How much does camping cost at Pettigrew State Park?

Camping fees at Pettigrew State Park range from $23-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pettigrew State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Pettigrew State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pettigrew State Park before I book?

Yes! Pettigrew State Park has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Pettigrew State Park?

Yes, Pettigrew State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Pettigrew State Park?

Cell phone service at Pettigrew State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pettigrew State Park have?

Pettigrew State Park has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pettigrew State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pettigrew State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pettigrew State Park?

Pettigrew State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pettigrew State Park?

Popular activities at Pettigrew State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pettigrew State Park

4.17

48 reviews

2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, North Carolina, 27928, United States

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping North Carolina

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$23 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Pettigrew State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$23 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Pettigrew State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Pettigrew State Park

$23.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard sites cost $23-$26 per night. Firewood is available for sale at the campground entrance.

Standard Site Fee$23.00

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Provider

2527974475

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Campground Map

2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, North Carolina, 27928, United States

Pettigrew State Park

2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, North Carolina, 27928, United States

Nearby places

Creswell (7 miles)

Driving directionsFrom US 64 East or US 64 West, take exit 558 to Creswell. Turn left onto Alligood Road and drive approximately one mile. Turn left onto Main Street and drive two miles (the road name changes to Spruill's Bridge Road). Turn right onto Thirty Foot Canal Road and drive for five miles. Turn left onto Lake Shore Road and the park office entrance is immediately on the right.

Access is straightforward from US 64, but involves smaller rural roads such as Thirty Foot Canal Road and Lake Shore Road. These roads appear to be paved and accessible year-round.

Weather at Pettigrew State Park

Best Time to Camp at Pettigrew State Park

Fall delivers the best camping conditions. October through November brings daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, calm water for paddling, and fewer mosquitoes than summer. The cypress foliage peaks in October. Summer can be hot and buggy, especially in the open grassy sites where mosquitoes swarm at dusk. Multiple reviews warn to pack bug spray. Winter stays mild but can feel damp in the low-lying terrain. Spring offers good fishing but brings rain and the return of biting insects. Clear fall nights provide excellent stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall delivers best conditions: mid temps, calm water, fewer mosquitoes, great foliage.

Planning Tips

About Pettigrew State Park

Pettigrew State Park's 13-site campground sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Phelps, one of North Carolina's largest natural lakes. The small size keeps crowds minimal. Sites cost $23-$26 per night and split between a wooded area (sites 1-6) and an open grassy field (sites 7-13). The park includes Somerset House, a historic plantation site, and miles of shoreline for fishing and paddling.

Pettigrew State Park offers primitive camping sites suitable for tents and small vehicles. There are no options for RV or glamping accommodations, and the sites are basic, with minimal facilities.

Historical Significance

Somerset House, an 1830s plantation home, sits within the park and is open for tours. The site interprets the lives of both the enslaving family and the enslaved people who worked the land. The estate's proximity to the campground allows visitors to explore this piece of antebellum history without driving. Ancient dugout canoes, some over 4,000 years old, have been recovered from Lake Phelps, indicating long indigenous use of the area.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping conditions. October through November brings daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, calm water for paddling, and fewer mosquitoes than summer. The cypress foliage peaks in October. Summer can be hot and buggy, especially in the open grassy sites where mosquitoes swarm at dusk. Multiple reviews warn to pack bug spray. Winter stays mild but can feel damp in the low-lying terrain. Spring offers good fishing but brings rain and the return of biting insects. Clear fall nights provide excellent stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Phelps stretches nearly 16,000 acres with no visible inlets or outlets, creating an eerie stillness that has puzzled geologists for decades. Ancient bald cypress trees line parts of the shore, their buttressed trunks rising directly from the shallow water. The campground sits at just 16 feet elevation on the flat coastal plain, surrounded by a mix of pine and hardwood forest. In fall, the cypress needles turn russet and gold along the waterline. The lake's dark tannic water supports excellent bass and crappie fishing. Trails wind through the woods and connect to the shoreline, where you might spot herons, ospreys, or migrating waterfowl depending on the season.

Geological RegionNestled in the East District's distinctive flat coastal plain, the campground sits in a unique ecosystem where ancient lake beds meet primordial forests. This level terrain, sculpted by millennia of natural forces, creates an accessible wilderness perfect for all skill levels. The proximity to Lake Phelps—one of North Carolina's most mysterious natural lakes—adds an element of geological intrigue to this already captivating landscape.

Scenic ViewsOutstanding view of Lake Phelps, nearby trails, and cypress trees.

Programs & ActivitiesThe historic Somerset House plantation, located next to the park, offers cultural and educational experiences. Visitors can tour this site to learn more about the region's history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit found in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutA single loop divides the 13 sites into two zones. Sites 1-6 occupy a wooded area with decent spacing and tree cover. Sites 7-13 sit in an open grassy field with minimal shade and tighter spacing, where campers park and set up close to their neighbors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites available first-come, first-served, as noted by some reviewers who made last-minute reservations.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityThe park offers basic camping facilities but has not explicitly highlighted accessibility features. User reviews and site data do not provide specific information regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 13 sites, with sites 1-6 located in a wooded area and sites 7-13 situated in a more open grassy field.

PrivacySites in the wooded area (1-6) offer more shade and privacy, while the grassy sites in the open field (7-13) are less private. A review notes that the grassy side feels less private as campers park and camp very close to their neighbors.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #1 is less suitable for larger vehicles due to narrow driveway clearance. Site #2 is recommended for its shade.

Best CampsitesSite 2 gets consistent praise for heavy shade and privacy. Sites 1-6 generally offer better privacy and shade than the open field sites. The grassy sites (7-13) have less screening between neighbors and expose campers to more sun and mosquitoes. Reviewers recommend the wooded loop unless you need the extra space for a larger RV.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Pettigrew State Park offers a variety of amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, boat launch ramps, and tent pads at the individual campsites. The campground has a bathhouse with flush toilets, showers, and a dishwashing area, as well as vault toilets for convenience. There are also water spigots available at certain areas; however, one spigot has been noted as broken in user reviews. Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance, and the campground provides a serene, minimalistic environment without electricity hookups.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Pettigrew State Park provides a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Lake Phelps allows for various water-based activities, and the park also offers cultural experiences like visiting the nearby Somerset House plantation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential bear presence noted by claw marks on trees near the campgrounds. Mosquitoes are prevalent especially in grassy areas.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trash & RecyclingGarbage bins are available throughout the campground to help maintain cleanliness, though recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose access to Lake Phelps for fishing, swimming, and boating. Boat ramps are available, and swimming areas are designated.

Camp HostThe campground has a ranger station available.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available and reportedly good for both Verizon and AT&T users. One review specifically states: 'There is good Verizon and AT&T signals here.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

Pettigrew State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the campground is described as a quiet, peaceful, and hidden gem with basic amenities. Many reviewers praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the natural beauty of the location, and the variety of activities available.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the small size of the campground (only 13 sites, which avoids overcrowding), clean bathrooms and showers, good cell service, beautiful views of Lake Phelps, and the...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mention issues such as mosquitoes, outdated restrooms, and a lack of electricity at campsites. One reviewer highlighted a broken water spigot, and another mentioned that the vault...

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

'Site 2 is VERY shaded,' 'Sites 1-6 are more in the woods,' and 'if you reserve site 1, be careful with wider vehicles as the driveway is narrow.'

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Pack bug spray,' is a frequent recommendation due to mosquito concerns. Campers also suggest choosing shaded sites for privacy and bringing water containers to minimize trips to the spigots. For...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is praised year-round, with spring and fall highlighted for fishing and comfortable weather. Winter reviews mention tundra swans as unique attractions, while summer reviews emphasize...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'What a little hidden treasure of a NC State Campground!' - Michael Crawshaw 2. 'Bathrooms with showers are available, plenty of garbage bins, and a few water spigots (the one closest to us is...

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in the park, but they are not permitted in the designated swimming hole.

Based on 48 reviews

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Pettigrew State Park

$23.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard sites cost $23-$26 per night. Firewood is available for sale at the campground entrance.

Standard Site Fee$23.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

2527974475

Go if

Anglers and paddlers who want an uncrowded lake: Phelps is 16,000 acres with largemouth bass and crappie, a boat ramp 300 yards from camp, and fall weekends that rarely fill up. Sites 1-6 in the woods offer real shade and privacy for the same $23-$26 price.

Skip if

No electric hookups anywhere on the loop, and summer brings serious mosquito pressure on the open grassy sites 7-13. If you run a generator at night, neighbors will notice. Dark, dated bathrooms bother multiple reviewers too.

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