Best Tent Camping near Elizabethtown, NC
Tent campers visiting Elizabethtown, North Carolina have several established campgrounds nearby, with options for primitive and walk-in tent sites throughout the region. Black River Camping Ventures offers riverside tent camping with primitive amenities, while Lumber River State Park provides two separate tent camping areas - Princess Ann and Chalk Banks access points - with tent platforms in a pine forest setting approximately 30-45 minutes from Elizabethtown.
Tent sites at these campgrounds typically feature fire rings or pits, picnic tables, and access to basic toilet facilities. Black River Camping Ventures provides portable toilets and non-potable water pumps, while Lumber River State Park offers vault toilets at Chalk Banks and standard restroom facilities at Princess Ann. Both locations require campers to bring their own firewood or gather it on-site, with the Speedway gas station being the only nearby vendor selling firewood. Many sites lack shower facilities and potable water connections, making these locations best suited for self-sufficient tent campers prepared for a primitive experience.
The walk-in tent sites at Lumber River State Park offer greater privacy and a more immersive backcountry camping experience. Sites 9-11 at Chalk Banks sit far back in the woods, creating an isolated camping experience with abundant forage wood available. Princess Ann's sites 7-8 require a short hike from the parking area and are positioned along the river's edge. The tent platforms at both locations are elevated and framed with wooden railroad ties, providing level surfaces for tent setup on otherwise uneven terrain. A visitor noted, "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." Both locations remain relatively uncrowded except during major holidays, providing peaceful tent camping with river access for fishing and paddling.
