Singletary Lake State Park

Tucked into North Carolina’s Coastal Plain, Singletary Lake State Park preserves 649 acres around one of the region’s most distinctive natural features — a Carolina bay lake. Established in 1939, the park protects Singletary Lake, a shallow, tea-colored lake formed thousands of years ago in an elliptical depression characteristic of Carolina bays. The dark, tannic water gets its color from natural plant matter, creating a striking contrast against the white sandy shores and surrounding longleaf pine forest.

The park offers a quieter alternative to North Carolina’s busier state parks, making it ideal for visitors who want solitude alongside nature. Paddlers will find the calm, glassy lake perfect for canoeing and kayaking, while anglers can try their luck with largemouth bass, bluegill, and other warm-water species that thrive in the bay’s unique ecosystem. Hiking trails wind through stands of longleaf pine and pond pine woodland, where you may spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a variety of songbirds.

The park is available for group camping through its group camp facilities, which have historically served organized youth groups and educational programs. Individual visitors should check with park staff for current availability and reservation details.

Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable conditions for exploring, with mild temperatures and fewer insects than the humid summer months. Winter visits reward birders with migratory species passing through the coastal plain corridor.

Singletary Lake is a hidden gem for anyone drawn to North Carolina’s unique geological and ecological heritage.

Explore Nearby

• Tar Heel Trace — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Green Swamp Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Campbell Island Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina
• Governor’s LightA — Lighthouse in South Carolina
• Croatan National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina