Tent campers visiting Fort Bragg, North Carolina can find primitive and rustic camping options throughout the Sandhills region. The area features longleaf pine forests that transition to deciduous hardwoods along waterways, with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F from June through September, creating challenging camping conditions without proper preparation and water supplies.
What to do
River activities at Chalk Banks: The Lumber River at Chalk Banks provides fishing and kayaking opportunities with convenient access from the campground. "The river is about half a mile from the campground and has a put in for kayaks," notes Cody T., who adds that there's "good phone service for AT&T and Verizon" for those needing to stay connected while enjoying outdoor recreation.
Hiking and biking trails: San-Lee Park offers multiple trail systems for both hiking and mountain biking. "There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there," explains Marvin D. The park's diverse recreational offerings make it suitable for campers looking to engage in different activities during their stay.
Fishing in local lakes: The Sandhills Campground B area includes several fishing lakes amid the gameland property. "There are a plenty of good lakes for fishing, and a bunch of trails to check out," mentions a reviewer who found the primitive setting ideal for outdoor pursuits. These lakes offer a more secluded fishing experience compared to the river settings at other campgrounds.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites as a major advantage at Chalk Banks. "Probably the biggest spots to camp I've ever seen gives you the feel of basically being way off the beaten path," reports Joe S., who appreciated the sense of isolation despite being at an established campground.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain clean basic facilities. "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," notes Cody T., who also mentioned that "the toilet was very clean" despite being the only one for the entire campground.
Natural surroundings: The pine forest setting creates an immersive natural experience. "Extra large and private campsites. One of the campsites has a hammock stand. The group site is huge. The whole park is very clean and spacious," writes Tammie S. about her experience at Chalk Banks, highlighting the park's commitment to maintaining a natural yet accessible environment.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Many parks in the area lock entrance gates after hours, requiring campers to obtain gate codes. "Once we arrived, 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," explains Cody T. Planning arrival times around gate operations prevents the frustration of being locked out.
Reservation systems vary: Each campground operates under different reservation policies that can sometimes confuse visitors. "Reservations are not taken, but rather, tent campers (no RV's welcomed here, just tents) can book a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis," explains Stuart K. about San-Lee Park, though another visitor noted significant difficulties with the reservation process.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities with few luxuries. "This is a no frills campground, and we knew that going in. We're ok with that. There is one vault toilet and one water source," reports Jay B., setting realistic expectations for potential visitors planning tent camping near Fort Bragg.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family Wilderness Camp and San-Lee Park provide playgrounds for children near the camping areas. "Once you park your vehicle at the main parking lot, to the right, you'll see the children's playground," notes Stuart K., making these locations more suitable for families with young children requiring recreational structures.
Water activities for kids: Paddle boat rentals offer family-friendly recreation options at some parks. "This park has lots of hiking trails, a fantastic park for the kiddos, Nature Center, a gorgeous lake perfect for a day of fishing, mountain bike trails, paddle boat rental," explains a reviewer, highlighting the diverse activities available for families at San-Lee Park.
Site selection for groups: When camping with multiple families, certain sites offer better configurations. "It's an okay place, great if you are with a large group, as the sites are open but situated somewhat close to each other," suggests Marvin D. about the San-Lee Park camping area, which resembles "one big group site" with multiple individual spaces in close proximity.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Fort Bragg offer minimal RV accommodations. "The right hand side of the campground is set up for RVs (pull through sites). The left hand side is for tent camping," notes Marvin D. about Chalk Banks, one of the few areas with designated RV spaces.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many campgrounds require vehicles with appropriate ground clearance. "Make sure you have 4 wheel drive or a vehicle with good clearance, as it's all dirt roads in and around and leading to here," warns a reviewer about Sandhills Campground B, indicating potential access challenges for larger RVs without appropriate capabilities.
