Camping near Hope Mills, North Carolina provides options for travelers seeking convenient accommodation along the I-95 corridor. The area features flat, pine-forested terrain with campsites typically situated on gravel or concrete pads. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, though occasional cold snaps require RV owners to disconnect water hookups when temperatures fall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages, campers can access two fishing ponds along with a dirt walking trail through the woods. The resort also offers "two pools, hot tub, mini golf, basketball court, horseshoes and playground all included in your price."
Military history exploration: Visit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville, approximately 20 minutes from most Hope Mills campgrounds. As one camper noted, "Fun things to do in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Area: Airborne and Special Operations Museum (downtown). You may also enjoy the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum located on Fort Bragg."
Kayaking on Lumber River: Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park offers river access for paddling. A camper reports, "There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet." Another mentions that "the lumber river access is ideal to kayak and fish."
Wine tasting: Local establishments provide evening entertainment options when not at camp. One visitor to Lumberton I-95 KOA recommends "Happenings on Elm, which has a pretty amazing wine tasting (for these parts), outstanding domestic and international craft beers as well as some pretty great edibles like baked brie crostini."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer substantial space between campsites. At Lumber River State Park, one camper noted, "Probably the biggest spots to camp I've ever seen gives you the feel of basically being way off the beaten path." Another mentioned, "Extra large and private campsites. One of the campsites has a hammock stand."
Farm animal interactions: Double L Farms Campground provides a unique camping experience with livestock. A visitor shared, "Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch... we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Hope Mills maintain high standards for bathhouses. At Double L Farms, one camper stated, "The campground restroom was really nice, has air conditioning, heating, and a clean private shower. There is also a washer, a microwave and even wifi in there."
Well-maintained pools: Several campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. A visitor to Spacious Skies Sandy Run commented, "Cleanest pool I have been in in years, nice catch n release pond, quiet, they sprayed for bugs, lots are pull they and plenty of space."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Some parks lock entrance gates overnight. A camper at Lumber River State Park warned, "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."
Military aircraft noise: Campgrounds near Fort Bragg experience helicopter activity. A visitor at Smith Lake Army RV Park noted, "Next to Simmons Army Air Field so, expect whirlybirds at all hours buzzing the CG. All the sounds of freedom are to be expected and enjoyed."
Highway noise levels: Campgrounds adjacent to I-95 experience traffic sounds. One camper at Lumberton I-95 KOA shared, "To get to it, you get off the highway and loop around about 1-2 miles, but you cross back over I95 and it is situated right next to it, so there is a lot of road noise."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly during holidays while others rarely reach capacity. A Lumber River State Park ranger told visitors "they only fill up on the 4th of July."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Children enjoy the farm setting at Double L Farms Campground. One reviewer observed, "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."
Playgrounds and activities: Fayetteville RV Resort offers numerous recreational options. A camper mentioned, "So much to do for the kiddos and adults. Two pools, hot tub, mini golf, basketball court, horseshoes and playground all included in your price." The resort also hosts "scheduled kid activities and movie night with popcorn."
Educational outings: When seeking off-site activities, the Exploration Station in Lumberton provides learning opportunities. As one camper suggested, "For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton."
Swimming availability: Most campground pools operate seasonally. A visitor to Spacious Skies Sandy Run noted, "I was surprised to discover a pretty amazing pool (opened in the Summer between Memorial and Labor Day weekends) that the kids enjoyed during the day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Spring Valley RV Campground, one camper recommends selecting "a spot that is halfway through the loop (it's lower and further removed meaning you'll hear less traffic from nearby HWY 95)."
Military ID advantages: Active and retired military personnel have access to Fort Bragg facilities. Smith Lake Army RV Park offers "Clean and level site (6). Fire pit, picnic table and cement pad with full hookup."
Concrete pads: Several campgrounds feature upgraded parking surfaces. A visitor at Smith Lake Army RV Park noted, "Concrete pads are level and sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire pit. Close to Ft. Bragg entrance, Exchange, and Commissary."
Freezing precautions: Winter camping requires preparation for occasional cold snaps. At Spacious Skies Sandy Run, staff monitors temperatures and "any time there was a chance of freezing weather in the forecast, staff members would drive around the park shortly after 6, checking everyone's hoses and knocking on doors of anyone still connected, telling them to disconnect."
