicles. Vehicles parked at a campsite must be parked in the designated parking area. Camper vehicles that don't fit on the site must park in the designated overflow parking area.
• Only those registered on the site may stay the night; other guests must leave the park by 10 p.m.
• Firewood is for sale at the office during normal business hours and near the Camp Host site (C35) in Campground C; to help prevent the spread of invasive species, please do not bring your own firewood.
• Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners must clean up pet waste and properly bag and dispose of it.

Total campsites: 46.

Equestrian Campground:

There are eleven 100 by 24-foot pull-through campsites campsites that can accommodate trailers up to 65 feet long with electricity; eleven 12 by 12-foot covered stalls. This campground and horse stalls are open year-round. Check-in is 2 p.m., and check-out is 1 p.m.

• The equestrian campground is primarily designed for self-sustaining horse trailers and RVs, but park staff will work with customers who bring other camping equipment.
• Each campsite has a 50 amp electrical pedestal (no water hookups) and a gravel driveway.
• Potable water is available in two central areas for overnight guests to fill their water storage tanks in their camping unit. Guests cannot remain hooked up to the water source once their tanks are filled. Other campers will need access to it.
• Site one is ADA-compliant and does have its own water source to which the occupant can leave their camping unit attached.
• Vault toilets are provided; no bathhouse.
• One vehicle in addition to RV or horse trailer, pop-up or two small tents; maximum occupancy is six people per campsite.
• Five timbered picnic pads, each with a pedestal grill, picnic table and lantern post, are available to any camper in the equestrian campground on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations made prior to thirty days before the check-out date must rent at least one horse stall per site. 
• Horse stalls may be rented only along with the rental of a campsite in the equestrian campground. Campers must reserve a stall for each horse. Multiple stalls may be rented per campsite. Someone must also occupy the campsite. Horses are only allowed in the park overnight as part of equestrian camping.
• It is the guests’ responsibility to clean the stalls prior to check out. Wheelbarrows, buckets, rakes, and pitchforks are available. Please have your stall cleaned for the next guest.
• If you find a stall that has not been cleaned upon your check in, please notify the Visitor Center.
• The two hitching posts are for temporary use; horses must be confined to a covered stall and not be allowed to graze or be tied out on the grounds.

Recreation

TRAILS

Occoneechee State Park has 22 miles of trails throughout the park, 7.2 miles of which are the Panhandle Multi-Use Trail, suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There are two self-guided interpretive trails, Old Plantation Trail, which has multiple stops along the trail with informational signs, and Tutelo Birding Trail, which has a printed guide pamphlet available at the office.

SWIMMING

There is no designated swim area. Unguarded swimming along the shoreline is allowed.

Splash Park

Everyone loves random sprays of cool, refreshing water when it's warm outside. The splash park area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces. The Splash Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays in May from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is included in daily parking, camping and cabin fees. 

FISHING, BOATING

Buggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr Reservoir) is known for producing record-setting catfish, often larger than 100 lbs. the lake is also known as one of Virginia's best bass fishing locations, where Largemouth, White and Striped Bass can all be caught. Other fish in the lake include Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, White Perch, Channel, Flathead and Blue Catfish, and Walleye. Guests can fish along the shoreline or off the dock at boat ramp 2, as long as they do not hinder boat traffic. Fishing is not allowed at the docks of boat ramp 1. A valid Virginia Freshwater Fishing or North Carolina Inland Fishing License is required. 

Boating
Boating is available year-round, and motorboats are allowed on Buggs Island Lake. There are two launch ramps at Boat Ramp 1 and one launch ramp at Boat Ramp 2, all three of which give access to Buggs Island Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats. An Annual Buggs Island Special Pass, which covers parking and launching fees only at Occoneechee State Park and Staunton River State Park, is available at the Park Office. 

Boat Rentals
Occoneechee State Park has a contract with a local private concessionaire, Clarksville Water Sports, who has boats available for park guests to rent near Boat Ramp 1. Available rentals include 18' fishing boats, 20' pontoon boats, 22' pontoon boats, 25' pontoon boats, single and tandem kayaks and single and tandem standup paddleboards. View a list of rentals and prices on their website. You can reach Clarksville Water Sports by calling 434-374-2525. 

Marina
Occoneechee State Park also offers marina slip rentals. There are six transient slips available for overnight guests staying in the park to rent on a daily basis, one of which (slip 9) is ADA accessible. There are an additional 45 marina slips available for rent on an annual basis and a monthly basis when available. Marina slips must be rented for a minimum of three months. See information on Occoneechee State Park's marina slips.

ARCHERY RANGE

The park has a 10-target outdoor range with lanes varying in length from 10 yards to 30 yards. Guests must bring their own equipment. Our targets do not accommodate crossbows. Daily parking fees apply. 

HORSES

Horses are allowed on the Panhandle Multi-use Trail. Equestrian camping is available. See the camping section for information about overnight horse facilities here. There are no horse rentals. State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.

Occoneechee Wildlife Management Area

The Occoneechee Wildlife Management Area is a 1900 acre tract of land that operates in the same manner as any other WMA. Learn more about WMAs. Occoneechee WMA hosts hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, pollinator gardens, birding, and hunting during the season. Parking for the WMA can be found in the Equestrian Area. The daily parking fee is required for non-overnight guests. 

HUNTING

Hunting is permitted in the 1900 acre wildlife management area. All state and local hunting laws, regulations and limits apply. No special permits are needed to hunt the WMA. However, hunters not staying in the park as overnight guests must pay the regular daily parking fee. Three universally accessible public hunting blinds are located within the WMA and are available for use on a first come first serve basis.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

• Prestwood Plantation
• John H. Kerr Dam and Tanner Education Center
• MacCallum More Museum and Gardens
• Towns of South Hill and South Boston Chambers of Commerce
• The Town of Clarksville Chamber of Commerce
• The Junction
• Prime Time Kerr Lake Guide Service
• Buggs Island Brewing
• Clarksville Regional Museum
• Kinderton Country Club
• Three Sisters of Shiney Rock
• Woodbine Vineyards
• South Boston Speedway
• King's Catfishing Guide Service
• KC Farms Forest Kids - Family Fun and Party Venue

Picnic Shelters

The park offers multiple spots for guests to picnic. Guests are welcome to use the picnic area behind the office, or near the main playground for picnics. There are already picnic tables and grills in place for guests to use. There is a non-reservable shelter near the Splash Park.

Additionally, the park has two shelters that can be rented from 8 a.m. to dusk (all day). Call 1-800-933-PARK to reserve. Shelter users may use the volleyball area. The shelters are available for rent from the first weekend in March through the first weekend in December. Parking fees are not included in the rental (see above for details). Click here for park fees.

Shelters are meant for simple picnicking. If you're planning anything more elaborate, a special-use permit may be required so be sure to contact the park before you pay to rent a shelter.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter 1 (small): Accommodates up to 35 people comfortably. Parking at the shelter is limited to eight cars, but parking is also available nearby at boat ramp 2 and the amphitheater. It has lights as well as electrical outlets and is near the playground, which makes it ideal for kids. It also features a trail leading to a beautiful lakefront view and a modern restroom facility.

Shelter 2 (large): It accommodates up to 100 comfortably and is near the playground and restrooms. Parking at the shelter is limited to 20 cars, but parking is also available nearby at boat ramp 2 and the amphitheater. This shelter is universally accessible, has lights and electrical outlets and is on the left just past the visitor center.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

None, but the park rents family lodges that may be used for small retreats and get-togethers. It's an ideal destination for small to large outdoor weddings.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

Camper registration. Also, the center features Native American history, "The Occoneechee Story," a living hut and artifacts. Also within is a year-round gift shop featuring Native American merchandise, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs, postcards and educational material.

RESTAURANT

There is no restaurant at Occoneechee State Park. Below is a list of restaurants in Clarksville.

• Raise The Roost
• Papa Johns
• Pizza Pub
• McDonald's
• Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
• Hardees
• Michelle's Home Cooking
• Subway
• Bridgewater Bar and Grill
• Buggs Island Brewing
• Coopers Landing Inn and Travelers Tavern
• Los Bandidos Mexican Restaurant
• Sugar It Up – Bakery
• Ayala’s Mexican Restaurant

LAUNDRY

• Clarksville Coin Laundry
• Double Bubbles Laundromat

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

None at this park.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Overlooking the lake is an amphitheater with a partially covered stage. There are benches that accommodate up to 120 people. Two earthen terraces allow additional seating.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• The office-visitor center facility meets requirements for ADA. The walkway to the facility, the reception area, restroom and display areas are ADA compliant.
• Campgrounds: Currently there are no campsites fully ADA compliant. Recent renovations improved comfort and accessibility of all campsites. All bathhouses meet ADA requirements.
• Picnic area: The park has one picnic shelter, parking, restroom and a universally accessible walkway.
• Boat launch: Boat ramp #1 provides access for disabled visitors, a parking area and a walkway system.
• Playground.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.
• Cabins 4 and 11 and both lodges are universally accessible.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

Pontoons, single and double kayaks, and paddle-boards, including safety equipment, can be rented at the main boat ramp from Clarksville Marine Rentals, Inc. On weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it's open 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and by appointment at all other times during the year. Boats must be returned by 6 p.m. Thirty gallons of gas are included in the pontoon rental. Call 434-374-2525 or 434-374-2755 to make reservations.

HISTORY

The Occoneechi Indians lived on an island near what is now the park until 1676. The strategic location enabled them to play a major role in the fur trade up and down the East Coast. When Europeans arrived, the tribe's influence was at its peak, and their language was commonly used in trade.

Bacon's Rebellion abruptly ended their prominence in 1676. This armed rebellion is considered to be the first to occur in the New World. It began when Nathaniel Bacon’s plantation was raided by Susquehannock Indians, who had been displaced from their home to the north. Bacon asked Virginia Gov. Berkley to raise a militia and retaliate. Berkley denied the request so Bacon raised a militia, in violation of the governor’s wishes.

In pursuit of the Susquehannocks, the militia encountered the Occoneechi at their island home. Fearing indiscriminate treatment by Bacon's militia, the Occoneechi offered to fight the Susquehannocks themselves. The Occoneechi defeated the Susquehannocks. Upon returning home, however, a conflict erupted between the Occoneechi and Bacon’s men over spoils and the fate of the captives. The conflict decimated the Occoneechi, and remaining members of the tribe moved south to an area where Hillsboro, N.C., now stands.

In 1839, William Townes built Occoneechee Plantation here. The 3,100-acre plantation occupied much of what is now the park as well as Occoneechee Island. The house and many features of the plantation were on land through which Plantation Trail now passes. The plantation was sold to Dempsey Graves Crudup, who lived there with his family until the house burned down on Christmas Eve in 1898. Candles on a Christmas tree probably caused the fire.

In 1947 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began building the John H. Kerr Dam. It was completed in 1953, and the land flooded, forming the John H. Kerr Reservoir, more commonly known as Buggs Island Lake.

In 1968, the state began leasing the land of Occoneechee State Park for recreational use.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of Occoneechee State Park is a group of volunteers registered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to support the park, its staff and park users. The citizen support organization (CSO) group’s mission is to identify and promote activities to conserve, enhance and interpret the park’s natural, cultural, scenic, historic, educational and recreational resources. Learn about or join the friends group or send an email.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.