The Tar-Pamlico River Camping Platforms, owned and operated by the Pamlico - Tar River Foundation in Washington, NC, provide overnight camping facilities to recreational users of the Tar River. PTRF's goal is to build a continuous system of platforms approximately 8 - 15 miles apart spanning from the headwaters of the Tar River in Granville County to the wide open estuarine waters of the Pamlico River in Beaufort, Hyde, and Pamlico Counties. Enjoy white water paddling in the headwaters to sea kayaking along the Inner Banks.
You can chose to sleep under the stars or in a screened-in enclosure along the scenic Tar River in central and eastern North Carolina and
the platforms are open to the public. Recreational paddlers, boaters, and fishermen are welcome to use the facilities year-round; however, users must make a reservation through PTRF and use is by permit only.
Reservations and permits can be made anytime using our online system below. We hope you enjoy these facilities and spread the word about your experience on the Tar River.
Downloadable Required User Material:
Available Camping Platforms and Tent Camp Sites:
Spanning in Order from Upriver to Downriver
1. Bourne Tent Campsite (Dunbar Vicinity)
GPS: 35°, 57'17.7"N
77°, 40'14.5"W
DOWNLOADABLE MAP: Bourne Campsite Paddlers Map
The Bourne Campsite, site donated by the Bourne family of Tarboro, is a traditional campsite for tent campers equipped with a picnic table and fire pit for your enjoyment. Use the existing boat ramp on the farm as a put-in or take-out spot and walk 50 yards downstream to the campsite. This facility is located upstream of Dunbar on one of the most scenic sections of the Tar River in Edgecombe County. Enjoy a narrow, meandering section of the river just downstream from the site with high banks and abundant wildlife such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and much more. This campsite has room for up to 6 tents.
View Bourne Campsite in a larger map
2. Panola Platform (Tarboro Vicinity)
GPS: 35°, 54'52.87"N
77°, 30'39.35"W
DOWNLOADABLE MAP: Panola Platform Paddlers Map
The Panola Platform, site donated by Mr. Don Anderson of Tarboro and named after the beautiful Panola Farm, is the closest of our Edgecombe County platforms to downtown Tarboro. Situated just below the old Red Iron Bridge and a few miles below the confluence of Fishing Creek and the Tar River on the high south bank of the river, the Panola Platform provides a wonderful stay in a unique section of the river. Through paddlers can enjoy the Tarboro section of the river at a leisurely pace and find plenty of sandbars for resting areas. For day or overnight paddlers, the closest upstream put-in is the Wildlife Ramp at Bell's Bridge (HWY 33) and the closest downstream take-out is the Wildlife Ramp at downtown Tarboro. The platform is 16' by 32' and half of it is enclosed with a roof and screened-in area for those buggy or rainy nights.
View Panola Platform in a larger map
3. Cypress Hideaway Platform (Washington Vicinity)
WE PROMISE IT IS COMING SOON!!
GPS: 35°, 33'51.00"N
77°, 07'19.60"W
The Dawson Platform, site donated by Mr. Lee Dawson of Washington, is the most downstream platform in Pitt County. Located just a few miles upstream from the confluences of Tranter's Creek and Bear Creek with the Tar River, the Dawson Platform offers lovers of the "lowlands" some of the best wetland floodplain scenery that the lower Tar River has to offer. Nestled under towering Cypress trees, your natural experience will be fulfilled at this remote platform. The closest upstream put-in is at the Davenport Farm near Pactolus (pay ramp) and the closest downstream take-out is either the Wildlife Ramp at Mason's Landing on Tranter's Creek or downtown Washington. The platform will be 16' x 32' and half of it is enclosed with a roof and screen-in area for those buggy or rainy nights.
View Dawson Platform in a larger map
4. River Park North Primitive Camping Sites
River Park North, run by the City of Greenville, has three primitive camp sites that are accessible by the Tar River in the Greenville area. If you are interested in reserving these sites or for more information, please call River Park North at 252-329-4562 or visit their website.
