Map showing campground location near Fayetteville, North Carolina

Camper submitted image from Smith Lake Army RV Park

Smith Lake Army RV Park

Military aircraft noise punctuates the day at this Army-operated campground on Fort Bragg, where helicopters from adjacent Simmons Army Air Field conduct regular training flights. Smith Lake Army RV Park sits directly on Smith Lake's shoreline, providing water access for fishing and seasonal beach activities alongside full RV hookups on concrete pads.

The campground restricts access to Department of Defense personnel and their families, creating a community atmosphere among active-duty soldiers and military retirees. Sites feature picnic tables and fire pits, though some reviewers note the spacing between sites runs tight. Hiking and biking trails wind throughout the property, while kayak and paddleboat rentals operate from the waterfront during peak season. The beach area opens weekends only until Labor Day.

"Next to Simmons Army Air Field so, expect whirlybirds at all hours buzzing the CG," explains Clean Slate D.. Multiple reviewers mention the constant helicopter activity as part of the military installation experience. The campground maintains year-round operations with clean facilities and level sites, though lake amenities close during winter months.

For those exploring beyond the base, camping near Fayetteville provides additional options. Reservations help secure preferred dates, especially during military training cycles when demand peaks.

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Location

RV Park

Smith Lake Army RV Park is located in North Carolina

Directions

Murchison Rd (Hwy 210) and Honeycutt Rd. Turn East onto Honeycutt for approx. 2 miles (passing Smith Army Airfield and Texas Lake). Turn right onto Smith Lake Rd (gravel road) approx. 2 miles, look for signs to Smith Lake Recreation Area and Smith Lake Riding Stables Turn right at the end of the gravel road, Smith Lake office is on your right. ---- McArthur Rd and Honeycutt Rd. Turn West onto Honeycutt Rd approx. 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Smith Lake Rd. (gravel) approx. 2 miles, look for signs to Smith Lake Recreation Area and Smith Lake Riding Stables. Turn right at the end of the gravel rd, Smith Lake office is on your right. ---- From I-95 North or South, Take Exit 58 onto Bypass I-295 approx. 7 miles Turn right onto Ramsey Street (Hwy 40

Coordinates

35.13631069 N
78.92207082 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

5 min from Fayetteville, NC
1 hr 1 min from Raleigh, NC
1 hr 8 min from Goldsboro, NC
1 hr 12 min from Durham, NC

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Military families frequently mentioned excellent facilities, level sites with full hookups, and great amenities including lake access and playgrounds. Visitors often highlighted the helpful staff and clean conditions, though helicopter noise from the adjacent airfield is expected throughout the day.

Greg B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Army Travel Camp, Quite and Beautiful

Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in.

Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time.

Site1A

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Joy B.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 13, 2022

Recreation Heaven

Lots of recreational activities with lake access. Staff was very friendly. Concrete pads are level and sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire pit. Close to Ft. Bragg entrance, Exchange, and Commissary. This campground is near a military runway so be prepared for loud aircraft noise as well as other military installation noise.

Site1A

Month of VisitFebruary

(4) View All

Clean Slate D.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 13, 2021

Great Army MWR Campground

Clean and level site (6). Fire pit, picnic table and cement pad with full hookup. Many AD soldiers and their families fulltime. They have been great. Next to Simmons Army Air Field so, expect whirlybirds at all hours buzzing the CG. All the sounds of freedom are to be expected and enjoyed. It's winter so, the lake and amenities aren't available for use. But, they look great and you can fish inside the rec area, just not from the Campground. Update: we stay here almost every December. Our cats are obsessed with the helicopters. The hiking trails are great and easy to get to. Reminds me of Sgt time training Thursday's, lol. Great swampy and peidmont preservation area.

Site6

Month of VisitDecember

(5) View All

Big Sarge and Dee C.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 12, 2021

Smith Lake Visit

Campground is off the beaten path but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Availability required us to move during our stay but that wasn’t a big deal. We loved the sounds of freedom and enjoyed seeing our service members practicing flight maneuvers. Being retired aviation, we peacefully slept thru it all. We didn’t use facilities but staff was helpful and professional. Would recommend and stay again.

Site21 and 2

Month of VisitDecember

E G.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Great Family Fun for DoD Members

Great Stay for DOD associated members.

Playgrounds were phenomenal for kids. Bike and Hiking trails all through out the site. Fishing as well - with respective fishing license.

Staff was very receptive and the facilities were new right on the Smith Lake Beach. Beautiful. You can rent kayaks and paddle boats right on the water front, but the beach is only open on Weekends until Labor Day.

Sites were pretty tight to one another and not each site had a fire ring — community fire rings only.

Overall great experience - and highly recommended for military families.

Site3A

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smith Lake Campground open to civilians or only military personnel?

Smith Lake Campground is primarily for Department of Defense (DOD) associated members. The campground welcomes active duty military, their families, and retired military personnel. Many active duty soldiers and their families use the campground as full-time residents. If you're not affiliated with the military, you should contact the campground directly to inquire about any possible exceptions to their access policy.

What amenities are available at Smith Lake Army RV Park?

Smith Lake Army RV Park offers full hookup sites with level concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. The campground features clean, well-maintained facilities and is thoughtfully laid out. For families, there are phenomenal playgrounds for children. The campground provides easy access to the Exchange and Commissary on Fort Bragg. Be aware that the campground is located near Simmons Army Airfield, so helicopter noise can be expected throughout the day and night as service members conduct training exercises.

Are cabins available for rent at Smith Lake Campground?

Based on available information, Smith Lake Campground does not appear to offer cabin rentals. The facility primarily provides RV sites with full hookups on concrete pads. For overnight accommodations, visitors should plan to bring their own RV or camping equipment. For the most current information about possible cabin availability or alternative lodging options, contact the Smith Lake Army RV Park directly before your visit.

What recreational activities are available at Smith Lake in Fayetteville, NC?

Smith Lake offers numerous recreational activities for visitors. The lake features a beach area for swimming, and kayak rentals are available for water exploration. Fishing is permitted with the appropriate fishing license. The property boasts extensive bike and hiking trails throughout the area. The campground provides direct access to the lake, making water activities convenient for guests. Additionally, the well-maintained grounds and natural setting create opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor relaxation.

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