McGhee Farm Platform

Hello, North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts! For those of us who appreciate a truly unique, water-based adventure, the McGhee Farm Platform offers an unforgettable primitive camping experience. This site is not a conventional drive-in campground; rather, it is a specialized, designated camping platform—one of 11 such stops along the remarkable Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail. Managed by the conservation organization Sound Rivers, these platforms are designed specifically to support recreational paddling, boating, and fishing along the 180-mile trail that stretches from the headwaters of the Tar River to the Pamlico River estuary.

Located near Franklinton, this platform immerses you in the tranquil, historic landscape of the Tar River Basin. While the camping style is primitive—meaning you must pack in and pack out all necessities—the platform itself provides a secure and elevated place to pitch your tent, or even a screened-in enclosure for protection from insects. The McGhee Farm Platform is a wonderful way to experience the state's central and eastern waterways, and its designation as good for kids suggests a secure, fun environment for families prepared for the ruggedness of water trail camping.

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### Introduction / Overview

The McGhee Farm Platform is a Campground specifically designed as a primitive, water-accessible campsite. It is part of a non-profit effort to enhance and promote the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail. These platforms are small, sturdy structures built above the riverbank, providing a dry, level surface for camping that minimizes impact on the surrounding natural habitat.

As a primitive site, reservations are required to use the platform, typically involving a modest fee (around $20 per night, based on general water trail pricing) which supports the maintenance of the platform and the entire water trail system. This type of camping is ideal for those undertaking multi-day paddling trips, from the whitewater headwaters to the quieter, wider sections of the river. The platform provides a secure base for setting up camp and sleeping under the stars or behind a screen. Though rustic, the unique setting and ease of reservation make this a highly appealing option for adventurous North Carolina families who embrace the "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy.

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### Location and Accessibility

The McGhee Farm Platform is located near Franklinton, North Carolina, and is physically situated on the historic Person–McGhee Farm property, a site rich with late 18th-century and 19th-century architecture and agricultural history. The geographical reference is 5G9X+F5, Franklinton, NC 27525, USA.

Accessibility is strictly limited:

• Water Access Only: The campsite is accessible only by water—canoe, kayak, or small boat—via the Tar River. It cannot be reached by car.
• Trailhead Proximity: While the platform itself has no vehicle access, the provided information notes on-site parking. This parking likely refers to a designated, nearby water access point or put-in/take-out point on the river where paddlers can safely leave their vehicles and launch their craft.
• Navigation: Campers must use navigational aids and coordinates provided by the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail organization to locate the platform on the river.
• Historic Setting: Its location on the historic McGhee Farm, which is documented on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural experience.

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### Services Offered

The McGhee Farm Platform, like the other sites on the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail, provides minimal, primitive services focused entirely on offering a safe overnight spot along the river. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

• Designated Camping Area: Provides a sturdy, elevated wooden platform for pitching tents, keeping gear dry and level off the ground.
• Screened Enclosure: Some platforms along the trail feature a screened-in enclosure, offering protection from insects and inclement weather.
• Water Source: The Tar River provides a natural water source, but all water must be carried, filtered, or otherwise treated before drinking—it is not potable.
• Parking Access: On-site parking is provided at a designated put-in location (not the platform itself), allowing for easy staging and secure vehicle storage.
• No Utilities: There are no restrooms, potable water taps, electrical hookups, or trash services. Campers are expected to practice strict Leave No Trace principles.
• Reservation System: A managed reservation system is in place, ensuring the site is not overcrowded and providing necessary funds for platform maintenance.

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### Features / Highlights

The unique selling points of the McGhee Farm Platform revolve around its adventurous access and its scenic, natural setting along the river.

• Unique Water Trail Camping: It is a prime example of a water-accessible-only camping platform, offering an adventurous and distinct experience for paddlers, boaters, and fishermen.
• Historical Context: Located on the grounds of the historic Person–McGhee Farm, campers are immersed in a landscape with a rich North Carolina rural history dating back to the late 18th century.
• River Recreation Base: The platform serves as an ideal base for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Tar River, allowing travelers to break up multi-day trips.
• Family-Friendly Primitive Camping: The designation as "Good for kids" highlights the fun, adventurous nature of the site, provided families are prepared for primitive conditions.
• Tranquil Seclusion: Being away from car traffic and only accessible by river ensures a high degree of quiet and natural tranquility, perfect for escaping urban life.

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### Contact Information

Since the platform is managed by Sound Rivers as part of the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail system, all contact for reservations, policies, and trail conditions should be directed to that organization.

Address (Approximate Location): 5G9X+F5, Franklinton, NC 27525, USA

Managing Authority (Sound Rivers): Please refer to the official Tar-Pamlico Water Trail website or main office for phone and reservation details.

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### What is Worth Choosing

The McGhee Farm Platform is the ideal choice for North Carolinians who are avid paddlers, experienced campers, and history buffs looking for an overnight stay that is truly off the beaten path. You should choose this platform if you appreciate the challenge of water-only access and are fully prepared for a primitive, self-sufficient camping experience.

Its unique offering—a sturdy, elevated platform—provides a guaranteed dry and level spot to camp, a major advantage over traditional bank camping. The opportunity to pitch your tent on a piece of history within the scenic Tar River Basin makes this site a rich cultural and recreational experience. Choose the McGhee Farm Platform to support local river conservation efforts, enjoy the deep quiet of the rural landscape, and create an adventurous, kid-friendly memory that celebrates the beauty of North Carolina’s waterways.

McGhee Farm Platform

5G9X+F5, Franklinton, NC 27525, USA