Roanoke River Partners, Inc.

For North Carolina residents seeking a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, the camping platforms offered by Roanoke River Partners, Inc. along the Roanoke River present an unparalleled adventure. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a specialized system of elevated platforms, designed primarily for paddlers, that allows you to spend the night deep within the "Amazon of North Carolina" – the largest and least disturbed bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem in the mid-Atlantic. If you love canoeing, kayaking, and connecting with nature on a profound level, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss in your home state.

Roanoke River Partners, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Roanoke River’s natural and cultural assets through eco-tourism. Their signature achievement is the creation and maintenance of the Roanoke River Paddle Trail, which features over 20 unique riverside camping platforms spanning nearly 140 miles of water trail. Imagine paddling through ancient bald cypress and towering tupelo trees, discovering diverse wildlife, and then settling down for the night on a secure, elevated platform above the water. This innovative approach to camping allows North Carolinians to explore a pristine wilderness area in a responsible and sustainable way, making for unforgettable memories right here in our backyard.

The "campground" of Roanoke River Partners, Inc. is not a single fixed location but rather a series of strategically placed camping platforms along the Roanoke River and its surrounding areas, with their mailing address at 203 E Waldo St, Hamilton, NC 27840, USA. These platforms are spread across multiple counties, from Weldon down to Jamesville, Plymouth, and even up the Cashie River to Windsor, encompassing various sections of the Roanoke River State Trail.

Accessibility to these platforms is primarily by water, making them ideal for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. This "paddle-in" nature is a core part of the experience. Various public boat ramps and wildlife access points along the Roanoke River serve as launch points for your journey to the platforms. While the platforms offer a secluded wilderness experience, they are generally within paddling distance of towns like Hamilton, Williamston, and Jamesville, where essential supplies and services can be found. Some platforms, like River Landing at Williamston, are designed to be more accessible, even featuring handicapped-accessible boardwalks and restroom facilities, which opens up this unique experience to a wider range of North Carolina users. Shuttle services are also available in some areas to assist paddlers with logistics. This unique distributed location allows North Carolinians to explore different sections of the vast Roanoke River ecosystem on multiple trips.

• Over 20 Riverside Camping Platforms: Roanoke River Partners manages a network of over 20 unique camping platforms, providing diverse settings and experiences along the Roanoke River and its tributaries.
• Variety of Platform Designs: Platforms vary in design, from open, uncovered decks to covered and screened-in structures, offering options based on weather preference and insect protection.
• In-Ground Privies / Toilets: Many platforms feature nearby enclosed in-ground privies (outhouses), eliminating the need for campers to bring their own bucket toilets.
• Picnic Tables and Chairs: Some screened platforms, like The Bluff, include small tables and chairs for convenience.
• Reservations Required: All camping platforms require advance reservations, which can be made online or by phone, ensuring a dedicated spot for your stay.
• Accommodations for Groups: Standard platforms comfortably accommodate six to eight campers and their gear. Larger configurations, such as Beaver Lodge and Beaver Tail (two connected platforms), are available for bigger groups.
• Handicapped Accessible Facilities: The River Landing site at Williamston features fully handicapped accessible boardwalk, platform, and restroom facilities, ensuring inclusivity.
• Information and Resources: Roanoke River Partners provides detailed information on their website regarding each platform's features, GPS coordinates, and arrival/departure instructions.
• Eco-Tourism Support: While not a direct service to campers, the organization's broader mission supports local outfitters and businesses, enhancing the overall eco-tourism infrastructure along the river.

• Unique Elevated Camping Experience: Sleeping on an elevated wooden platform above the water or on a bluff provides a distinctive and memorable camping experience, protecting campers from ground dampness and some wildlife.
• Immersive Wilderness Setting: The platforms are situated within the vast bottomland hardwood forest, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience North Carolina's "Amazon" up close, surrounded by ancient bald cypress and water tupelo trees.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The Roanoke River corridor is home to black bear, river otter, white-tail deer, bobcat, and over 200 bird species, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
• Paddling Trail Integration: The platforms are key components of the Roanoke River Paddle Trail, making multi-day paddling excursions feasible and highly rewarding.
• Various Platform Sizes and Features: Options like open platforms, screened-in platforms (for insect protection), and those with nearby in-ground privies cater to different preferences, enhancing comfort in a rustic setting.
• Historical and Natural Significance: The Roanoke River itself has rich cultural and natural history, which can be explored through paddling and nearby interpretive sites.
• Suitable for Various Skill Levels: While primarily for paddlers, there are options for different paddling distances and comfort levels, from shorter paddles to more remote platforms.
• Year-Round Availability: The camping platforms are open 365 days a year, allowing for unique experiences in all seasons.

As a non-profit organization focused on conservation and eco-tourism development, Roanoke River Partners, Inc. primarily offers value through its unique camping infrastructure and the unparalleled natural experience it provides. Direct "promotions" in the commercial sense (like discounts or package deals) are not typically advertised. However, North Carolina residents can consider the following:

• Affordable Nightly Rates: The platforms generally offer an affordable nightly rate, often starting from around $25.00 per night, making this unique wilderness experience accessible to many.
• Membership Benefits: While not explicitly tied to camping discounts, becoming a member or donor to Roanoke River Partners, Inc. directly supports the maintenance and expansion of these platforms and trails. Supporting the organization allows for the continued enjoyment of these resources by the local community.
• Group Booking Flexibility: For larger groups, Roanoke River Partners offers specific platform configurations (like Beaver Lodge and Beaver Tail, or Conine) that can accommodate more campers, providing a cost-effective solution for group outings.
• Seasonal Popularity: While not a promotion, booking during off-peak seasons (outside of spring and fall, or holidays) might offer greater availability and a quieter experience, which can be a "promotion" of sorts for those seeking solitude.

For the most accurate and current information on platform availability, pricing, and how to support their mission, North Carolina residents should visit the official Roanoke River Partners website or contact them directly at (252) 792-3790.

For reservations, inquiries about the camping platforms, or to learn more about the Roanoke River Paddle Trail, you can reach Roanoke River Partners, Inc. using the following contact details:

Address: Camping Platforms along Roanoke River and surrounding areas (Mailing: 203 E Waldo St, Hamilton, NC 27840, USA)

Phone: (252) 792-3790

Mobile Phone: +1 252-792-3790

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular platforms or during peak seasons (spring and fall), as these unique sites are in high demand.

For North Carolina residents, the camping platforms offered by Roanoke River Partners, Inc. provide an unparalleled and deeply suitable outdoor adventure right here in our home state. This unique system is perfect for those who truly want to immerse themselves in nature and explore one of North Carolina's most significant ecological treasures – the Roanoke River's vast bottomland hardwood forests and swamps. As locals, we have the distinct advantage of being able to access these incredible paddle-in sites with relative ease, making them ideal for weekend trips or longer, multi-day explorations.

The variety of platform types, from open decks offering panoramic views to screened-in shelters providing comfort against insects, ensures there’s an option to suit different preferences, all while maintaining a rustic and authentic wilderness feel. The presence of basic amenities like privies at many locations enhances comfort for extended stays. For North Carolinians passionate about kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, and observing native wildlife, these platforms open up an extensive natural playground. It's an opportunity to see black bears, river otters, and a multitude of bird species in their natural habitat, creating educational and awe-inspiring experiences.

By choosing to camp with Roanoke River Partners, Inc., locals also directly support a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable development of this vital river system. This aligns perfectly with a desire to both enjoy and protect North Carolina’s natural heritage. If you're a North Carolinian looking for a truly unique, environmentally conscious, and deeply enriching camping adventure that connects you with the heart of our state's wilderness, the Roanoke River Partners' camping platforms are an absolute must-experience.

Roanoke River Partners, Inc.

Camping Platforms along Roanoke River and surrounding areas, Mailing, 203 E Waldo St, Hamilton, NC 27840, USA