RV camping near Spring Lake, North Carolina offers travelers several options beyond traditional hook-up sites. The area sits in the Sandhills region at approximately 200 feet elevation with sandy soil providing good drainage during coastal storms. Water recreation options expand significantly during summer months when temperatures average 85-90°F, and most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with mild winters rarely dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Smith Lake Army RV Park offers nature trails through preserved wetlands. "The hiking trails are great and easy to get to. Reminds me of Sgt time training Thursday's, lol. Great swampy and peidmont preservation area," notes one visitor.
Fishing spots: Several lakes near Spring Lake provide fishing opportunities with proper licensing. "You can fish inside the rec area, just not from the Campground," mentions a Smith Lake camper about their December stay.
Water recreation: During warmer months, lakefront facilities expand their offerings. "Staff was very receptive and the facilities were new right on the Smith Lake Beach. Beautiful. You can rent kayaks and paddle boats right on the water front, but the beach is only open on Weekends until Labor Day," according to one military family.
Farm animal experiences: Double L Farms Campground in Lumberton offers a unique experience with livestock. "Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch. 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."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently note the quality of bathhouses at area campgrounds. At Double L Farms, "The campground restroom was really nice, has air conditioning, heating, and a clean private shower. There is also a washer, a microwave and even wifi in there."
Convenient camping locations: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages provides strategic access to major routes. "Great stop on 95 corridor. Can't hear any noise at all. Fuel on way in or out. Bathrooms immaculately kept. Even the trash disposal is out of site and super clean."
Family-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer recreational options for children. "This is our first RV spot. We wanted the amenities for our four year old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes," shares a Raleigh Oaks visitor.
Military connections: For service members, Smith Lake Army RV Park provides a familiar environment. "Clean and level site (6). Fire pit, picnic table and cement pad with full hookup. Many AD soldiers and their families fulltime. They have been great. Next to Simmons Army Air Field so, expect whirlybirds at all hours buzzing the CG. All the sounds of freedom are to be expected and enjoyed."
What you should know
Site access constraints: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Pine Lake RV Resort, "The only down side is it can be hard to get larger trailers in and out of the park and into and out of some of the sits."
Noise considerations: Military installations create unique soundscapes. "This campground is near a military runway so be prepared for loud aircraft noise as well as other military installation noise," reports a Smith Lake Army RV Park reviewer.
Weather preparedness: Spring Lake area campsites generally offer good drainage, but summer insects require planning. At Double L Farms, visitors note "Bugs so don't forget bug spray. Rooster alarm. Great place! Will definitely stay again."
Site availability: Military training schedules can affect campground access. "Availability required us to move during our stay but that wasn't a big deal. We loved the sounds of freedom and enjoyed seeing our service members practicing flight maneuvers," shares one Smith Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Farms near camping areas provide educational opportunities. At Double L Farms Campground, "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."
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature facilities specifically for children. "Playgrounds were phenomenal for kids. Bike and Hiking trails all through out the site. Fishing as well - with respective fishing license," notes one Smith Lake visitor.
Beach activities: Seasonal beach access provides water recreation options. "Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in," reports a summer visitor to Smith Lake.
Morning routines: Farm settings create natural wake-up calls. "The best amenity though? The free rooster alarm clock you'll hear around 5:30am every morning!" warns a Double L Farms reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Spring Valley RV Campground in Hope Mills offers specific site recommendations. "I would select a spot that is halfway through the loop (it's lower and further removed meaning you'll hear less traffic from nearby HWY 95)."
Local dining discoveries: RVers recommend exploring nearby food options. Near Spring Valley, visitors suggest "We had a great fried chicken, fried pork chops, fried whiting fish, fried shrimp dinner at Grandsons Buffet (they have more sides on their menu that most menus have food!), which was great before heading over to Dirtbag Ales to wash it all down!"
Extended stay arrangements: Some campgrounds accommodate longer-term needs. At Double L Farms, "Large, level, FHU sites. Some permanent trailers and seasonal campers, mostly occupied by traveling healthcare professionals. Well maintained. Campground is surrounded by the owners farmland."
Parking pad variations: Site surfaces differ between campgrounds. At Pine Lake RV Resort, "The road to is dirt with sand mix, they good a good job of keeping it graded. The ownership and management are very nice people and are super responsive to everything."
