Lumber River Campground

lumber river campground

Hello, fellow North Carolinians and outdoor adventurers! If you're looking for a camping destination that combines natural beauty with a lively atmosphere and excellent amenities, then Lumber River Campground in Evergreen, North Carolina, might be your next favorite getaway. This family-owned and operated campground offers a unique experience, particularly for those who love horses, but also for anyone seeking a fun and accommodating place to set up camp by the scenic Lumber River.

Lumber River Campground stands out with its dedication to providing a welcoming environment, complete with a range of services and activities that cater to various interests. While some aspects might lean towards a more social and active atmosphere, the core offerings ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Lumber River Campground a distinctive destination. We'll delve into its picturesque location, convenient accessibility, the array of services and features it provides, and why it's such a suitable option for locals seeking a vibrant and engaging outdoor experience right here in our beautiful state.

Lumber River Campground is located at 570 Tar Landing, Evergreen, NC 28438, USA. This address places it within Columbus County, North Carolina, directly on the banks of the picturesque Lumber River. The campground spans sixty acres of pristine countryside, offering ample space for various activities and a genuine connection to nature. It’s nestled in a part of North Carolina known for its beautiful blackwater rivers and extensive natural areas, including the adjacent Lumber River State Park.

Accessibility to Lumber River Campground is quite convenient for a rural retreat. It is approximately 60 miles from major hubs like Fayetteville, NC, and Wilmington, NC, and also about 60 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC, making it an accessible destination for residents across a wide region. Crucially, it's only about 30 miles from Interstate 95, ensuring a relatively straightforward drive for those traveling from further distances. While the official address is 570 Tar Landing, Evergreen, NC 28438, it's worth noting that for GPS purposes, some sources suggest using 416 Williamson Road, Evergreen, NC 28438, to ensure accurate navigation.

The campground is designed to accommodate various vehicle types, including large RVs, with "full hookups" available at most sites. For equestrians, the accessibility extends to accommodating horse trailers, with facilities like horse stalls for rent on-site. The rustic beauty of the Lumber River and its surrounding state park is easily accessible from the campground, offering direct opportunities for paddling and trail riding.

Services Offered:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: All campsites are equipped with full hookups, including water, electric (30 Amp and 50 Amp), and sewer connections, ensuring a comfortable stay for RVs.
• Tent Camping: Designated tent sites are available for traditional camping experiences.
• Primitive Camping: Options for a more rustic camping experience are also offered.
• Cabin and Camper Rentals: For those without their own equipment, cabins and campers are available for rent on-site. Cabins often include a double bed, bathroom with shower, microwave, refrigerator, and television, with bed linens provided.
• Horse Stalls: Two barns provide horse stalls for rent, catering specifically to equestrian campers. A current Negative Coggins Test is required for all horses.
• Bathhouses: Two bathhouses with restrooms and showers are available for guest use. (Note: One review mentioned a "very nasty" shower house, suggesting maintenance issues at the time of that review, though general information indicates "clean restrooms").
• Outdoor Pool: A swimming pool is available for guests to cool off and enjoy.
• Playground: A playground is on-site, offering entertainment for children.
• Covered Pavilion: A large, covered pavilion is available, often used for dinners and dancing, especially during trail ride weekends and events. It includes a DJ booth and dance floor.
• Covered Cook Sheds & Picnic Areas: Along the banks of the river, covered cook sheds and picnic areas with grills are provided.
• Propane Filling Station: On-site propane filling is available for convenience.
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is provided for RV waste.
• Boat Landing/Ramp: Access to the Lumber River for boating and paddling activities.
• Gift Shop: A small gift shop is available on the property.
• Ice: Ice is available for purchase at the office.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests.
• Outdoor Arena: A newly built arena is on the property, likely for equestrian events.
• Long-Term Rates: Offers nightly, weekly, monthly, and yearly rates, including utilities for long-term stays.
• Dog Policy: Dogs are allowed on-leash in the campground and off-leash on trails, with a restriction on Pitbulls.

Features / Highlights:

• Equestrian Focus: A major highlight, offering extensive trail riding access on over 2,500 acres in Lumber River State Park, along with horse stalls and an arena.
• Family-Owned and Operated: Established in 2000 by the Williamson family, creating a warm, "family-run business" atmosphere where guests "are treated like family."
• Vibrant Weekend Events: Known for "Trail Ride Weekends" that include suppers and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights in the pavilion, creating a lively social scene.
• Scenic Riverfront Location: Nestled on the banks of the Lumber River, a National Wild and Scenic River, offering beautiful views and water-based recreation.
• Versatile Accommodation: Caters to tents, RVs, and offers cabin/camper rentals, suiting diverse preferences.
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Repeatedly praised for helpful and accommodating staff, with specific shout-outs to individuals like "Rick" who "went above and beyond."
• Ideal for Events: The large pavilion with a DJ booth and dance floor makes it an "absolutely beautiful and fun place to be for any occasion," including weddings (as noted in a review).
• Fishing Opportunities: Stocked ponds and the Lumber River offer good fishing for various species.
• Opportunity for Swimming: Guests can swim in the pool or in the Lumber River.
• Proximity to State Park: Direct access to Lumber River State Park enhances outdoor activity options.
• Golf Carts Welcome: Guests are permitted to bring and use golf carts, adding to convenience and enjoyment within the campground.

Reviews offer a mixed but ultimately positive picture, particularly highlighting the exceptional staff and the vibrant atmosphere. One tent camper, while acknowledging the beauty, found it to be "definitely a party spot!" and noted a "very nasty" shower house, though the owner addressed a noise complaint effectively. This suggests that while it can be lively, management is responsive. Another review raved about hosting a wedding there, emphasizing how "accommodating" and "above and beyond" the staff, especially "Rick," were. The catering and overall experience for the wedding were described as "delicious" and "absolutely beautiful and fun." This indicates that while it's a campground, it's also a versatile venue capable of hosting significant events. The emphasis on "family run business" where they "treat you like family" is a recurring theme, suggesting a strong sense of community and hospitality despite any isolated issues with facilities.

Contact Information:

Address: 570 Tar Landing, Evergreen, NC 28438, USA

Phone: (910) 654-9985

Mobile Phone: +1 910-654-9985

Lumber River Campground is an excellent choice for North Carolina locals seeking a multifaceted outdoor experience that blends natural beauty with a lively, community-focused atmosphere. For residents of Eastern North Carolina and even those crossing from South Carolina, its convenient location near I-95 makes it an accessible weekend or extended getaway. The campground is particularly appealing to families and equestrians, offering a wealth of activities from trail riding and fishing to swimming and social events.

While it's important to note the potential for a "party spot" atmosphere on some weekends and to manage expectations regarding shower house conditions (though management is responsive), the overwhelming positive feedback centers on the accommodating nature of the Williamson family and their staff, who go out of their way to make guests feel at home. Whether you're planning a fun-filled family vacation, a horse-riding adventure, or even a special occasion like a wedding, Lumber River Campground provides a unique and memorable setting. For North Carolinians looking for a place where they can enjoy the great outdoors, socialize, and be treated like family, this campground offers a vibrant and welcoming escape right in our own backyard.

Lumber River Campground

570 Tar Landing, Evergreen, NC 28438, USA