Camping Along the
Roanoke & Cashie
Rivers |
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New Camping Platforms Available...including
new group options!
 everal upriver land-based camping
sites are in the planning stages, as well. Paddlers will be able to
"legitimately" camp from Weldon all the way to the Albemarle
Sound. Enjoy an "up close and personal" view of different
habitats within the Roanoke River Basin. Each camping site and platform offers
a unique experience. Try 'em all out! |
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Lower river
Locator Map |
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Download a copy of our
Distances Chart |
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Barred
Owl Roost
GPS N 35°
50.755' W 76° 54.798'
Google Map
 Barred Owl Roost is located at the back of Lower Deadwater Creek off Devil's Gut about 3 miles up from
Jamesville and about 5 3/4 miles from the Roberson's Marina on Gardner's
Creek. The 20' x 20' platform is large enough to hold six paddling
campers and their tents. The
cantilevered, wooden deck is supported over rich, brown swamp water by
pilings. This platform was built
completely with volunteer labor (and it wasn't easy, but it was
fun!) About Barred Owl's
habitat... |
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Beaver
Lodge
GPS N 35° 50.630' W 76° 55.767'
Google Map
 The
25' x 16' Beaver Lodge platform is named for the local web-footed
residents although you're more likely to see a deer bounding through
this cypress-tupelo backwater. This camping platform is located at
the back of Upper Deadwater Creek off Devil's Gut about 5 miles up
from Jamesville and only 2 miles from Barred Owl Roost. It was
built by volunteers from around the state.(Think piling-pounding over
cypress roots!) Beaver
Lodge is about 3 3/4 miles from Roberson's Marina on Gardner's Creek.
And Beaver Lodge is getting company! (See Beaver Tail)
About Beaver Lodge's
habitat... |
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Beaver Tail
(Group Camping Pod)
GPS N 35°
50.612' W 76° 55.787
Google Map
A 28' x 16' platform located only 80 feet from
Beaver Lodge (see description above) and joined to it by a walkway and a bridge is now available
to campers either in combination with Beaver Lodge or on its own. Beaver Tail will
double the capacity of this location, helping us better serve scouting,
student, research and other groups. (Groups, see Tillery, too!)
About Beaver Tail's
habitat... |
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Cypress Cathedral
(See
Map)
GPS N 35°
51.462' W 76° 53.014'
Google Map
Cypress Cathedral, Roanoke River Partners's
third platform, is located on Three Sisters off nearby Broad Creek
between Jamesville and Plymouth. Called Cypress Cathedral because of
the majestic, cypress–lined entrance, this 28 x 16–foot camping platform rises
above giant cane and lets visitors enjoy another of the Roanoke River
Basin habitats.
About Cypress Cathedral's
habitat... |
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Bear
Run
(See Map)
GPS N 35°
53.071' W 76° 48.606'
 Google
Map
Although bears have not been seen near the
Bear Run platform, they've left "evidence" nearby. The Roanoke
provides habitat for many species of mammals, fish and birds....just
one of the benefits for paddling campers. Bear Run's main camping
platform is a spacious 28 x 16–foot area accessed by two large
stepping platforms which rise up from a long boardwalk. The "privy" is
located along the boardwalk. A large dock welcomes boaters. You will
hear sounds of civilization on this platform, which is less
"remote" than Barred Owl Roost, Beaver Lodge and Cypress
Cathedral.
About Bear Run's habitat... |
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Royal Fern
(See Map)
GPS N 35° 55.525' W 76° 40.976'
 Google
Map
Located off what is locally called White Marsh Creek from Conaby
Creek east of Plymouth, this
28' x 16' platform is in the heart of bear country.
Bears are known to visit this platform/area
often. Campers should be prepared for a potential bear encounter. ALL
food MUST be stored away from tents and/or sleeping areas in AIR-TIGHT
containers. Other essential tips can be found at these links and ALL
campers to this platform are required to heed the advice given for
campers in bear territory.
Campers unwilling or unable to follow
essential advice about camping in bear territory must not occupy this
platform. Roanoke River Partners and all associates of the organization
assume no responsibility for accidents or injury to persons or property
related to encounters with wildlife of any kind.
About Royal Fern's habitat... |
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Three
Sisters
GPS N 35°
51.056' W 76° 52.749'
 Google
Map
Where Broad Creek (off the
Roanoke) branches into three small, sister creeks, you'll find
the path to this tranquil 28' x 16' camping spot. Follow "the middle
sister" and look for the tall, young cypress standing sentinel at
the dock.
About Three Sisters' habitat... |
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Cow
Creek
GPS N
35° 52.096' W 76° 50.586'
 Google
Map
Looking for your own secret
breakfast garden? This could be it! Just off the Roanoke's Broad Creek,
not far into Cow Creek on the left, this 28' x 16' platform is tucked behind the
bank near drifts of May-flowering blue flag iris.
About Cow Creek habitat... |
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Lost
Boat
(See Map)
GPS N 35°
56.063' W 76° 51.621'
 Google
Map
Located a few paddle strokes
off the winding Cashie River, this 28' x 16' platform is a 12-mile paddle from the
historic town of Windsor. Visit the Roanoke-Cashie River Center, then
put in at the center's boat ramp or the nearby N.C. Wildlife Access.
About Lost Boat's habitat... |
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Otter
One
(See Map)
GPS N 35°
53.622' W 76° 47.558'
 Google
Map
Located on an upper branch of
the Cashie River's Broad Creek, this
28' x 16' platform makes a great second-night
campsite after spending a first night at Lost Boat Platform. Or put in
at the N.C. Wildlife Access at the historic Sans Souci ferry landing.
Listen for the call of the osprey as you enjoy the splendid isolation of
this platform. About Otter One's
habitat... |
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Conine
GPS N 35°
52.933' W 76° 57.949'
 Google
Map
A unique new offering that's a
six-mile paddle from the N.C. Wildlife Access in Williamston, this 28' x
16'
platform offers a small screened-in section for those who like a little
something between themselves and the great outdoors. Look for this
platform on the south side of the Roanoke just across from the river's
eastern confluence with Conine Creek.
About Conine's habitat... |
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Tillery
GPS N 36°
18.527' W 77° 29.587'
Google Map
The first land-based campsite on
the Roanoke for RRP, this unique location offers a roofed and screened
camping deck, an
 open
deck, and a separate privy...all with a spectacular view of the Roanoke
from high atop a bluff. Both the screen-enclosed and the open platforms
measure 12' x 16'. Steps with multiple docks (to accommodate
paddlers during river level variations) lead from the river to the top
of the bluff. Position more tents around the two camping structures and
create a good camp site for larger groups. The fire ring allows open
fires, another first for RRP campsites. This site also has an historical
side. The name,
Tillery, comes from the nearby 1940s African-American New Deal
resettlement community. This site is also accessible by land. Click
here for directions.
About Tillery's habitat... |
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The Bluff
near Hamilton
GPS N 36°
01.911' W 77° 16.261'
 Google
Map
About 7 miles from the town of Hamilton, near the northern end of Martin County, The Bluff platform is nestled
high on a wooded bluff on the south side of the Roanoke River. This
platform features a screened platform
(15 x 13) with an uncovered deck area (16
x 14) surrounded by a railing which has a
wonderful view of the river. Amenities include a small table and 4
chairs in the screened in porch as well as an enclosed in-ground privy
(no bucket needed) nearby.
Upon arrival by
vehicle, there is approximately a 150 foot
downwardly sloping walk from where you will park to this
campsite. As you descend from the platform, there is an additional
200 foot long wooden
walkway (approximately 44 steps) to the water’s edge.
Follow
a short walkway up the hill from the campsite find a hidden, 10 x 6
observation deck complete with a convenient bench for relaxing and
enjoying a spectacular view of the mighty Roanoke. Mountain
laurel (Kalmia latifolia), typically a highland species rare in this
part of the state, thrives on the high, steep banks around this
campsite.
Due to the wooded nature of this area, NO OPEN
FIRES are allowed!
This lovely, remote
platform is located approximately 7 miles from Historic Hamilton and
approximately 12 miles from the quaint little town of Scotland Neck.
Directions for arrival by road can be mailed on request.
About The Bluff's habitat... |
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Tusca Landing
GPS N 36°
20.220' W 77° 35.143'
 Google Map
Tusca Landing is currently RRP’s
farthest upper river platform and offers some unique exploration
opportunities. It features an open camping platform as well as a
covered, screened platform and has an in-ground toilet (no bucket
needed) nearby. The campsite is tucked into a picturesque bend in
the river surrounded by trees, but next to an open field. Each
platform is 14' x 16'.Walk
less than 125 yards from the camping platform, and you will see a
marker for the NC Civil War Trail on the bluff of the river. This
marker denotes the area in the Roanoke River where the waters were
deep enough for the outfitting of the Civil War ironclad, the CSS
Albemarle, in 1863-4. The Albemarle was one of the most successful
of the ironclads, sinking 29 Federal vessels before being torpedoed
and sunk near Plymouth on October 27, 1864.
Walk approximately one-half mile from
here to the
Historic Halifax State Historic Site. There is a Visitors Center
with exhibits and a brief movie. Take a walking tour of nine
historic structures, including a tavern, tap room, jail, clerk’s
office, archaeological structure and private homes. Have a picnic in
market square. Walk through a revolutionary-era cemetery. Take
photos by one of the oldest and largest paper mulberry trees in
America.
Once you have toured the Historic
Site, be sure to take a stroll along King Street into downtown
Halifax.
About Tusca Landing's habitat...
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River Landing Platform, Williamston, NC
744 River Rd., Williamston, NC
GPS: N 35 51.60’ W 77 02.497’
Google Map
 River
Landing - Platform in Williamston, NC - located at the boat landing -
Has 2 showers with coded entry, public restroom - 100 ft. away - full
roof & walls – Size: 24 x 24, 2 bikes for use & picnic table (make sure
you get the codes from me, if you reserve this one) It features a screened and covered
facility with restrooms and showers nearby. The platform is connected
to the River Landing Boardwalk and offers picturesque views of the
Roanoke River Wetlands across the river. The Boardwalk, platform, and
restroom facilities are fully handicapped accessible. The Platform
is elevated above the wetland floor, and while less than 1 mile to
downtown, provides a very scenic and convenient location to access the
Roanoke River. The mouth to Sweetwater Creek is less than 1 mile
downstream of the platform and provides for easy paddling through
pristine waters lined with cypress trees and abundant wildlife. Just
up the street is a tackle shop that can provide all your needs for
fishing from the Boardwalk. NC Fishing License regulations are in
effect. Ample parking is available in the designated Boardwalk parking
area across the street.
The Platform is equipped with 2 bicycles
that can be used for a short ride on the connecting Skewarkee Trail to
downtown for provisions, a Pizza at Domino’s, or land excursions to view
the historic downtown district or historic residential districts.
Upstream of the platform and within walking distance is Moratoc Park
which is being renovated and updated to accommodate a wider range of
uses for the community and visitors to our area. Moratoc Park was the
area first inhabited by English settlers to Williamston. It is believed
to be the site of the earliest skirmish in the new world between English
and Native Americans in 1586 approximately 2 years prior to the “Lost
Colony” event. Moratoc Park includes an original one room schoolhouse
and original log tobacco barn. |
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Spruill Farm Landing, Albemarle Sound |
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much-needed public water access directly to the Albemarle Sound.
Currently, there are only two places on the sound where there is direct
public access: the waterfront of Edenton on Edenton Bay and the Palmetto
Peartree Preserve in Tyrrell County. The Albemarle is the largest
freshwater sound in the world with eleven rivers flow directly into it.
If you enjoy spectacular sunsets, fishing
for white perch or catfish, wading and splashing in pristine sound
waters, napping on a sandy beach, being scolded by Osprey nesting in
very old Bald Cypress trees growing nearby, listening to the chorus of
owls at night, cooking fish over a firepit and spotting eagles soaring
overhead, this campsite is calling your name.
Details are still being finalized so, for
the time being, please contact Lucia Peel (252/792-0070) or Anne
Lunsford (252/792-3790) for directions and access information. Maps,
photos and GPS coordinates will be posted in the near future. |
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