good thing just got better! Paddling campers now
have two new eastern North Carolina camping systems
to enjoy…along with an expanding set along the Roanoke and Cashie Rivers. The new platforms are owned and operated by others but will use Roanoke River Partners’ convenient reservation system. 

Hidden Lake Platform on a secluded bay just off the Albemarle Sound is part of the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve, a 10,000-acre wetland forest preserve operated by The Conservation Fund. The preserve is home to red-cockaded woodpeckers, red wolves, American alligator, bobcats, black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and over 100 species of migratory birds and waterfowl as well as a variety of plants. Click here to see a slide show of Hidden Lake platform and surrounding area, see a map and download a brochure about other activities on the property.

The Chowan County Parks and Recreation Department owns and operates five of the new platform campsites. Located on Holladay’s Island, a cypress-filled swamp island located in the middle of the Chowan River, you’ll have a unique view of four surrounding counties from a vantage point that looks as it did when Thomas Holladay first owned it in 1730.

The Holladay South Cluster, with its three full-size (16 x 24 foot) platforms, is a great choice for large groups such as scout troops or outdoor clubs. The three platforms are connected by winding walkways and feature a convenient privy station. The single Holladay East and Holladay West platforms each offer one full-size platform, fine for groups of 6-8 campers. All Holladay Island platforms have on-site “porta-potties” which are serviced after each camping trip, eliminating the need to carry camping toilets. The N.C. Wildlife Access at Cannon’s Ferry in Chowan County is only a mile from the island. Click here for a slide show of the Holladay’s Island platforms.

Hidden Lake (on the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve) and Holladay’s Island (on the Chowan River) are now available through Roanoke River Partners website and telephone reservations system.

These options broaden our trail users’ choices and open up camping possibilities in some of Northeastern North Carolina’s most beautiful and remote spots.