Lumber River State Park offers primitive tent camping with large, secluded sites set in pine forests. Sites include elevated tent platforms with wooden railroad tie frames, providing campers ample space. The park offers nearby river access with boat ramps for kayaking and fishing opportunities. Rangers patrol regularly and provide gate codes for after-hours access.
What to do
Paddle the Lumber River: At Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park, visitors can launch kayaks and canoes from the boat ramp about half a mile from the campground. "There is a put in for kayaks. Good phone service for AT&T and Verizon," notes Cody T., who appreciates the river access available to campers.
Explore farm life: Double L Farms Campground provides a unique camping experience where you can interact with farm animals. "Fun place. There were happy chickens roaming around. There are horses, cattle, chickens and a turkey. The animals come to say hi. The kids loved our stay," shares a reviewer who appreciated this rustic setting just 30 minutes from Laurinburg.
ATV adventures: For off-road enthusiasts, Outback ATV Park offers extensive trail networks for motorized recreation. "So many trails you'll never ride the same one twice. Swimming hole is nice and spring fed. You can camp where ever you like, get as far away from others as you like," explains Charli R., highlighting the freedom this campground offers.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the size and privacy of sites at Sycamore Lodge, with one visitor noting, "Sites are large and easy to back into." This campground features dual sewer hookups and strong water pressure, making it convenient for longer stays.
Clean facilities: The attention to maintenance at Bass Lake Campground stands out to visitors. "Very well kept and CLEAN! The showers and bathrooms were spotless," writes a recent camper. Despite its proximity to I-95, the campground maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms and common areas.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Beautiful hikes around the river right next door," notes S.H. S. about Lumber River State Park, where campers can explore riverside trails and observe local birds and animals in their natural habitat.
What you should know
Gate hours: Most parks in the area have restricted access after certain hours. At Lumber River State Park, "the ranger came by and greeted us and gave us the code for the front gate since it is locked from 8 pm to 8 am," reports Cody T. Always check gate restrictions when making reservations.
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds near Laurinburg have basic facilities. "This campsite doesn't seem to be too popular which is fine. The tent sites are some of the better spread out ones that I've seen and having cell coverage is immensely appreciated considering you're basically in the middle of nowhere," explains one camper at Lumber River State Park.
Water management: After heavy rainfall, low-lying areas can become flooded. "After a storm all the tenting sites were legit under water," reported one camper at Lumberton I-95 KOA. Consider booking sites on higher ground if rain is in the forecast.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Double L Farms offers unique opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. "If you have a family with small children, they will love the horses, chickens, guinea hens, and the couple of friendly cats and dogs that they own," shares Marvin D. The owners often provide tours for young children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "The swimming hole is nice and spring fed," mentions a reviewer about Outback ATV Park, while Cheraw State Park Campground features "a cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals" according to John P.
Pet-friendly activities: Families camping with dogs will find numerous pet-friendly options. Outback ATV Park allows pets with minimal restrictions, and many trails at Lumber River State Park welcome leashed dogs. Most campgrounds require pets to remain on leash at all times.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Pedro's Campground at South of the Border, RVers appreciate the "paved pull through sites" which make setup easier. The campground is fenced for security, and sites are well-maintained, though some RVers note they "had to walk so far to get to anything."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is available at many locations near Laurinburg. One RVer at Bass Lake Campground noted it serves as a great stopping point when traveling north from Florida during cooler months, with the campground remaining open year-round.
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Pine Lake RV Resort, a camper noted, "The road to is dirt with sand mix, they good a good job of keeping it graded. The only down sides are that the sites are pretty packed close together." Larger rigs may have difficulty navigating certain entrances.
