Glamping options near Pembroke, North Carolina offer stays with varying levels of amenities across the Sandhills region. The area features sandy soil typical of the Carolina Bay ecosystem with elevations ranging from 100-200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Norton: Little Pee Dee State Park Campground offers non-motorized boating opportunities where "locals often come here for fishing and non-motorized boating. We were fortunate to witness a mass crayfish event--the recent flooding had brought them out of the swamp and up the spillway, much to the delight of seafood lovers."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provides access to a uniquely shallow lake environment. One camper noted, "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters. We kayaked and fished while we were here."
Family activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's offers numerous recreation options beyond standard glamping amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Laser Tag. Splash pad. Water slides. Indoor and outdoor pool. Playgrounds. Dog parks. Putt-Putt. Ice Cream. Fishing. Basketball. Volleyball. Horse shoes…and our kids did it all."
Hiking trails: Cheraw State Park Campground features walking paths through pine forests. A camper shared, "There is also a nice little walk partially around the lake. It is a small campground with nice spots. At the campground you can't swim, but you can walk 10 minutes to a beachy area on the other site of the lake."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cheraw State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. A reviewer wrote, "We stayed in the camp juniper group area this time, but have camped in the regular campground in the past. The regular sites are usually full, and very close, but the lake front sites are gorgeous and worth being close to neighbors."
Clean facilities: Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages maintains high standards for their amenities. A camper reported, "Two newly remodeled bathhouses and laundry rooms. Staff keeps them clean though out the day, we never had an issue with dirty or un-stocked bathrooms."
Quieter off-season stays: Many glamping sites near Pembroke offer more seclusion during winter months. A visitor to Cheraw State Park noted, "Barely anyone here in December, so it feels so nice to be out of our house but not needing masks constantly. When it isn't off season they have cheap boat rentals. Firewood is $6.50 per bundle."
Community activities: Sycamore Lodge creates social opportunities for guests. As one camper explained, "We really liked the 'Meet Your Neighbors Happy Hour', they really wowed us with this event. It ends early enough that you can still have a quiet evening around your camp site."
What you should know
Remote locations: Many glamping sites near Pembroke are far from conveniences. One Little Pee Dee State Park camper warned, "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."
Weather considerations: The region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter nights can drop below freezing. A camper at Smith Lake Army RV Park noted, "It's winter so, the lake and amenities aren't available for use. But, they look great and you can fish inside the rec area, just not from the Campground."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. One camper at Little Pee Dee State Park observed, "Road to campground is horrible! Very narrow, trees hanging over it, dirt, but huge holes! Obviously needs to be graded."
Insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. A visitor to Lake Waccamaw advised, "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!"
Tips for camping with families
Check pool availability: Pine Lake RV Resort offers water recreation beyond glamping accommodations. A visitor noted, "This campground is very clean and quiet with lots of things to do, there is a pond to go fishing and the campground has a variety of boats and kayaks that you can use on the pond."
Consider cabin options: Several glamping locations offer cabin rentals for mixed camping groups. A visitor to Camp Ipecac reported, "You can rent some cabins and/or rent RV spots so if you have a mixed camping family, so came come in their rvs/trailers and others can rent a cabin and y'all will still be next to each other."
Bring bikes: Most glamping sites have paved or packed roads ideal for cycling. One camper at Lake Waccamaw noted, "Lots of kids on bikes" among their observations about the campground atmosphere.
Pack extra water: Many sites have limited access to drinking water. A helpful tip from Lake Waccamaw campers: "The previous campers had left us a few jugs of water" showing the common practice of leaving extra water for the next visitors.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose your glamping site carefully based on location and hookups. A Smith Lake visitor advised, "Concrete pads are level and sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire pit. Close to Ft. Bragg entrance, Exchange, and Commissary."
Check road conditions: Access roads to glamping sites can be challenging. A Pine Lake RV Resort visitor noted, "The road to is dirt with sand mix, they good a good job of keeping it graded."
Full hookup availability: Sycamore Lodge offers complete services for RV glamping. A recent visitor mentioned, "Site was clean and lots spacious. Dual hookups for sewer connections. Nice water pressure."
Extended stay options: Some glamping locations accommodate longer stays. A Fayetteville RV Resort camper shared, "We came here the day we sold our house in Fayettville. Covit19 had just hit so the campground we had reserved fell through and couldn't get tenants to leave because they were scared. We were in for a surprise, Fayetteville RV resorts welcomed us with open arms and put us under a long term clause."
