Tent campsites near Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina cluster primarily around the unique 9,000-acre Carolina Bay lake with its tea-colored waters caused by tannic acid from surrounding cypress trees. The region maintains a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging 88°F and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing. Camping options in this coastal plain area feature sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rain but can become challenging during prolonged wet weather.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Black River Camping Ventures provides direct access to deep water paddling opportunities with excellent fishing. "The tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole. Miles down river you can find the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains," notes one camper at Black River Camping Ventures.
Night sky observation: Freeman Park offers unobstructed celestial views from waterfront campsites. "I camped 'off season' in a converted 4x4 and it was perfect. Super high tides were present during my visit. A high Queen tide came near the camp spots at night while a super high king tide COMPLETELY COVERED the camp sites in the morning," reports a camper at Freeman Park.
Trail exploration: Princess Ann Access offers multiple hiking routes from campground to river. "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. Also, there's a lot of owls here at night. If you are a light sleeper you may want to consider ear plugs," mentions a visitor to the area.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provides well-spaced tent sites. "This campground is very beautiful - clean amenities, and only a few well-kept campsites with fire rings, grills and several picnic benches. The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night," reports a visitor to Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground.
Riverside relaxation: Black River sites offer direct water access for swimming. "Most was pretty shallow and a huge sand bar area. The kids loved it and dogs too. Lots of people fishing too. Very friendly lady runs it. Porter potty near by. Trash cans at each site. Fire pit but no grate," notes a camper.
Proximity to ocean: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area provides beach access for military families. "Great staff. Beach access across the street. Less than a mile from the Aquarium and fort fisher civil war museum. Great restaurants in Kure Beach also," explains a visitor to Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.
What you should know
Walk-in site distances: Princess Ann Access tent sites require varying walks from parking. "Our particular site, PA 7, is one of two right on the river's edge, across from the Naked Landing trail. Sites 7 & 8 would be perfect for two families to camp together, because they'd have the whole trail area to themselves. These sites have a bit of hike-in required, in that you can't drive up to them," reports a camper at Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park.
Insect protection: Mosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent throughout the region. "However, the river was lots of fun. Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" advises a camper at Black River Camping Ventures.
Water levels: Tidal patterns impact coastal camping areas. "Bear in mind that we come here for nature and Mother Nature can make herself known on the oceanfront!! Winds can be high and tents are a challenge to secure in loose sand. Also CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!!" warns a Freeman Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Tent platform options: Lake Waccamaw site 5 offers platform camping. "We stayed in site 5 for 11 days. The Yurt had been removed but the platform stayed. We were able to get up our large tent on the platform and have enough space for our chairs," shares a camper.
Water activities: River Island Adventures combines camping with organized water excursions. "This is a water adventure company that also has camping on the property. You can reserve a camp spot without signing up for any river activities, but camping does give you a little discount on activities if you do decide to rent a kayak or anything," explains a visitor to River Island Adventures.
Educational opportunities: Fort Fisher includes nearby aquarium access. "They have a rental facility for surfboards, umbrellas, kids toys, etc. Accommodations are clean and comfortable. Full kitchen in the 3 bedroom unit I visited. Also has a nice pool and rec center, as well as ongoing outdoor classes (kayaking, ghost turtle hunting, etc)," notes a camper.
Tips from RVers
Military facility access: Fort Fisher Recreation Area requires Department of Defense ID. "You need a DOD ID card to stay here. It is affordable if you qualify to stay. They will check and make you leave if you are not a card holder," cautions a visitor about this camping option near Lake Waccamaw.
Hookup configurations: Check utility placement at campsites before setting up. "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," warns an RVer at Fort Fisher.
Arrival timing: Plan to arrive early at popular coastal camping areas. "Recommend parking at your site, then going to check in. Not much space to turn around at the office. They also have boone dock and electric only spots," advises a military camper visiting Fort Fisher Recreation Area.
