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Map showing campground location near Marion, North Carolina
Camper submitted image from Black Bear CampgroundView 22 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Marion, North Carolina

Black Bear Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing, kayaking, and hiking all come together at Black Bear Campground on Lake James, where Duke Energy built the facility and McDowell County handles day-to-day operations. A boat ramp sits close to camp, and a fishing dock gives anglers direct access to the lake without a long walk. Trails run in and around the campground for those who want to stay on foot. The seasonal Black Bear Marina Restaurant is accessible either across the inlet by water or by road, making it a practical option for an evening meal.

Sites are spacious and include tent pads, two parking spots, and a picnic table at each one. Shade coverage varies noticeably across the property. As one reviewer noted, sites with less canopy can get very warm by mid-afternoon in summer, while fall and winter visitors may actually prefer those more open spots. Calling ahead to ask about specific site conditions is worth the effort. Restrooms and showers consistently receive high marks for cleanliness. Firewood and ice are available on-site, charged directly to a card, so campers do not need to make separate resupply runs.

Rental cabins include two cots on plywood bases, so bringing a mattress pad is recommended. A group camping area and a rentable picnic shelter accommodate larger gatherings. All reservations are made online, with no first-come, first-served option currently available. Pets are welcome. Campers newer to the outdoors tend to find the clean facilities and accessible layout a good fit, while those wanting more seclusion can look into campgrounds around Marion or nearby options like Barefoot Landing Camping Resort, about 2.7 miles south.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Bear Campground is located in North Carolina near Marion

Detail location of campground
Private Campground

Coordinates

35.749189967186034 N
81.97088656008064 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Black Bear Campground

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

This brand new campground impressed campers with spotless facilities, helpful hosts, and well-designed sites featuring tent pads and ample parking. Some sites lack shade in summer, and privacy varies by location.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

Great place

Great place a little bit tight but not bad at all. The layouts are nice, there is a table, fire pit and most places can squeeze 2 tents. They have clean bathrooms and individual showers. It does get quite warm in the summer.

Site34
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2024

New campground

Host was great, camp site are far enough away from each other some are close enough for couple families together, bathrooms are clean and private beautiful area must try, only wish they had a first come first serve and not just on line reservation

Site9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Lisa D., June 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Lisa D., June 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Lisa D., June 22, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Black Bear Campground & Park

Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful. The campgrounds has pavilions for rent so you can host large parties. The campsites are spacious and spaced fairly evenly apart. The restrooms are in immaculate condition. My only complaint is some of the campsites have great shading while other do not. The site we stayed in did not although surrounded by trees by midafternoon in the middle of June we were cooking like grandma’s chocolate cookies after Sunday service. During the fall or winter months those sites with less shade would really help. I would call the staff and ask in advance. We stayed at site #25

Site25
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Raul G., June 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Raul G., June 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Raul G., June 16, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2024

New campground worth exploring!

This is a brand new campground. Either they keep the sites extremely clean after each guest, or we were the first to stay at our site. This is perfect for someone new to camping as the utilities are very clean and you don’t feel extremely isolated. I will say, since this is new, some of the sites may not have as much privacy as older established campgrounds, but there are definitely other more private sites available. Definitely worth trying out! P.S. the camp host was great and very welcoming!

Site24
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2024

Great primitive campground opened 2023

This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James. There is a boat ramp very close by, a fishing dock, picnic area, trails in and around the campground, and a seasonal Black Bear Marina Restaurant across the inlet or not far by road. All sites have tent pads and 2 parking spots. Many of the sites are a short walk from the car which affords privacy. There is a rental picnic shelter and a group csmping site. The rental camping cabins have 2 cots with a plywood base,( bring a mattress!).

Site11
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Robin B., April 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Robin B., April 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Black Bear Campground by Robin B., April 13, 2024
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Black Bear Campground in Marion, NC?

Yes, photos of Black Bear Campground are available through The Dyrt's website and mobile app. These images showcase the campground's spacious sites, clean facilities, and natural surroundings. Photos help prospective campers see the layout of tent sites, the quality of amenities, and the beautiful Lake James setting. The campground is relatively new, so photos display well-maintained facilities and pristine camping areas.

How much does it cost to stay at Black Bear Campground?

Specific pricing information isn't detailed in the available information. For current rates, it's best to contact Black Bear Campground directly or check their official reservation system. The campground does operate on a reservation basis rather than first-come, first-served. Additional services like ice and firewood are available for purchase on-site with charges applied directly to your card, offering convenience without needing to visit stores.

What do reviews say about Black Bear Campground?

Black Bear Campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The campground is relatively new, with sites that appear pristine and meticulously cared for. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that offer good privacy while still allowing for families to camp near each other when desired. The hosts receive praise for being helpful and attentive. Facilities including bathrooms and showers are clean and private. The campground's layout offers a good balance of comfort and nature, making it especially appealing for those new to camping. Summer visitors note it can get quite warm, so plan accordingly.

What amenities and facilities are available at Black Bear Campground in Marion, NC?

Black Bear Campground offers numerous amenities including clean bathrooms with private individual showers, spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, ice and firewood available for purchase (charged directly to your card), pavilions for rent to host large gatherings, fishing dock, and picnic areas. The campground features hiking trails in and around the property, a boat ramp nearby, and is located close to the seasonal Black Bear Marina Restaurant. Each site can typically accommodate two tents, and the facilities are well-maintained.

Is Black Bear Campground near Lake James?

Yes, Black Bear Campground is located directly on Lake James. Built by Duke Energy and operated by McDowell County, the campground provides excellent lake access with a boat ramp very close by and a fishing dock on the property. The campground is situated across an inlet from the seasonal Black Bear Marina Restaurant, which can be reached either by water or a short drive. This lakeside location offers water recreation opportunities and scenic views for campers.

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