Camping near Elizabethtown, North Carolina centers around Carolina bay lakes, natural depressions with oval shapes and sandy rims formed thousands of years ago. The region sits at approximately 130 feet above sea level with mild winters allowing camping year-round, though summer humidity can reach 90%. The area's distinctive blackwater lakes have tannic acid from surrounding vegetation, giving them their characteristic dark color and creating unique fishing conditions.
What to do
Hiking around bay lakes: Jones Lake State Park offers the 4-mile Bay Trail that circles the lake. While mostly flat, trail conditions can vary with weather. "Hiked here a couple times. Lake is beautiful and there is a swimming area. Flat all around so if you're looking for difficulty this is not the place," notes William R. at Jones Lake State Park Campground.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Rental options expand recreational opportunities for campers without their own equipment. "In season, there is boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing," explains Lee D. from Jones Lake State Park, adding that the park has "three overlooks, but access to them was restricted due to flooding."
Farm animal interaction: Some campgrounds offer unique agricultural experiences. At Double L Farms Campground, families can interact with livestock. "Fun place. There were happy chickens roaming around... There are horses, cattle, chickens and a turkey. The animals come to say hi," writes a reviewer who appreciated this hands-on experience.
Exploring nature trails: Multiple campgrounds feature walking paths through diverse ecosystems. "There's a great little pathway on this property that encircles a small pond that is perfect for a short meandering through the area... Here, we discovered squirrels, all sorts of endemic birds, a few stray turtles, a couple deer and a group of industrious beavers," describes Stuart K. at Spacious Skies Sandy Run.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers praise the maintenance standards of bathhouses in the Elizabethtown area. At Camp Clearwater, Glenn F. noted: "The sites are laid out well and like most privately owned campgrounds are very close together. The campground is a mix of permanent and overnight sites... Great areas for kids to play."
Seasonal benefits: Off-peak camping provides advantages for those seeking quiet. According to Nathan O. at Jones Lake State Park, "Smallish campground with 20 sites on a loop around the bathhouse, which was clean and well lit. My girlfriend and I spent two nights and had nothing but good impressions. The entire park is very well maintained."
Well-maintained natural areas: Regional campgrounds prioritize environmental upkeep. A reviewer at Spacious Skies Sandy Run observed: "I loved the campground itself. It was quiet, small, no activities tho and clean... Camper driveways are very generous in size and level. Sites are spaced far enough apart to provide reasonable privacy/separation."
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social connections. "I visit White lake every year for vacation but this year we decided to add in a camping trip. We decided to check out Camp Clearwater. I did read bad reviews here & there but I wanted to give them a shot. And I'm glad I did! I had such an amazing experience here! Everyone was so nice and down to earth!" shares Melody C.
What you should know
Variable site privacy: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. "The campsites are very tight but very long. The Wi-Fi is OK but as in most campgrounds not very reliable," explains Lewis M. about Camp Clearwater, adding that "golf carts are a problem, with very young kids driving them."
Different swimming experiences: Lake conditions vary by location. At Gilligans Island Resort Campground, Jeffrey S. highlights "spectacular views, many activities on site, swimming pool, bathhouse," noting that "local attractions include golfing, go-cart amusements, arcade, water sports rentals, water park."
Campsite types matter: Understand what you're reserving, especially regarding hookups. According to MickandKarla W., "Six of the CG's back-in sites are FHUs with both 30 & 50 AMP. However, there are very spacious pull thru sites, but no hook ups, not even electric... There are water spigots about every 4 sites throughout the CG."
Seasonal operational changes: Some amenities only function during peak months. "During the right season Memorial-Labor Day there is a nice size pool. They have a Catch and Release fishing pond and a cute walking trail. The campground is close to Walmart and other eating places," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beach access: Sandy beaches with gradual depth changes provide safer swimming for children. At Jones Lake Family Campground, campers find "sites are clean, spacious, and beautifully wooded, just far enough apart to feel private while still being close to the trails and lake access."
Educational farm experiences: Some campgrounds offer unique learning opportunities through animal interaction. "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," explains a Double L Farms reviewer.
Group camping options: Facilities specifically designed for multi-family outings are available. Ellen W. notes about Camp Ipecac Group Camp: "This is a spacious group camping area; You can rent some cabins and/or rent RV spots so if you have a mixed camping family... The park is on the smaller size but has a few hiking trails that are very nice."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide structured activities. A Camp Clearwater review mentions "every weekend bingo, dj with dance, arcade with lots of games, gift shop and ice cream!! Food vendors and places to eat in walking distance."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites strategically based on rig size and maneuvering needs. One experienced RVer advised: "The roads were narrow but one way. Our back-in was a little challenging with our 39' 5th wheel due to brush across the road, but very doable. Utilities were centrally located to the pad. Water pressure was good at around 50 psi."
Connection considerations: Water access varies by site location. "We got 2 bars on Verizon, a variety of OTA channels, and clear shot to the southern sky for satellite," notes an RVer at Jones Lake State Park, adding helpful site-specific details: "Even numbers to the inside and odd numbered pull thru sites and some smaller tent sites to the outside."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning ahead, particularly in winter. One RVer noted: "The weather forecast was calling for temperatures possibly going below freezing later in the week, so we got an email from the staff saying that we needed to disconnect if we weren't using a heated hose."
