Singletary Lake State Park

Singletary Lake State Park is a nature preserve covering about 1.2 square miles (3.1 square kilometers) centered on a natural lake ringed by bald cypress trees and sandy banks. The site includes hiking trails, fishing areas, and paddling routes that connect visitors to different parts of this lowland forest ecosystem.

The National Park Service acquired this land during the 1930s Depression era and employed Civilian Conservation Corps workers to build cabins and facilities. That early construction phase established the basic infrastructure that visitors use today for camping and recreation.

The two group camps here, Camp Ipecac and Camp Loblolly Bay, serve as learning centers where visitors discover how the Carolina Bays ecosystem works. These spaces help people understand the wetland and the plants and animals that live in it.

The park opens from 8 AM to 5 PM daily throughout the year, except on Christmas Day. Wear sturdy shoes for sandy trails and bring water, as the flat terrain can feel hot and the forest offers limited shade in some areas.

The lake here relies entirely on rainfall for its water, yet it still supports a population of yellow perch despite having highly acidic water. This unusual combination reveals how certain fish can survive in conditions that seem inhospitable.

Location: Bladen County

Inception: 1939

Website: http://ncparks.gov/singletary-lake-state-park

GPS coordinates: 34.59860,-78.45830

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07