Travel articles on Southern Pines NC

The small town of Southern Pines lies in the heart of south-central North Carolina’s Sandhills region. One of America’s premier golfing vacation destinations, Southern Pines and the neighboring towns of Pinehurst and Aberdeen are home to more than 40 golf courses, including the world-famous Pinehurst Resort. If you and the family are planning a visit and would like to camp in the Southern Pines area, you’ll have your pick of four campgrounds within an hour’s drive.

Sycamore Lodge Resort

Fifteen miles west-southwest of Southern Pines lies Sycamore Lodge Resort (campnorthcarolina.com), a 194-acre camping complex set amid the rolling hills of south-central North Carolina. Part of the Travel Resorts of America chain, the sprawling campground caters primarily to RV campers but has some tent camping sites as well. Also available are a few rental cabins. Its 201 RV sites include 21 with full hookups and 180 with water and electricity only. Amenities include a 6, 000-square-foot log cabin lodge with Wi-Fi, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, a camp store, and a bathhouse with showers and restrooms. The property also has a ball field, a dance pavilion, a miniature golf course and nature trails.

Long Leaf Pines Oasis

Long Leaf Pines Oasis (campingfriend.com) in Marston is about 15 miles south of Southern Pines. Its central location in the Sandhills region puts this smaller campground within easy reach of area golf courses, as well as the North Carolina Motor Speedway in nearby Rockingham. Its 26 RV sites include 14 with full hookups and 12 with electricity only. Tent campers have access to a number of primitive sites, and the campground also has rental dome cabins with kitchen facilities. Open year-round, Long Leaf Pines Oasis requires a two-night minimum stay during major holiday periods. Facilities include hot showers, restrooms, a dog park, horseshoe pits, hiking trails, a children’s playground, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

Pine Lakes RV Resort and Campgrounds

One hundred acres of pine woodlands surround Pine Lake RV Resort and Campgrounds (pinelakervresortcamp.com) near Wagram. Sixteen miles south of Southern Pines, Pine Lake’s property includes three lakes and a network of hiking trails. Open year-round, the campground accommodates both RVs and tents. Its 90 RV sites include 85 with full hookups and five with water and electricity only. A limited number of primitive campsites for tents are also available, as well as several furnished one-bedroom cabins. If you’re making plans for a larger group outing, Pine Lake offers a 39-bed bunkhouse that can be reserved for groups. Amenities at Pine Lake include a recreation center, a camp store, Wi-Fi, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, sports courts, a playground, a bathhouse with hot showers and restrooms, and a fishing dock. Nearby attractions include the North Carolina Motor Speedway at Rockingham and the Carolina Horse Park at Raeford.