Lumber River State Park

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available through the North Carolina State Parks system up to 6 months in advance. Park gates close and lock at posted times; no entry or exit permitted after hours.

About

Lumber River State Park protects a scenic stretch of North Carolina's only blackwater river to receive federal Wild and Scenic River designation. The park consists of two separate access areas located about 50 miles apart: Chalk Banks near Wagram and Princess Ann near Orrum. Both areas offer primitive camping with direct access to the slow-moving, dark-water river renowned for its diverse wildlife and plant life, including the rare Carolina bogmint and abundant belted kingfishers. The Chalk Banks Access Area provides 13 individual primitive sites accommodating up to 6 people each, with some offering pull-through driveways up to 75 feet. The Princess Ann Access Area offers 9 primitive sites, also for up to 6 people. Both locations feature vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Group camping is available at both areas, with the Chalk Banks group site accommodating up to 35 people and Princess Ann offering sites for 20-50 people. The park is popular with paddlers exploring the meandering blackwater river, anglers fishing for diverse species, and nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat in southeastern North Carolina's coastal plain. The park gates close and lock at posted times, and visitors must remain inside after hours or will be unable to re-enter until the next morning.

Directions

Two separate access areas: Princess Ann (2819 Princess Ann Rd, Orrum, NC 28369) from I-95 Exit 13, take US 74 East 11 miles, right on Creek Road for 2 miles to Orrum, continue 3 miles, left on Princess Ann Road for 2 miles. Chalk Banks (26040 Wagram Rd, Wagram, NC 28396) from US 74/Hwy 401 intersection in Laurinburg, take Hwy 401 North 13 miles, entrance on left.

Nearby Campgrounds