Glamping near Lumberton, North Carolina offers visitors access to unique accommodations within the Carolina Sandhills region, characterized by sandy soil, pine forests, and freshwater lakes. The area sits at elevations between 100-250 feet above sea level with moderate humidity and mild winters, making year-round upscale camping accessible. Winter temperatures typically stay above freezing, extending the glamping season beyond traditional camping months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little Pee Dee State Park features Lake Norton where visitors can enjoy fishing and non-motorized boating throughout most of the year. "This campground is definitely off the beaten path, about 15 miles from I-95. There aren't any stores around, so get your food and supplies before you arrive," notes Suzanne B., highlighting the remote nature experience.
Hiking trails: Cheraw State Park Campground offers multiple walking paths including a scenic boardwalk around their lake. "The trail around the lake is very pretty, and there are lots of things to do across the lake. (Boat rentals, playground, picnic areas, park office…)," shares Trina W., who visited with Girl Scouts.
Wildlife viewing: The parks offer diverse ecological habitats for nature observation. "You'll fall asleep to a chorus of frogs every night!" remarks a Little Pee Dee visitor, while another camper at Cheraw points out, "Many geese and birds are easy to spot as they enjoy the water. The trees are maintained so that they are not too thick. This allowed us to enjoy hunting for various flora."
What campers like
Privacy and space: CarrollWoods RV Park provides well-designed sites with natural separation. "Large spacious and clean well organized sites. Picnic tables and BBQ grills on sites," notes Robert M., who appreciated the layout. The pine tree setting creates natural boundaries between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages maintains high standards for bathhouses and common areas. "Two newly remodeled bathhouses and laundry rooms. Staff keeps them clean throughout the day, we never had an issue with dirty or un-stocked bathrooms," shares Steve K., who stayed during April 2021.
Year-round accessibility: Many glamping options remain open throughout winter, unlike seasonal campgrounds. At Willow Tree RV Resort, a visitor noted, "The bathrooms are absolutely cleaned very carefully. There were many surprises here as we enjoyed all the facilities," highlighting the year-round maintenance standards not typically found at seasonal operations.
What you should know
Military connection: Smith Lake Army RV Park caters to Department of Defense personnel with unique considerations. "Campground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter noises from time to time," notes Greg B., while another visitor calls these "the sounds of freedom" and mentions that "being retired aviation, we peacefully slept thru it all."
Reservation requirements: Most upscale glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Cheraw State Park, one camper advises, "The regular sites are usually full, and very close, but the lake front sites are gorgeous and worth being close to neighbors."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs widely between glamping locations. Little Pee Dee State Park has limited connectivity, with a reviewer noting, "There is no WiFi here, and cellular internet is spotty," making it ideal for digital detox but challenging for remote workers requiring consistent access.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Willow Tree RV Resort offers extensive water recreation beyond swimming. "Great family fun in the lake on inflatables. Family events, ice cream social, hot dog sales, dance party and nice clean bathhouses," explains Wendy M., highlighting the structured activities beyond just swimming.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature nature programs specifically for children. At Little Pee Dee, the Ranger Station offers information about local wildlife and ecology, and as one visitor noted, "The recent flooding had brought them out of the swamp and up the spillway, much to the delight of seafood lovers," creating unexpected learning moments.
Scheduled entertainment: Many parks coordinate family-friendly events throughout the week. At Sycamore Lodge, activities range from crafts to live entertainment, with a visitor mentioning, "So much to do!! Fun activities all the time!" and another noting they have "bands on weekend crafts golf cart rentals!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pine Lake RV Resort offers varied site options but requires careful consideration. "The road to is dirt with sand mix, they good a good job of keeping it graded... The only down sides are that the sites are pretty packed close together," advises Patrick F., suggesting requesting specific sites when booking.
Local supplies: Several reviewers emphasize limited shopping options near some glamping sites. At Little Pee Dee State Park, campers are advised, "There aren't any stores around, so get your food and supplies before you arrive," making pre-trip planning essential for longer stays.
Access challenges: Several parks have narrow entry roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. "Road to campground is horrible! Very narrow, trees hanging over it, dirt, but huge holes!" warns Lauren W. about Little Pee Dee, while recommending site 29 for a 38-foot coach due to its level ground despite these access challenges.
