Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Southern Pines? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Southern Pines with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Southern Pines, North Carolina's most popular destinations.
Located in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland, and Hoke counties 60 miles south of Fayetteville, Lumber River State Park has two access areas located about 1 hour from each other: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Possibilities for paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. An abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint, helped Lumber River earn federal designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, the only blackwater river in the state to have that honor.
Tent sites (including paddle-in sites) Group tent sites
Both accesses have camping facilities. If you have a reservation, please verify the location of your campsite prior to your visit. Princess Ann and Chalk Banks accesses are located 1 hour apart, so please check that you are headed to the correct campground.
$12 / night
San-Lee Park is a 177+ acre park, located at 572 Pumping Station Road, that offers hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a Nature Center with a multipurpose room that is available for rent, playground, picnic facilities, campgrounds, and two stocked lakes for fishing. Paddle boat rentals are available seasonally.
Campsite rentals are available during park operational hours. A driver’s license or similar identification is required for registration. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken. For additional information, please call 919-776-6221 Ext. 4.
Program Date:
April – October Exceptions for weather & burning bans
Fee:
$15.00 per night
Register:
At park office during park hours Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
Tent Camping
The park provides tent sites, tables, charcoal grills, water, and a shower house. Campsites are located in a private section of the park close to the lake.
$15 / night
Uwharrie Hunt Camp has eight sites for tent camping. Each site has a table, grill, lantern posts, and tent pad. Two vault toilets are provided in the campground. There are also 2 drinking water spigots available. Opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, hunting, OHV trail use and picnicking are available within a short drive. Country stores are located in the nearby communities of Uwharrie and Eldorado.
The Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.
$5 / night
At the Family Wilderness Camp, there are five campsites just off of the Campbell Creek Loop Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot and 0.5 mile from the river. The maximum number of campers for each site is six.
Backpackers can also utilize the canoe camp, located beside the river off of the Little Creek Loop Trail, in a low-lying area. The camping area is a 1.7-mile hike in from the park office. There are six campsites, each accommodating up to six campers.
All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Neither the Family Wildness nor Canoe Camp is accessible by vehicle.
Both camping areas offer a vault toilet, and all sites include a fire ring with a grill.
$12 / night
Lake Tillery is a reservoir between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake in the Uwharrie Lakes Region of North Carolina. Its 117.8 miles of beautiful shoreline is entirely within Stanly County and Montgomery County, NC. The lake was created by impounding the Pee Dee River, which is created by the confluence of the Yadkin River and the Uwharrie River several miles to the north. Norwood, NC in neighboring Stanly County uses as its town motto "Gateway to Lake Tillery". source for dining, entertainment, and lodging.
$35 - $65 / night
Guide
Happy to report that there is a new host here as the one that was working in 2021 was AWFUL. Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that. Nice fire pits and grills - love having both. Great bathhouse with hot showers. Terrific paved trail that is awesome for walking, biking, strollers, wheelchairs. Plenty of hammock trees! Zero noise except from other campers/vehicles and the occasional aircraft passing over. Cell signal is pretty spotty but passable. Would need a booster or satellite internet in order to work or attend school, though. Nearby El Dorado Outpost has everything you might need (gas, ice, hot food, small groceries, outdoor supplies, GREAT biscuits!!, etc) and locals sell firewood bundles for $4-5/each. 10-15 min drive into Troy where there are restaurants, gas stations, small regular grocery stores. Really nice new playground and skate park in Troy, too. Tons of hiking, offroading/overlanding, mountain biking, horseback riding nearby.
ScoutThis is a great little place to get away from it all. The sites have electric but you will need in-house water and septic. There is a dump station along with a potable water source at the entrance to the campground.
Scout
My wife and I stayed here with our 2 daughters. The campsite was spacious, flat and shaded. There was plenty to do for the kids for the weekend. The bath house was very nice and clean. The camp host drove his golf cart around selling firewood. Will definitely return
Traveler
I was there alone and had the whole campsite to myself. The camp host was so kind. He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!
Traveler
Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in.
Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time.
Guide
The campground is neatly taken care of. The staff was awesome and friendly. The store is awesome and they had guest food trucks that rocked!
Traveler
The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them.
The sites are huge, level, and clean. The bathhouse is clean and modern. While there aren’t many recreational amenities besides the hiking, the price makes this park an excellent value.
ScoutWell taken care of. Pool was in good shape. Grounds are clean and hookups are spaced well. Lots of things for kids to do. Nice camp store with ice cream, drinks etc.
Scout
Site was clean and lots spacious. Dual hookups for sewer connections. Nice water pressure.
ScoutNice campsite and nice folks. Had food trucks and site was clean.
Scout
For only $20 you get so much. They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake, a very long trail to walk, nice clean bathrooms, and a shower for only $3. The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area except other direct sites.
TravelerWe spent 2 nights here with our Storyteller Mode LT RV nestled in the Uwharrie National Forest. The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. Many sites are available with electric hook-up, and drinking water is available at nearby locations. Many of the sites are not very level so choose carefully. The campground is very quiet and clean. The drive-in offers beautiful rolling countryside with low foothills. Nearby we took advantage of an off-road driver training course with OEX, Overland Experts.
Legend
Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch - so if the thought of this bothers you, then stop reading this review and mosey on to another campground. For my entire family, we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals we came across during our stay. In fact, our daughters thought the farm animals were the best part of our camping trip!
As for Double L Farms Campground itself, this place is located outside of Lumberton and just a 20 minute or so drive from the heavy trafficked I95 highway corridor, but here at Double L, you'll feel a million miles away from the hectic realities of urban life. The campground is fairly modest in size and has only enough space for a couple dozen RVers / tent campers, but I don't really get the feeling that you'll ever have a problem finding a spot here, so it's up to you whether you want to make a reservation by calling ahead or just 'wing it.' The hosts, Brian & Lisa, were easily some of the best campground hosts we've ever had and they definitely make this experience a 5 star encounter as the duo went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed and even provided recommendations on local spots in the surrounding areas.
From an amenities standpoint, there's a quaint, well-maintained bathhouse with showers and toilets. Inside you'll also discover that the bathhouse is actually multi-purpose and equipped with A/C, washing machine, has WiFi and even a microwave. Of course, there's full RV hook-ups with 30 / 50 electrical amp, sewage and water lines. The best amenity though? The free rooster alarm clock you'll hear around 5:30am every morning! All this for $25 a night? Yeah, it's a very good price for what you get.
Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) I think the best sites are those located furthest back on the property near the field, where you can gaze up at the stars at night with an unobstructed view, but really, all of the sites are pretty good, so you can't really go wrong with any of the sites; (2) There does appear to be some more permanent residents living in trailers here, but it wasn't that big of a deal and we didn't mind; (3) With 46 acres of farmland, there's plenty to explore and we really enjoyed hiking around the place, but if you want to venture out and try some different locations for hiking, I highly recommend Luther Britt Park where there's some pretty good lakeside hiking trails; (4) For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton; (5) Should you run out of any supplies or find yourself in need of anything, the closest store is Family Dollar which is just due west of Double L and while no frills, they should have just about everything you need to tied you over in a fix- and if not, head on into Lumberton for many more options; and (6) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board mini-fridge and want to explore some great local fare, then check out The Governor Place for brisket burger and duck fries with alioli or Tony B's Chicken & BBQ for superb brisket where Tuesday is chicken & pastry day (which is pretty much like chicken dumplings).
Happy Camping!
Legend
When it comes to the artificial 'camping-for-the-masses' line of properties that KOA creates across the country, there’s some definite turn-offs for pure nature enthusiasts such as me, but in some cases, you come across one of their sites that is fairly decent and should not be overlooked. Lumberton KOA, which runs parallel to I-95 in these parts of North Carolina, does not disappoint. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a better campground that is just minutes off of I-95 to park yourself for the night. But, to be clear, this place isn’t necessarily a destination – but rather, intended for those enroute to somewhere greater. In short, if you need a good place to park for the night, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find here at Lumberton KOA. And if you need something more substantial, well, just keep heading on down the road.
With a wide-array of elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. There’s of course, the typical KOA office / market that will supply you with just about anything you might be missing. Other amenities include complimentary WiFi, camping kitchens, shuffleboard, propane and firewood for sale. In addition, there’s the standard-issued picnic table, fire ring / grill, garbage receptacles, kid’s playground and even a community BBQ – nearly everything was brand-spanking-new. In particular, I loved the open-air picnic shelters, in-ground heated pool (open from Memorial Day weekend until Halloween) as well as the wooden-framed tent parameters that you’ll find, which discourages pests from encroaching upon your encampment. The KOA hosts were nice, incredibly accommodating and offer pricing by the night, week and month.
Insider’s tip? (1) As this is certainly NOT a destination, but rather a very nice layover, arrive late, leave early, but while you are here, be sure to get to know the locals you are surrounded by – there’s always a great vibe amongst fellow KOA’ers; (2) Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Lake Lynn, which has some decent fishing and is a good place to drop a kayak or canoe in for a short spin around its periphery; (3) For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton; (4) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board mini-fridge and want to explore some great local fare, then check out The Governor Place for brisket burger and duck fries with alioli or Happenings on Elm, which has a pretty amazing wine tasting (for these parts), outstanding domestic and international craft beers as well as some pretty great edibles like baked brie crostini and Annette's homemade lasagna.
Happy Camping!
Scout
and recharge before continuing on your journey. The view from this spot is breathtaking, with rolling hills and a clear blue sky stretching out before you. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of this place. Whether you are traveling alone or with loved ones, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. So take a deep breath, soak in the surroundings, and enjoy this moment of tranquility before hitting the road again.
TravelerAnother quick one night stay but it was beautiful! We arrived just in time to watch the sunset over the water between the trees!
Since I booked last minute I was only able to get an inner loop site but I can't wait to come back and get a site on the water, specifically 9, 11 or 13! Even if you do not have a water front spot there were still ways to access the water and a fishing pier.
The bathrooms and showers were all individual stalls and decently overall clean.
The drive in is a bit long and bumpy but beautiful!
Highly recommend spending multiple nights here if possible.
Traveler
My family planned a trip here, including our camper and 2 others. (3 sites total). Our camper needed work done and due to an unexpected sudden death in the family, taking the camper to be worked on 2 weeks prior to our planned visit was our only option. We called and explained the situation we were in and was spoken to VERY rudely. And was not able to get any of our money back. If there’s a possibility that you may have an unplanned death in the family that may complicate your trip, don’t book with them! We will NEVER plan another trip here!!
Traveler
Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds.
Traveler
This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
Scout
Popular Point campground is one of my favorite places to pitch a tent in the Jordan Lake area. It's often not as crowded as the others at Jordan Lake are, esp., during the week and outside of holidays or summertime. The views are nice, with sites next to the water. Tents and RVs can camp in the same areas. We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer, which is most of the summer in the Piedmont area of the state. You gotta go up to 3000 feet, as in the mountains of NC, for a cool weather experience in summertime, but for a night to get away from your regular routine or a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a suitable place. Locals like it because the drive isn't far from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Pittsboro.
TravelerThis is our favorite campground in the area. It is clean and quite with easy back in sites. The bathhouse is well maintained as is the camp road. We have stayed here during all four seasons and there isn't a bad time to stay. I can't say enough good things about this campground
TravelerLoop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.
Scout
I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.
GuideExcellent new cabin’s perfect fire pit new tables/restrooms spaced out beautifully designed campground.
GuideGreat place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
GuideIf I wasn’t paying for the facilities and was just paying for a gravel pad within walking distance of the lake, five stars. As it is, though, this is not a “cheap” place to boondock. Yes, they do have a bath house in each loop. Our loop, which had 14 campsites, had two toilets. It also had two showers. One shower was broken. The other shower, if you pushed the button for the lower (ADA) shower, would empty the hot water in about two minutes. I had one warm shower and two very cold showers. In the middle of active camping season, this issue with facilities could be a real problem. If I’m going to have to take a cold shower, may as well do that in the lake! It’s also great when you are tent camping near the bath house and the door retractors slam the metal doors whenever someone uses the toilet at 3 am. The only other issue was the 10 barking dogs. Luckily, they all quit about 10:15 pm and didn’t start again until around 8 am. Otherwise, freakin barking all day!!
Scout
We are from out of town. We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open. We drive over there see a completely empty campground and think we won’t have any issue getting a spot. And when I say empty I mean there was quit literally no other campers . So we tried to check in, but there is no place to check in. So we went to the nature center and asked around to try to get some help. We had to wait for some other man to come around because no one else who worked there could help us. After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot since it’s empty. After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time. Probably the most difficulty I’ve ever had trying to get a camp site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Southern Pines, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Southern Pines, NC is Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Southern Pines, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Southern Pines, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
