Cooke's Landing

For North Carolina's dedicated paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts, Cooke's Landing Campground represents the heart of the Roanoke River experience. Located on the northern side of the river in Northampton County, this destination is a premier stop along the famous Roanoke River Paddle Trail. It is not an RV park, nor does it offer drive-up convenience; rather, Cooke’s Landing is a true primitive river campsite, accessible exclusively by canoe or kayak. This restriction is intentional, ensuring that all visitors are seeking an authentic, off-the-grid adventure in the expansive and ecologically rich bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem that surrounds the river.

Managed by the Roanoke River Partners, the campsite features a raised wooden platform on a high bank, strategically designed to provide a dry, clean base for tent camping, regardless of the river's water level. This unique platform system is a signature component of the Roanoke River trail, allowing campers to experience the mysterious beauty of the wetlands without the discomfort of ground-level camping. As one customer review notes, it is a "Great river access site," perfectly suited for those who embrace the "canoe or kayak only" access.

Choosing Cooke’s Landing means choosing solitude and immersion in nature. It's a place where you can disconnect from the noise of daily life, trading streetlights for a spectacular canopy of ancient bald cypress and tupelo trees. It is the ideal stop for multi-day trips along the Roanoke, offering a quiet, grassy retreat high above the water, allowing you to fully appreciate why the Roanoke River is often called the "Amazon of North Carolina."

### Location and Accessibility

Cooke's Landing is nestled deep in the natural corridor of the Roanoke River, specifically on the northern bank within Northampton County, NC 27869. Its exact location is approximately two miles downstream from the Edwards Ferry NC Wildlife Resources (NCWR) access point off of Highway 258. This positioning places it on one of the more picturesque sections of the upper river trail.

Accessibility is a key defining feature and a critical point for local users to understand:

• Water Access Only: This is strictly a paddle-in/paddle-out campsite. As confirmed by public information and customer reviews, there is No vehicle Access allowed to the site itself. Campers must transport all gear, food, and water via canoe or kayak from a designated river access point, such as Edwards Ferry.
• High Bank Location: Unlike many platforms that hover directly over the swamp water, Cooke’s Landing is located on a quiet, grassy high bank above the Roanoke River. This setting provides both a sense of elevation and a solid, open area surrounding the platform.
• Landing Cove: Paddlers pull their boats into a small, distinct cove and use a short set of steps to ascend from the river to the camping area. The main camping area, including the raised platform and picnic table, is then a short walk (approximately 73 paces) away from the river's edge, enhancing the feeling of a secluded, dedicated campsite.
• Seasonal Restrictions: Campers must be aware of seasonal restrictions, as there is no camping allowed during deer/large game hunting season, typically from the end of September until early January. Reservations are mandatory and only those with reservations are permitted on the property during the open season.

### Services Offered

The services at Cooke's Landing are minimal and designed to support a self-sufficient, 'Leave No Trace' camping experience. The site provides essential infrastructure while maintaining the feel of deep wilderness camping.

• Raised Camping Platform: A large, sturdy wooden platform measuring 16 ft×24 ft provides a clean, dry, and level surface for pitching tents. This platform is raised to withstand high water during peak flooding.
• Privacy Area (Privy): A raised, three-sided wooden privacy area (approximately 5 ft×5 ft) is provided near the platform. It is important to note, as the review mentions, that there is no electric or water at site, and this area "has no facilities so bring your own bucket" or portable toilet, adhering to strict 'No Trace' guidelines for waste management.
• Picnic Table: A designated picnic table is located within the camping area, offering a convenient surface for food preparation and dining.
• Grassy Campsite: In addition to the raised platform, the site includes a quiet, grassy area for camping, clearly marked by red boundary paint, which can accommodate overflow tents or provide a different feel than the platform itself.
• Maintenance Tool: A swing blade is intentionally left on the railing post to allow reserved campers to trim the grassy area around the campsite between maintenance visits, empowering users to keep the site clean and accessible.
• River Access: Excellent, direct river access via a small cove and steps for easy launching and landing of canoes and kayaks.

### Features / Highlights

Cooke's Landing is a standout destination along the Roanoke River Paddle Trail for several distinctive reasons, primarily appealing to those seeking true primitive seclusion.

• Pure Paddle-In Experience: The site's inaccessibility by vehicle ensures minimal human impact and an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in the natural environment. This makes it an ideal retreat for those wishing to completely disconnect.
• High Bank Setting: Located on one of the higher, grassy banks, the campsite offers a drier and more open feel than some of the deep swamp platforms. It provides picturesque views of the Roanoke River as it flows through Northampton County.
• Large Platform Size: At 16 ft×24 ft, the platform is one of the larger options on the trail, making it excellent for accommodating multiple tents or larger paddling groups.
• Rich Wildlife Corridor: The Roanoke River corridor is known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, river otters, white-tail deer, and over 200 bird species. Cooke's Landing provides a prime location for birdwatching and observing the local fauna.
• Roanoke River State Trail Gateway: It serves as a fantastic base camp for exploring the surrounding bends and guts of the river, providing a central point for a multi-day paddle journey between access points.

### Contact Information

Reservations and information for Cooke's Landing, like all official camping platforms, are managed by the Roanoke River Partners, the non-profit organization dedicated to the river trail.

Cooke's Landing Campground (Managed by Roanoke River Partners)Address (General Area): Northampton County, NC 27869, USARoanoke River Partners Mailing Address: PO Box 488, Windsor, NC 27983-0488Phone: (252) 792-3790 or (252) 798-3920Reservations: Bookings are required and should be made online through the Roanoke River Partners website.Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is 12:00 PM; Check-out is 12:00 PM.

### What is Worth Choosing

Cooke's Landing is undoubtedly worth choosing for the North Carolina resident who prioritizes a pure, paddle-in wilderness escape. If your goal is to immerse yourself completely in the unique blackwater environment of the Roanoke River, leaving all vehicle noise and modern conveniences behind, this is the destination for you. The site offers the perfect combination of a secure, dry, raised platform for comfort and the authentic isolation of a remote backcountry campsite.

The exclusion of vehicular access, electricity, and water ensures that the surrounding environment remains minimally impacted and that your experience is one of quiet communion with the natural world. It’s an ideal setting for multi-day paddling trips, where the journey on the water is as important as the destination. For experienced campers and paddlers in North Carolina seeking to explore the vast, preserved beauty of the state's Coastal Plain, Cooke's Landing offers an unmatchable, serene, and unforgettable night under the cypress canopy.

Cooke's Landing

Northampton County, NC 27869, USA