Lumber River State Park
115-Mile Blackwater River Corridor — National Wild and Scenic River Designation, Canoeing and Kayaking Through Cypress Swamp and Hardwood Bottomland, Campground With Water and Electric Sites Near Princess Ann Access, Primitive Canoe-In Campsites Along the River, Fishing for Largemouth Bass Bowfin Chain Pickerel and Catfish, Hiking Trail Through Longleaf Pine and River Corridor, Designated NC Paddle Trail, Near Lumberton Robeson County Southeastern North Carolina
Lumber River State Park is a linear state park along 115 miles of the Lumber River — a National Wild and Scenic River — in southeastern North Carolina, managed by North Carolina State Parks. The park features a campground with water and electric hookup sites near the Princess Ann access area, primitive canoe-in campsites along the river corridor, exceptional canoeing and kayaking through cypress swamp, hardwood bottomland forest, and sandbars, fishing for largemouth bass, bowfin (mudfish), chain pickerel, red-breast sunfish, and channel catfish, hiking trails through longleaf pine savanna and river corridor forest, a designated North Carolina Paddle Trail with multiple access points, picnic areas, and one of the most pristine blackwater river ecosystems on the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
The Lumber River is one of North Carolina’s most pristine blackwater rivers — the tea-colored tannin-stained water flows through ancient cypress swamps creating a hauntingly beautiful paddling experience. The National Wild and Scenic designation protects its undeveloped character.
Bowfin (mudfish) and chain pickerel are unusual catches that make Lumber River fishing distinct from typical lake fishing — these prehistoric predators provide exciting topwater action.
Things to Do
- Paddling — canoe/kayak, NC Paddle Trail
- Camping — hookup sites + primitive canoe-in
- Fishing — bass, bowfin, pickerel, catfish
- Hiking — longleaf pine + river trails
- Nature — blackwater cypress swamp
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | SE North Carolina — Robeson County |
| River | Lumber River — 115 mi, National Wild & Scenic |
| Camping | W/E hookup + primitive canoe-in |
| Paddling | NC Paddle Trail — multiple access points |
| Fishing | Bass, bowfin, pickerel, catfish |
| Managed By | North Carolina State Parks |
| Coordinates | 34.6333° N, 79.0833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you kayak the Lumber River?
Yes — Lumber River State Park in southeastern North Carolina is a designated NC Paddle Trail along 115 miles of the Lumber River, a National Wild and Scenic River. Paddlers kayak and canoe through pristine blackwater cypress swamps and hardwood bottomland. The park offers a campground with water/electric hookups, primitive canoe-in campsites along the river, fishing for bass, bowfin, and pickerel, and hiking trails. One of the most beautiful blackwater paddling experiences on the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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