Tent campsites near Elizabethtown, North Carolina sit within the coastal plain region, characterized by flat terrain and sandy soils that drain quickly after rain. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September, while winter nights can dip below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region remain open year-round with peak visitation occurring during spring fishing season and fall when temperatures moderate.
What to do
Kayaking on Black River: Launch from Black River Camping Ventures to explore tea-colored waters perfect for paddling. "The tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your favorite swimming hole. Miles down river you can find the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains," notes Taylor B.
Swimming at shallow entry points: Wade into the warm waters at Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground where the lake bottom gradually slopes. "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters," advises Kathryn W.
Stargazing after sunset: Clear night skies provide exceptional star visibility during summer months. "You can see tons of stars here at night, it is amazing! It's lovely to sit by the water and look at the night sky," reports Jennifer H. about Princess Ann campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacious layout at Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park creates a secluded camping experience. "Probably the biggest spots to camp I've ever seen gives you the feel of basically being way off the beaten path," writes Joe S. Tammie S. adds, "Extra large and private campsites. One of the campsites has a hammock stand."
Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk bring active wildlife, particularly birds. "We slept in hammocks and were awoken at dawn by a cacophony of juvenile barred owls directly above us," describes Courtney B. about her stay at Princess Ann.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer direct river access. "This campground is situated right along the Black River in Bladen County NC. Approximately 1 hour from Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville. About 2 hours from Raleigh area, 3-4 hours for Greensboro/Charlotte," explains Taylor B.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Bugs can be intense, particularly in warmer months. "Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible," warns Kelsey K. about Black River Camping Ventures.
Gate closure timing: Parks enforce strict gate closing hours. "Word to the wise, 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," cautions Jay B. about his experience at Chalk Banks.
Limited firewood availability: The Speedway gas station remains one of few reliable sources. "There is a lot of wood to gather for your fire but if you want to buy firewood then you'll have to drive to the speedway about 10 minutes down the road," advises Cody T.
Toilet facilities vary: Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park offers more developed facilities than other areas. "There is a vault toilet near the parking lot ('that's gonna be a no from me, dog') but an actual restroom facility across the parking lot," notes Courtney B.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites closest to facilities: With children, proximity to restrooms matters. "The bathhouse was a decent walk, but nothing ridiculous," mentions Jennifer H. about Princess Ann campground.
Plan for shallow water activities: Lake Waccamaw offers family-friendly swimming. "We kayaked and fished while we were here. The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters," shares Sara H.
Bring insect shelters: Screen rooms protect from persistent insects during meal times. "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" recommends Sara H. after an 11-day stay at Lake Waccamaw.
Consider campsite location carefully: At Cypress Ranch Glamping, families appreciate the balance of amenities and natural settings. "Beautiful views and a great staff too!" notes Anya G., making this a good option for families seeking more comfort.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Elizabethtown offer primitive camping with few amenities for larger rigs. "The right hand side of the campground is set up for RV's (pull through sites). The left hand side is for tent camping," explains Marvin D. about Chalk Banks.
Cell service considerations: Digital connectivity varies between camping areas. "Good phone service for AT&T and Verizon. I would definitely camp here again!" reports Cody T. about his stay at Chalk Banks.
Water and waste management: Plan for limited facilities. "We brought our own pop-up shower and road toilet with us, so didn't need the restroom," mentions Joe L., highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency when camping in this region.
