Tent campsites near Orrum, North Carolina are scattered throughout the Coastal Plain region, characterized by sandy soil, cypress trees, and blackwater rivers. The camping areas sit at elevations around 100-150 feet above sea level in predominantly pine and hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 50-75°F range for camping.
What to do
Kayaking and river paddling: The Lumber River provides multiple access points for water recreation. At Black River Camping Ventures, campers can explore tea-colored water that's "excellent for fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole." One visitor notes that "miles down river you can find the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains."
Fishing from riverside sites: Many campsites offer direct fishing access. At Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, "the lake is beautifully kept and clean" with opportunities for fishing throughout the day. The park features a mix of shoreline and pier fishing options.
Night sky viewing: Several camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution. According to one camper at Lumber River State Park Princess Ann, "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."
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: The tent sites at Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks are set well apart from each other. One camper describes it as having "extra large and private campsites" with "sites 9-10-11 sit WAY back in the woods, so it's like almost like having your own campground."
Wildlife encounters: The region's natural areas support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At River Island Adventures, campers can observe riverside wildlife while enjoying "a very clean port-a-john by the campsites, and a hot outdoor shower + a regular bathroom at their outpost across from the sites."
Natural swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature river and lake swimming spots. One camper at Black River Camping Ventures describes their experience: "The river was lots of fun. Most was pretty shallow and a huge sand bar area. The kids loved it and dogs too."
What you should know
Gate access limitations: Many campgrounds in the Orrum area have restricted gate hours. At Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks Access, "the gate is locked tight" after 9pm, with a camper reporting, "The maintenance man was surprised to see me roll out of there when he arrived in the morning to open the gate. He was very apologetic and gave us the code in case we needed out in the middle of the night."
Limited facilities: Most camping options near Orrum offer primitive amenities. Sandhills Campground B is described as truly rustic with "no bathrooms, no water spigots, no camp store, nothing like that. Bring all your own EVERYTHING."
Insect preparation: Bugs can be significant in this region, particularly in warmer months. One camper at Black River Camping Ventures warns about "so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but gnats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water recreation: For families with children, some water areas provide safe wading options. At Black River Camping Ventures, much of the river is "pretty shallow and a huge sand bar area. The kids loved it and dogs too."
Spacious group camping: For family reunions or multi-family trips, some campgrounds offer designated group areas. At Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park, "Sites 7 & 8 would be perfect for two families to camp together, because they'd have the whole trail area to themselves."
Activity programs: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for kids. River Island Adventures provides "kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, camping, glamping, night paddles with 6 different kinds of smores!! And the super cool Escape River Island which is 10 challenges like survivor or amazing race."
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Roads to some campgrounds may present challenges for RVs and trailers. For Sandhills Campground B, one camper advises, "Make sure you have 4 wheel drive or a vehicle with good clearance, as it's all dirt roads in and around and leading to here."
Electric hookup availability: For RVers needing power, options are limited but available. Cypress Ranch Glamping offers both tent and RV camping options with amenities including toilets, showers and trash service.
Water and dump stations: Most primitive camping areas near Orrum lack water and sewer connections. At Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks, "There is one vault toilet and one water source" with campers reporting that "there is no park store or anything, so bring what you need."
