Camping spots near Carthage, North Carolina offer access to diverse terrain from sandy creek beds to pine forest campsites. The region sits at relatively low elevations of 300-500 feet, creating mild camping conditions during spring and fall while summers remain hot and humid with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s. Cell phone coverage varies significantly depending on tree cover and proximity to towns.
What to do
Kayaking on the Cape Fear River: Raven Rock State Park provides river access for paddlers with a put-in point about half a mile from the campground. "There are some great hikes on the loop trails that run along the Cape Fear River. Raven Rock itself is pretty cool and worth the hike," notes one visitor. The park features multiple tent camping options accessible by foot.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Many campgrounds maintain stocked ponds or lake access. "There is a nice fishing pond. Well off the road," reports a camper at The Heritage Camping & Recreation. The site operates year-round and allows both tent and RV camping with electric hookups available.
Hiking through pine forests: The trail system at San-Lee Park offers day hiking options with varied terrain. "There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there," explains a camper. The park features approximately 10 tent sites in one central area with shared amenities including fire pits, grills, and water spigots.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Campers consistently praise sites that back up to water features. At Moonshine Creek Campground, "This park has a wonderful creek running through the middle of it and most short-term sites back up to it. The creek and nice natural landscaping of the park are very worth it," one reviewer shares. The setting allows for wading in the creek during warmer months.
Large, private sites: Spacious campsites provide room to spread out. "Extra large and private campsites. One of the campsites has a hammock stand. The group site is huge," notes a camper at Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park. The park maintains clean facilities with sites featuring fire pits on level ground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses matter to campers in this region. "The bathhouse has two toilets and two showers. Each is completely private. There are outlets and sinks in all four. There is also a very nice sink and counter on the end for dishwashing," reports one visitor about Moonshine Creek Campground's Sanctuary area, which limits occupancy to two people per site without pets or children.
What you should know
Gate hours: Many campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight. "When the website says the park closes at 'posted times', they mean 9pm. We know this because we got there at 9:05 and the gate was locked tight," warns a visitor to Chalk Banks. Most parks provide gate codes to registered campers for after-hours access.
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time," explains a frustrated visitor to San-Lee Park who found empty campsites but couldn't secure a spot without prior arrangements.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest requires self-sufficiency. "This is a very small campground located alongside a small airstrip. It is clean and the folks are friendly. It appears that most sites are rented to long-term/permanent campers," explains a visitor about one of the nearby basic campgrounds. The national forest allows dispersed camping with varying regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground," notes a camper at Crosswinds Campground.
Water activities: Swimming areas provide relief during hot months. "There is a nice sand beach on the lake and a boat launch as well. Some of the sites offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite," explains a visitor to Crosswinds Campground, noting the lake accessibility directly from campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report seeing deer and birds around their sites. "Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city," shares one visitor about their experience at Poplar Point Campground, making it appealing for nature-curious children.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow roads making maneuvering difficult. "The campground road is sort of narrow and the sites can be a little tight, making it awkward to back in if you have a large TV and full-size camper - but once you're in it's all good," advises an RV camper at Moonshine Creek Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are common but sewer hookups vary. "Dual hookups for sewer connections. Nice water pressure," notes a camper about Sycamore Lodge, highlighting the quality of utilities.
Long-term vs. weekend camping: Several parks accommodate both short stays and seasonal campers. "A good contingent of spots that are booked for the season and plenty of weekend campers like us. It's a good balance. No full-timers, as the park is closed during the winter," explains a Moonshine Creek visitor, noting the community atmosphere.
