Singletary Lake State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NC
Camping Guide

Singletary Lake State Park

In the enigmatic heart of North Carolina, Singletary Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its raw and wild allure. This pristine sanctuary, tucked amidst the longleaf pine ecosystems, weaves a ...

State Park6492+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area649
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Singletary Lake State Park

Singletary Lake State Park, located in southeastern North Carolina, offers a unique blend of ecological and recreational activities centered around the natural beauty of Singletary Lake.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Singletary Lake State Park, spanning over 600 acres, is situated in Bladen County, North Carolina. It is centered around a natural Carolina bay with a history deeply connected to the Lake Waccamaw community. The park provides a serene outdoor experience with opportunities for nature exploration and water-based recreation. The ecosystem here features a diverse array of plant life, including bog-button and white cedar, creating habitats for various wildlife species. Singletary Lake is a shallow seepage lake that serves as a crucial site for both the conservation of local flora and fauna and for water recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing. Historically, the park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it still holds remnants of this era in its architecture. Visitors can enjoy fishing from designated areas, hiking on trails that offer a glimpse into the natural landscape of coastal plain environments, and organized group activities at the park’s group camps. Its relative seclusion provides an escape for those looking to enjoy a less crowded park experience, making it a favorite for both educational and recreational purposes.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Singletary Lake State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Singletary Lake itself is an awe-inspiring natural Carolina bay offering water activities.✦ Diverse ecosystems supporting species like red-cockaded woodpeckers and pitcher plants.✦ Historic CCC structures still used for group camp activities.✦ Educational programs focusing on the unique geography and natural history of Carolina bays.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Singletary Lake State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideSingletary Lake State Park

Camping in Singletary Lake State Park

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Singletary Lake State Park: A Camping Adventure Awaits

In the enigmatic heart of North Carolina, Singletary Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its raw and wild allure. This pristine sanctuary, tucked amidst the longleaf pine ecosystems, weaves a journey that marries serenity with the exhilarating spirit of discovery. As your boots crunch over the sandy trails, let your senses attune to the rhythm of this land—a whispered promise of adventure in the rustle of the pines and the shimmering surface of its eponymous lake.

Begin your exploration with a morning hike along the park's undulating paths, where the whispering breezes serenade you through towering pines and ancient oaks. The terrain is gentle yet varied, providing an accessible adventure for both novice explorers and seasoned hikers alike. Look closely and witness the vibrant life thrumming beneath the canopies—red-cockaded woodpeckers darting between trunks, and a tapestry of native flora carpeting the forest floor. To prepare for your journey, pack a sturdy pair of hiking boots and ensure your canteen brims with water; hydration is key under the sun’s warm embrace.

Once settled into your campsite, let the lake take center stage. Its dark, reflective waters stretch wide, an invitation for canoeists and swimmers searching for peace amid nature's embrace. Glide along the lake's surface in quiet reverie, or dive in for a refreshing swim; the tea-colored waters, steeped with tannins from surrounding vegetation, are a gentle reminder of nature's alchemy at play. Adventure seekers and families alike can find spaces to unfurl picnic blankets or cast fishing lines in pursuit of quiet and reflection.

As the sun descends, setting the sky ablaze in hues of amber and purple, gather around the crackling campfire. Here, stories blossom and laughter punctuates the evening air, weaving new memories into the fabric of Singletary Lake State Park. A canvas of stars unfurls overhead, every glittering point a testament to the unspoiled beauty that surrounds you. Remember to pack a warm sleeping bag, as the night air can carry a crisp edge.

For those eager to extend their adventure beyond the park's boundaries, the wider Bladen Lakes area offers additional trails and vistas to conquer. However, the true magic of Singletary lies in its tranquil isolation—a perfect auteur for introspective moments and communing with the natural world.

Before you depart, consider the ethos of this place: a delicate balance between ecological preservation and open adventure. Respect the land that hosts your journey. Tread lightly, pack out your waste, and leave behind only the echo of your footfalls and laughter.

Singletary Lake State Park, with its symphony of sights and sounds, invites you to savor not just the adventure, but the profound quietude of nature. Whether you come seeking challenge, peace, or a blend of both, this escape is bound to inspire and invigorate, leaving you with tales of adventure to tell long after the embers of your campfire have faded.

Other Available Activity Guides in Singletary Lake State Park:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Singletary Lake State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance is free but group camps require reservations.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Singletary Lake State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Singletary Lake State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Elizabethtown, North Carolina
⌖ 7.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Elizabethtown, North Carolina

Discover Elizabethtown, NC, where water-activities enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and fishing in serene lakes and river environments, complemented by forest trails and local festivals.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Kerr, North Carolina
⌖ 11.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kerr, North Carolina

Kerr is a peaceful lakeside town perfect for paddling, fishing, and gentle hiking. With expansive waters, quiet forests, and plentiful birdlife, it’s an ideal spot for relaxed outdoor adventures from spring through fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina
⌖ 19.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina

Lake Waccamaw offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Capture stunning views and embark on bird-watching adventures in this tranquil setting.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Hallsboro, North Carolina
⌖ 20.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hallsboro, North Carolina

Hallsboro offers outdoor lovers peaceful access to coastal forests, wetlands, and rivers. Ideal for hiking, paddling, and birding, it’s a quiet spot to enjoy North Carolina’s natural beauty away from crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Clinton, North Carolina
⌖ 29.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clinton, North Carolina

Clinton, North Carolina offers a peaceful outdoor escape with kayaking on the Black River, nature trails, and quiet cycling routes. This small town’s gentle landscape is perfect for wildlife lovers and those seeking calm adventure.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lumberton, North Carolina
⌖ 30.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lumberton, North Carolina

Lumberton offers a combination of river adventures, trails, and birding opportunities in a charmingly understated setting. Great for those seeking a peaceful connection with nature.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Singletary Lake State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Club Black River Mistletoe Gathering Tour | Sat. December 6
ADVEXPEDITION
Kelly, North Carolina
KayakADV Bookable

Club Black River Mistletoe Gathering Tour | Sat. December 6

Float through ancient bald cypress and hunt for seasonal mistletoe on this guided kayak tour of the Black River’s Three Sisters swamp. Calm water, close wildlife encounters, and expert guides make it ideal for first-timers and repeat paddlers alike.

KayakEnter your membership number upon booking, 100% cost covered with membershipCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Haunted Mansion
ADVEXPEDITION
Wilmington, North Carolina
Ghost TourADV Bookable

Haunted Mansion

Step out of the sunshine and into a one-hour private escape experience at Haunted Mansion in Wilmington, NC. Ideal for families, groups of friends, and rainy days, this themed room blends mechanical puzzles and immersive set design for an intense, social hour.

Ghost Tour1 Hour Private Rooms • 2-8 PlayersCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Share a Bike Utrecht
ADVEXPEDITION
Utrecht, Utrecht
Bike TourADV Bookable

Share a Bike Utrecht

A pedal-powered party that threads Utrecht’s canal-lined streets: Share a Bike Utrecht is a 90-minute social ride with onboard drinks, loud music, and a local guide. Ideal for solo travelers and groups who want to meet people while seeing the city from a unique vantage.

Bike TourAges 18+ • Share a Bike with New Friends • 90 mins • Beer and prosecco includedCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Karaoke Bike Utrecht
ADVEXPEDITION
Utrecht, Utrecht
PrivateADV Bookable

Private Karaoke Bike Utrecht

Turn Utrecht’s canals into your stage: hop on the Private Karaoke Bike for a 75-minute rolling party with drinks, a pro sound system, and on-board games. Perfect for birthdays and groups who want an unforgettable, sociable way to see the city.

PrivateAges 18+ • 90 mins karaoke sing-a-long • from 372.60 • Beer, prosecco or both •Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip