Forest Lake RV and Camping Resort sits within Advance, North Carolina, approximately 9 miles east of Woodleaf. The area features a mix of piedmont woodlands and lake environments with elevations ranging between 700-900 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with winter lows in the 30s, making camping possible year-round with proper preparation.
What to do
Fishing experiences: The fishing pond at Thousand Trails Forest Lake offers accessible shoreline fishing with consistent catches. One visitor noted, "I cought 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman," making it suitable for beginners and children.
Trail exploration: Multiple campgrounds feature hiking trails of varying difficulties. A camper at Midway Campground Resort mentioned the "small walking trails" as part of what made their experience "breathtaking," while families can enjoy "17-mile mountain biking network" at nearby state parks.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, campers can rent canoes at Forest Lake. One reviewer shared, "We also rented a canoe and had fun canoeing around the pond/lake," providing a relaxing way to enjoy water views and wildlife observation.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance standards at Lake Norman State Park Campground, with one camper stating it was "the nicest and cleanest campground I have ever been in." Another noted, "The bathhouse was new and well maintained."
Family activities: The range of organized events appeals to many campers. A visitor at Lake Myers RV Resort mentioned "fun activities... kid friendly... love playing BINGO here!!" showing the variety of structured entertainment options available.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer chances to see native wildlife. A Lake Norman visitor mentioned, "You'll probably see deer but have never seen a bear," indicating the relative safety while still providing nature viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Woodleaf area operate year-round, but amenities may be limited in winter. One camper at Forest Lake noted, "Unfortunately a lot of the activity type things (arcade, mini-golf, horseshoes, etc) weren't available because we visited in the off season."
Site placement: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger vehicles. A reviewer at Statesville RV Park I-77 warned, "The sites are crammed together and not leveled well. Their attempt to level the sites caused huge bumps and I bottomed out trying to leave."
Reservation requirements: During summer months and holidays, advance booking is essential. A Stone Mountain visitor shared their December experience: "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," indicating off-season visits may offer more flexibility.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds have dedicated facilities for children. At Midway Campground Resort, one reviewer highlighted "the activity area for kids, pool, fishing pond," making it suitable for families seeking variety.