Topics Related to Paddling

Lumber River State Park – Chalk Banks Access

Location: Scotland County, 32 miles southeast of Fayetteville

At the park, you can find: blackwater river, bald cypress trees in the swamp forest, and the eastern box turtle

Highlights at this access: long hiking trail; drive-in tent camping; paddle-in camping; picnic area; boat ramp

Lumber River State Park – Princess Ann Access

Location: Robeson County, 54 miles south of Fayetteville

At the park, you can find: blackwater river, bald cypress trees in the swamp forest, and the belted kingfisher

Highlights at this access: Griffin's Whirl; access to paddle-in camping; walk-in group camping with overflow area; boat ramp; picnic shelter

Lake Waccamaw State Park

Location: Columbus County, 40 miles west of Wilmington

You can find: Waccamaw Dam, the headwaters for the 150-mile river; the American alligator; and the Venus flytrap

Highlights: lakeside hiking; boat ramps and boardwalks to provide access to the 52 species of fish and numerous endemic animals in the lake

Lake Norman State Park

Location: Iredell County, 39 miles north of Charlotte

You can find: largest manmade lake in N.C. with 520 miles of shoreline, and the great blue heron

Highlights: mountain bike and accessible hiking trails; boat rentals; swim beach; boat ramp; cabins; full-hookup RV camping; community building

Lake James State Park – Catawba River Access

Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: Sandy Cliff and Lake Channel overlooks; walk-in backpack camping; large group rental that includes picnic shelter and swimming area

Lake James State Park – Paddy's Creek Access

Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: wooden bridge; bike trails; swim beach; boat rentals; drive-in camping; paddle-in camping to Long Arm peninsula; access to Fonta Flora and Overmountain Victory state trails

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Nutbush Bridge Access

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: two 24-hour boat ramps, one suitably large for fishing tournaments; year-round tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Kimball Point Access

Location: Warren County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; swim beach area

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – J.C. Cooper Campground

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: year-round tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; campers-only boat ramp and dock; hiking trail; located at Satterwhite Point access

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Hibernia Access

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; longest park trail; cemetery; swim area; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping