Boating: A ramp at the park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a leisurely small boat or canoe trip on one of the country's few wild and scenic rivers—the only black-water river with this designation in North Carolina. Contact the park office for river conditions and suggested canoe trips. Below is a listing of distances along the Lumber River.
Note: Due to the fluctuating water level of the Lumber River, canoeists and boaters should exercise caution in planning trips on the river. Add extra time for crossing exposed hazards and sandbars. All float times should include additional time to reach take-out points.
Camping:
Primitive camping: The is a total of 22 campsites, eight at Princess Ann and fourteen at Chalk Banks. One site at each access area is designated handicapped accessable. A maximum of six people are allowed per site. Each site has a table, grill, lantern holder, trash can and fire pit. All fires must be contained in the pit. Permits for camping are required.
Group campsites: Group campsites are available by reservation for verifiable, affiliated groups only. The maximum number of persons allowed per site is 20. Each site includes two tables, a grill, lantern holder, trash can and fire pit. All fires must be contained in the pit. Checkout time is noon.
Education and Events: Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Lumber River State Park. Click the Events link on the menu to the left to search our database of park events. To arrange a special exploration of Lumber River State Park for your group or class, contact the park office.
Fishing: Fish from a boat or along the riverbank. Black crappie, red breast, largemouth bass and catfish are abundant. Anglers must have a state fishing license and obey all regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Hiking: Hikers enjoy the park's nature trail system. Princess Ann has 1.5 miles of trails. Chalk Banks Trail, a 1.5-mile loop, meanders along the river's edge, by a wetlands habitat, and a mixed pine and hardwoods forest.
Begin near the picnic shelter and enjoy a peaceful walk along the highest bank of the Lumber River. The trail features a 100-foot boardwalk across a wet area. A fishing pier and turn-of-the-century millpond are adjacent to the trail.
Picnicking: Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Lumber River in a picnic area. For large gatherings, a picnic shelter can hold approximately 100 people and is available for reservations. Some picnic sites are accessible for persons with disabilities. All sites are available on a first-come basis.