Fayetteville's camping scene spans Cumberland County's longleaf pine forests at elevations averaging 200 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight temperatures occasionally drop below freezing. Sites throughout the area feature packed white sand or concrete pads that provide stable footing during the region's 45 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails at Raven Rock State Park: Trails provide access to the Cape Fear River with varying terrain difficulty. "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 a visitor to Moccasin Branch Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer pond and river access for anglers. At Cedar Creek Campground at Elease, campers enjoy "a little slice of heaven tucked in the tall loblolly pines" with good fishing access, as one reviewer mentioned.
Kayaking on Lumber River: The river provides excellent paddling routes accessible from campground boat ramps. A visitor to Chalk Banks noted, "Easy parking nice boat ramp for the kayaks" making it convenient for water activities.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated camping areas providing privacy. At Chalk Banks, campers appreciate that "These campsites are in a beautiful pine woods forest. Many sites have a pretty mossy pathway near the tent platform."
Natural setting amid longleaf pines: The native tree coverage creates a natural retreat atmosphere. A reviewer at Spacious Skies Sandy Run observed "With 2-3 dozen or so elongated long-leaf pine shaded drive-through parking lanes with packed white sand parking pads... this campground really is quite attractive for being a highway roadside RV campground."
Weekend getaway potential: Even locals use these campgrounds for quick escapes. One visitor to Fayetteville RV Resort notes, "We live local and go here for weekend getaways or to get the kids outside—and love our stays each time."
What you should know
Gate closure times vary: Some parks lock entrance gates at night with specific access codes required. At Lumber River State Park, "the gate is locked from 8 pm to 8 am" and rangers provide access codes upon check-in.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Several parks offer minimal facilities. At Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages, however, visitors find "Two beautiful green lawns, two pools, two shower houses, and two laundry facilities. Made for Trailers and RVs of all sizes with full hook-ups and utilities."
Variable cell service: Coverage differs between campgrounds and carriers. At Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks, campers report "having cell coverage is immensely appreciated considering you're basically in the middle of nowhere."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access during summer months: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities between Memorial Day and Labor Day. One family at Fayetteville RV Resort mentioned, "We were surprised to discover a pretty amazing pool that the kids enjoyed during the day – nothing too over-the-top, but a cool spot to drop into during the midday NC heat."
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular family events. A visitor observed that during their stay, "they had scheduled kid activities and movie night with popcorn" making it engaging for younger campers.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Fayetteville: Most locations welcome pets with specific guidelines. At Smith Lake Army RV Park, a reviewer mentioned "Playgrounds were phenomenal for kids. Bike and Hiking trails all through out the site," which provides exercise options for both children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Electrical amperage varies between campgrounds. One RVer at Legacy Farms noted "The electrical hookup was limited to 120V, and having a 30amp or 50amp hookup would have been more convenient."
Site spacing and accessibility: Pull-through site availability isn't guaranteed. A camper cautioned, "Just because you booked a pull through…doesn't mean you have a pull through spot when you show up. Super tight and small spaces with a bunch of trees to navigate while backing up."
Gate access codes: For late arrivals, knowing gate codes is essential. An RVer at Chalk Banks learned this the hard way: "We got there at 9:05 and the gate was locked tight. We thought we'd walk in... After walking a while and not seeing the camping area, we called it a night and slept in the back of our Jeep with our dog."
