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Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park

The sounds of the Cape Fear River flowing below and the occasional airplane overhead mark the quiet nights at this primitive camping area within Raven Rock State Park. Campers reach the six tent sites by hiking 1.7 miles through the forest or paddling in from the river, carrying all gear on their backs since wheeled items cannot navigate the trail.

Each campsite includes a fire pit, picnic table, and benches, with sites spaced well apart for privacy. A central pit toilet serves all campers, though the walk from some sites requires a good headlamp after dark. The river sits just a short walk from camp, providing sunrise photo opportunities and fishing access. Reviewers consistently note the cleanliness of the sites and the secluded feeling, particularly during weekdays and off-season visits.

"The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way," notes one regular camper. "The spots are clean and well spread out." The park's dozen-plus miles of trails offer hiking, cycling, and horseback riding opportunities, with the namesake 150-foot cliffs serving as a popular day hike destination. Scout groups occasionally use the area, which can impact trail access during their visits.

Campers wanting full hookups can explore Raven Rock State Park Campground for a drive-up camping experience with modern amenities.

Reservation Info

Pets allowed at the park and general campsites but no pets inside the cabins.

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SHELTER RESERVATIONS: If you plan to reserve the picnic shelter on a Saturday or Sunday, be advised that a shelter reservation does not guarantee parking spaces for your party. There is often a line to enter the park on weekend days, requiring a wait time of up to an hour and a half. You will not be allowed to jump in line to park.

Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock, Raven Rock and Morrow Mountain State Parks 1 night Minimum Stay on holiday weekend if the booking dates within 14 Days before Arrival Date Rule applies to the following holiday weekends: Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day

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Location

Public Campground

Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park is located in North Carolina

Directions

Raven Rock State Park is located nine miles west of Lillington and 20 miles east of Sanford off US HWY 421 North at the end of Raven Rock Road. From Hwy 421, take Raven Rock Road. Turn right onto Moccasin Branch Road (dirt road). Turn left into Moccasin Branch Campground at 814 Moccasin Branch Road.

Address

3009 Raven Rock Rd
Lillington, NC 27546

Coordinates

35.465456753845174 N
78.88721330555582 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Showers
Electric Hookups
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Drive Time

44 min from Fayetteville, NC
1 hr 2 min from Raleigh, NC
1 hr 7 min from Durham, NC
1 hr 15 min from Goldsboro, NC

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8 Reviews

Brett W.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2023

Great spot for a night or two

I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.

SiteI’ve stayed at 1 and 6.

Month of VisitOctober

Linda

Traveler

Reviewed May. 17, 2022

Canoe camping

My husband and I canoe camped at Raven Rock two weeks ago and we loved it. The site was beautiful. Flat and spacious. There’s a picnic table and a fire ring and two benches. You have to canoe or hike to the site. There are a few sites and a pit toilet nearby but you can not see each other. I highly recommend!

Site1

Month of VisitApril

(4) View All

Myron C.

Legend

Reviewed Dec. 31, 2019

Backcountry Camping in a State Park

Raven Rock State Park is known for its namesake cliffs on the edge of the Cape Fear River. It has over a dozen miles of trails, which include horseback riding, hiking, and cycling trails. Since this park is along the fall line, most of the trails are easy with some rise and fall in elevation. Make sure you hike to the“Raven Rock” while you are there. It is impressive, and there are other trails that offer peaceful walks through the forest and other views of the river. The only camping allowed, for now, is primitive tent camping. The campsites can be reached either by hiking or by canoeing/kayaking in. There is a privy, but there are no showers. I counted seven spaces for camping. There is a site(or was) for group camping. The ranger told me that it is no longer in use. When I was talking to her, she said that they are working on an area for RV camping and that it would be ready next year. If I understood correctly, it will be in the area of the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail. When you camp there, make sure to take a good head lamp or flashlight. I had to walk quite far to get to the privy, and during the night, it is dark! The site that I chose was a longer walk to the privy than the other campsites, but it was a little more remote and private. I also had to by-pass a mud hole on the way to the privy, so again, take a good light source. The best thing about Raven Rock State Park is, of course, the 150’ cliffs along the river. The best thing about camping at Raven Rock State Park is how quiet it is. The hike is 1.7 miles, and other than the sounds of Cape Fear River down below, the only thing you hear at night might be an occasional airplane flying overhead. Since it was during December, I didn’t see any other campers. During the day, however, the park had several day hikers. If you want to camp in the backcountry but don’t want to hike very far to get there, this is a great place. If you have an RV or just want to camp where you can drive to, you will have to wait for a year, according to the park ranger.

(18) View All

James H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2019

Beauty, peace, and quiet

I spent a night at the primitive campsite right before new years and enjoyed it immensely. It was forecasted to be rainy and had been raining for a couple of days prior. The park was absolutely gorgeous and secluded feeling (probably thanks to the rain!) The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and provided plenty of info. The campsite had a bench and firepit. The site itself was off the trail a bit allowing it to be more secluded feeling. Overall, I loved it and will be going back. I hope to take a fishing rod with me next time as I have heard decent things about fishing there.

(4) View All

William R.

Guide

Reviewed May. 14, 2019

Great hiking

Backpack camping is great here. Trails are good for family and have been here numerous times and will continue to go even though we have hiked all the trails.

Robert P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2018

Primitive

Hiking in

Month of VisitAugust

Chris W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2017

Canoe camping site.

It was a pretty nice camp. They have a fire pit with grill and a place to hang and dry out stuff. The entrance was pretty steep coming off the river. There were 3 kayaks in my group ant that was tuff to drag them up. Disclaimer call ahead and make sure the boy scouts won't be the at the same time. They left all their canoes all up in down the trail you have to traverse up. There is a toilet.

SiteCanoe sight.

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Angel G.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2016

Great Rustic Camping and Canoe Camping

This is a very rustic campground. There are only 6 campsites which you have to trek almost 2 miles into the woods to get to. We had a blast, but this is definitely not car camping. So be prepared. No rolling coolers or wheeled carts of any kind. Everything must come on you back. We always have an awesome time when we come here and we come often.

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there designated campsites at Raven Rock State Park Campground?

Yes, Raven Rock State Park features designated primitive campsites. The Canoe Camp area has 6 specific campsites that are spread out for privacy. These are not drive-up sites - you must either hike approximately 2 miles to reach them or access them by canoe from the Cape Fear River. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, as the limited number of sites can fill quickly.

Are there hiking trails near Raven Rock State Park Campground?

Raven Rock State Park offers over a dozen miles of excellent trails that surround the campground area. The park features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. Most trails are relatively easy with gentle elevation changes since the park is located along the fall line. The namesake Raven Rock cliff trail offers spectacular views of the Cape Fear River. The campground itself is accessed via a trail approximately 2 miles long, making hiking an integral part of the camping experience here.

What do campsites at Raven Rock State Park look like?

The campsites at Raven Rock State Park are rustic and primitive, set in a beautiful wooded setting. Each site is flat and spacious with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and benches. Some sites also have hooks for hanging gear to dry. The sites are well-spaced from each other offering privacy, though you can't see neighboring campers. The Canoe Camp area provides a natural, secluded camping experience along the Cape Fear River.

What amenities are available at the Raven Rock State Park Campground?

Amenities at Raven Rock State Park Campground are basic, reflecting its primitive nature. Each site includes a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and benches. There's also a hook for hanging and drying gear. A pit toilet is centrally located and shared among the six campsites. No running water, electricity, or shower facilities are available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Be prepared for a true back-to-nature experience with minimal facilities.

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Is Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park sold out?

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

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Drive Time

Are there designated campsites at Raven Rock State Park Campground?

Are there hiking trails near Raven Rock State Park Campground?

What do campsites at Raven Rock State Park look like?

What amenities are available at the Raven Rock State Park Campground?