See, taste, and explore the amazing Buggs Island community with a massive lake flowing between Virginia and North Carolina, rolling countryside and lush forests, and small-town charm that even die-hard city dwellers will love! During dam construction from 1946-1952, the dam was called the Buggs Island Reservoir. Officially the lake is named John H. Kerr Reservoir for the U.S. Senator from North Carolina, a prominent supporter of the project.

But to locals, it’s just Buggs Island Lake!

The town of Clarksville is located right on the lake with quaint shops, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants just steps from the water. Downtown shops offer exquisite culinary experiences with both a local and international flair. Explorers will also find historical venues and sites throughout downtown and beyond. 

Buggs Island has become a central gathering place and staging point for dozens of fishing tournaments each year –– as well as a growing center of technology and business. The 48,000-acre lake and reservoir, combined with the peaceful, small-town atmosphere of Clarksville, attracts thousands of visitors annually. 

The Annual Wine Festival is the kick-off to spring and summer season with local wineries, restaurants, and crafters turning the small town into a bustling center of excitement and activity. It begins the tourist season and ushers in lots of engaging community festivals, parades, and events.

The annual Lake Country Festival each July – known as Lake Fest – has become a favorite for locals and tourists, drawing thousands of people for the weekend celebration. Hundreds of crafters, food trucks, and vendors converge on the shores of Buggs Island for this extraordinary festival. It is complete with hot air balloons, boating, and spectacular fireworks. 

The 800-mile shoreline creates an ideal location for a sportsman’s weekend or family vacation getaway. Buggs Island Lake offers some of the most impressive outdoor recreation on the east coast. Fishing, boating, sailing, skiing, and swimming are popular options for water enthusiasts. Wildlife is plentiful where visitors enjoy watching heron and other migratory waterfowl from the water and the shore – and the sighting of a Bald Eagle is not unusual.

Secluded rentals, Air-BnBs, and camping facilities are located throughout the area. For land lovers, there are lots of wooded trails meandering through scenic views and historical sites. Occoneechee State Park, with almost 2,700 acres, is the most famous park with cabins and lodging, boat rentals, kayaking, an equestrian campground, horse trails, a playground, and a lakefront amphitheater.

And this is Virginia’s ONLY lakefront community – so come visit and you’ll be hooked on what the locals call “Buggs Island”.