Primitive camping opportunities near Ivanhoe, North Carolina center around the coastal plain's unique ecology where tea-colored blackwater rivers meet sandy pine forests. This area sits at elevations under 100 feet above sea level with hot, humid summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dipping below 40°F. Tent camping spots often feature sandy soils that drain quickly during the frequent summer thunderstorms that roll through the region.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Black River Camping Ventures offers excellent water access for exploring the tea-colored Black River. A camper noted, "The river itself is and should be the center of your attention while you enjoy your stay. The tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your favorite swimming hole."
Fishing opportunities: Lumber River State Park's Princess Ann access provides multiple fishing spots along its shoreline. According to reviews, "The river is nice to swim in after a hot summer's day, although the bottom is quite squishy. It's a good area to fish or use small watercraft."
Stargazing: The rural setting around Lumber River State Park creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper shared, "You can see tons of stars here at night, it is amazing! It's lovely to sit by the water and look at the night sky."
Nature observation: Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. "We slept in hammocks and were awoken at dawn by a cacophony of juvenile barred owls directly above us," reported one camper at Princess Ann.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, campers appreciate the site arrangement. One review states, "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night. We had two neighbors during our stay but never heard or saw them, except when coming and going from the site to the parking area."
Swimming options: The shallow waters at Lake Waccamaw provide safe swimming areas for most skill levels. A camper noted, "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters."
Quiet atmosphere: Tent camping Ivanhoe, North Carolina offers genuine seclusion at most sites. A Princess Ann camper highlighted this advantage: "We also had the privilege of having the park COMPLETELY to ourselves...the ranger confirmed that we were the only campers that night!"
Wildlife sounds: Natural night sounds create memorable camping experiences. One review mentioned, "Bullfrogs, peepers, and owls called all night. Dragonflies galore flew about. It's rustic, but relaxing."
What you should know
Insects are intense: Summer brings heavy bug activity throughout the region. At Black River Camping Ventures, a camper warned, "And so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Weather preparation: Sudden summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. For beach camping at Freeman Park, a visitor advised, "Be aware of the tides, it's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in."
Distances to facilities: At Lake Waccamaw, be prepared for long walks to restrooms. A camper reported, "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area... just a heads up, especially sites 4 and 5 are very far from the bathroom. Don't forget anything in the car."
Sand driving skills: If camping on beaches near Ivanhoe, vehicle preparation is crucial. One Freeman Park review warned, "First and foremost, make sure you know how to drive in the sand and what to do when your car gets stuck. It happened to us, as well as to many vehicles on the beach."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: Lake Waccamaw offers family-friendly water access. A camper shared, "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters."
Nature programs: Check with rangers about educational activities at state parks. At Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, a visitor mentioned they have "ongoing outdoor classes (kayaking, ghost turtle hunting, etc)."
Sand tent setup: For beach camping near Ivanhoe, use specialized techniques. A Freeman Park camper advised, "Remember, when camping on sand, you don't need stakes. Instead you bring 4 plastic bags, fill them with sand, tie the tent corners to the bags and bury them in the sand. This will prevent your tent from flying away."
Off-season advantages: Visit popular beaches during shoulder seasons for a better family experience. A Freeman Park reviewer recommended, "I would recommend only during the cooler months. Feb-March, Sept-Nov. That's about the only time you can hope to avoid a chaotic, party scene."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, RVers should plan their approach carefully. One visitor suggested, "Recommend parking at your site, then going to check in. Not much space to turn around at the office."
Site arrangement challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts. A Fort Fisher camper noted, "The sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length."
Military ID requirements: Some coastal campgrounds near Ivanhoe require proper identification. One reviewer clarified, "Important to note, this location is only open to military members and their family members. So if you qualify, it's a good location for beach activities."
Beach camping regulations: Rules for RVs on beaches change seasonally. A Freeman Park reviewer explained, "The camping is allowed on the beach Labor Day through Memorial Day, but might require a permit, check the rules before you go."
