North Carolina State Parks

Singletary Lake

6707 NC 53 Hwy. East, Kelly, NC 28448 · (910) 669-2928 · E-mail

Bring your group to Singletary Lake State Park and enjoy group camping in a land of mysterious origins. A portion of the unique Carolina bay ecosystem found nowhere else in the world, Singletary Lake lies within the 35,975-acre Bladen Lakes State Forest.

Developed primarily for organized group camping, the park is comprised of 649 acres of land and a 572-acre natural lake. In addition to group camping, Singletary Lake State Park offers ample opportunities for nature study and recreation.

Group camping

Singletary Lake State Park has two organized group camps available to nonprofit organizations. The camps provide a unique camping experience, creating the perfect setting in which to interpret natural surroundings and to unite in work and play. At least 20 people must be in the group, and the group must also be part of a verifiable organization.

Camp Ipecac, built by the Resettlement Administration, houses 92 persons and is open April through October. The camp was named for Carolina ipecac, a herb common in the region's sandy soil. Extract taken from the herb's dried roots is used for medicinal purposes.

Camp Loblolly Bay houses 48 persons and is open year round. The camp was named for the loblolly, a medium-sized evergreen that produces white blooms in summer.

Both camps are accessible for persons with disabilities and include a mess hall, campers' cabins and restrooms. All amenities are provided for campers except for food, cleaning supplies and bed linens. A basketball goal, volleyball net, horseshoe pit, group-size charcoal grill and picnic tables are located near the cabins. A campfire circle in each camp offers the perfect setting for an evening of fellowship and marshmallow roasting.

Use of the group camps is by reservation only. Reservations are accepted after January 1 of each year for the spring, summer and fall. Reservations for Camp Loblolly Bay for use during the months of January and February may be made after September 1 of the previous year. For additional reservation and fee information, contact the park office.

Hiking

CCC-Carolina Bay Loop Trail is an easy one-mile trek that begins near the pier at the lakeshore. Journey through a forest of bay shrubs, cedar, cypress, gum and poplars. The return segment of the trail takes you through a forest of longleaf pine and bay vegetation.

Water sports

While camping in the park, take advantage of the recreation opportunities offered by this unique bay lake. Relax along the lakeshore among beautiful cypress trees—some which sprouted more than 400 years ago.

A pier more than 500 feet long extends into the lake providing a perfect place for swimming and sunning. Swimming is permitted only for group campers and only in the designated area. Lifeguards are not provided; group leaders must provide swimming supervision.

Campers can bring their own watercraft (limit 10 horsepower).

Though fish populations are low due to the acidity of the water, the lake has a population of yellow perch ready to provide a challenge for fishermen. The public may fish in the lake when the group camps are not in use by obtaining permission from park staff.

For more information visit: North Carolina State Parks - Singletary Lake State Park