Camping options near Hope Mills, North Carolina typically remain open year-round with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. The area sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level in the Coastal Plain region, characterized by flat terrain, sandy soil, and longleaf pine forests. Most campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Hope Mills feature a mix of wooded and open sites with varying levels of shade protection.
What to do
Kayaking at Lumber River State Park: The Chalk Banks area of Lumber River State Park provides river access approximately 40 miles southwest of Hope Mills. "This was a great campground for a great price. 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," reports Makenzie T. from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park.
Nature walks with pets: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Hope Mills offer designated walking trails. At Double L Farms Campground, visitors can explore 46 acres of farmland with their pets. "With 46 acres of farmland, there's plenty to explore and we really enjoyed hiking around the place, but if you want to venture out and try some different locations for hiking, I highly recommend Luther Britt Park where there's some pretty good lakeside hiking trails," notes Stuart K.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access either on-site or nearby. "Clean, quiet, and affordable. Pool, laundry, pond, full hookups. Friendly staff," says Paul I. about the fishing pond at Spacious Skies Sandy Run. Another camper, Taylor T., enjoyed the accommodations at Double L Farms, noting: "I spent one night here, the hosts were great, the site itself is very relaxing, can walk up and pet the animals."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings as a highlight in Hope Mills area campgrounds. At Smith Lake Army RV Park, one visitor noted: "Walked trail behind campground. The hiking trails are great and easy to get to. Great swampy and piedmont preservation area," according to Clean Slate D.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to highways, many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. At Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages, campers appreciate the tranquility: "Great spot and one of the best kept secrets of Fayetteville, NC. Great location. Right off of 95. Family friendly and tremendous facilities," reports E G.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance of bathhouses receives consistent praise. "The bathroom, the grounds were very clean. Walked trail behind campground. Wi-Fi is excellent," writes Melissa S. about Lumberton I-95 KOA. Similarly, Cody T. notes at Chalk Banks: "The area is clean and well maintained. 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."
What you should know
Gate closure timing: Several campgrounds implement evening security measures. "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," warns Jay B. about Chalk Banks. Similarly, once arriving, "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."
Military installation proximity: Campgrounds near Fort Bragg experience regular aircraft activity. "Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in. Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time," mentions Greg B. about Smith Lake Army RV Park.
Reservation policies vary: Some pet-friendly campgrounds in Hope Mills area have strict reservation policies. At Spring Valley RV Campground, visitors note: "While this spot isn't going to be one likely that you'll remember all too fondly, if you are on the I-95 corridor and looking for a quick off-road respite, then this place isn't too bad. It's fairly quick and easy to get on/off the main highway, and the place itself is quaint, intimate and incredibly quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Farm animals for children: Double L Farms offers unique interactions with farm animals. "Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch - so if the thought of this bothers you, then stop reading this review and mosey on to another campground. For my entire family, we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals we came across during our stay," shares Stuart K.
Recreational activities: Multiple organized options exist for children. "For the kiddos and adults. Two pools, hot tub, mini golf, basketball court, horseshoes and playground all included in your price," notes Steve K. about Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages. "During our stay they had scheduled kid activities and movie night with popcorn."
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires planning for families with pets. According to Gregory L. at Lumberton I-95 KOA: "The pool is clean and cool, a nice respite from the days drive." Many campgrounds provide shaded sites that help during hot weather, though availability varies: "This campground is a nice KOA Journey, it is conveniently located right off of I95. The staff is very pleasant, the campsites are a decent size and well kept."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RVers recommend specific site locations at various campgrounds. "I would select a spot that is halfway through the loop (it's lower and further removed meaning you'll hear less traffic from nearby HWY 95)," advises Stuart K. about Spring Valley RV Park. For Spacious Skies Sandy Run, "Our site #27 located across from the office, pool, mini golf and bathhouse is a back-in site, gravel pad, nice, level, average length and width, fire pit and picnic table," reports Steve K.
Hookup quality: RVers consistently evaluate connection quality. "Great park. Very neat and clean. No bath house or store open due to C-19 virus but all in all great park. Recommend it highly. Fast wifi and low to no road nose. Good sewer connection at ground level and in good shape. Powerstation was in good shape and correctly wired we had a nice stay," notes Robert O. about Lumberton I-95 KOA.
Road access considerations: Proximity to highways offers convenience but sometimes noise. "Compared to other KOA locations I've stayed at along different interstates, I would definitely mark this as one of the more unique and special properties. You didn't feel like you were sitting along the highway, as it actually had a quaint and well kept feel. The roads to and from the site could use a little bit of work but overall not a big deal," explains Gary S.
