WRC Gamelands Platform

North Carolina is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from mountain vistas to coastal shores. For those who find solace on the water, the state's intricate network of rivers provides unique opportunities for adventure. Among these, the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail stands out, presenting paddlers with the chance to embark on multi-day journeys, punctuated by overnight stays at specially designed camping platforms. One such gem, designed for the intrepid paddler, is the WRC Gamelands Platform, a distinctive camping experience that blends convenience with immersion in nature.

The WRC Gamelands Platform is not your typical campground with RV hookups and bustling activity. Instead, it offers a truly unique and intimate camping experience for those exploring the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail. Donated by the Wildlife Resources Commission, this platform is specifically designed to cater to paddlers – kayakers, canoers, and stand-up paddleboarders – who are traversing the river. It provides a secure, elevated, and sheltered spot to rest and recharge amidst the tranquil beauty of the riverine environment. Its "we love it out here" review speaks volumes about the peace and enjoyment visitors find in this unique setting. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate primitive camping with a touch of added comfort and protection from the elements, all while being deeply connected to the natural flow of the Tar River.

This platform is part of a larger network of camping platforms along the Tar-Pamlico River, managed by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation. These platforms are a testament to the efforts to enhance outdoor recreation and provide accessible ways for people to experience North Carolina's waterways responsibly. The WRC Gamelands Platform embodies this mission, offering a serene overnight stay that allows paddlers to fully appreciate the beauty and wildlife of the river system.

The WRC Gamelands Platform is strategically located in Tarboro, North Carolina, at VFC8+5C, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA. Its precise location is approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the Riverfront Park in Tarboro, situated on the north side of the Tar River. This positioning makes it highly convenient for paddlers starting their journey from Tarboro or those continuing downstream towards Old Sparta or even Greenville.

It is crucial to understand that accessibility to the WRC Gamelands Platform is exclusively by water. There are no roads leading directly to the platform, making it a true paddle-in campsite. For day or overnight paddlers, the closest upstream put-in is the Riverfront Park in Tarboro. This means you will need to launch your watercraft from a public access point and paddle to the platform. The closest downstream take-out point is the Wildlife Ramp at Old Sparta, providing options for various lengths of paddling trips.

This water-only access enhances the sense of wilderness and adventure, ensuring a more secluded and quiet experience away from typical roadside noise. Paddlers are advised to plan their route carefully, taking into account river conditions and their paddling ability. It's an excellent way to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of Eastern North Carolina.

• Screened-in Platform: The primary service is the large, elevated camping platform itself. Measuring 16 feet by 32 feet, approximately half of the platform is enclosed with a roof and screened-in area, offering protection from insects and inclement weather, which is a significant advantage for overnight stays.
• Picnic Area: The open portion of the platform provides space for setting up camp, cooking, and enjoying meals with river views.
• Water Access: While the platform is on the river, campers should be prepared to bring their own potable water or have a reliable water filtration system for river water.
• Reservations and Permits: Camping on the platform requires a reservation and permit, which can be made online through the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation website. This system helps manage usage and ensures availability for booked dates.
• Portable Toilet Requirement: All campers using the platforms on the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail are required to carry a portable toilet with detachable waste bags. This policy emphasizes responsible waste management and environmental protection.
• Paddling Information: While not a direct service at the platform, the managing organization (Pamlico-Tar River Foundation) provides extensive information and resources for paddlers, including interactive maps and blog updates on river conditions.

• Water-Accessible Only: This unique feature ensures a truly immersive and secluded camping experience, away from vehicle traffic and large crowds.
• Elevated Structure: Being an elevated platform, it offers protection from ground moisture, potential flooding, and provides a clear vantage point for river views.
• Screened-in Area: The screened enclosure is a significant highlight, providing a bug-free zone for sleeping and relaxing, especially valuable in humid North Carolina summers.
• Scenic Views: Situated on the river, the platform offers beautiful, unobstructed views of the Tar River and its surrounding natural landscape. It's common to observe local wildlife, including various bird species and aquatic life.
• Quiet and Peaceful: Customers often praise the tranquility of the location, emphasizing how ideal it is for a peaceful night under the stars.
• Part of a Water Trail Network: The WRC Gamelands Platform is one of several platforms along the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail, allowing paddlers to plan multi-day adventures with comfortable overnight stops.
• Wildlife Resources Commission Site: Being on game lands, the surrounding area is managed for wildlife, offering potential opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and birdwatching (within applicable regulations).

Specific promotions or special offers directly related to the WRC Gamelands Platform are not widely advertised as it is primarily a utility for paddlers on the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail. However, the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, which manages the reservations for these platforms, may occasionally offer discounts or package deals for multi-night stays or for new users of the water trail. It is always recommended to check their official website for any current booking incentives or seasonal promotions. The standard price per night for the platform is $20. There is also an optional portable toilet rental available for an additional $10, which covers the entire trip if selected. Reservations can be made several months in advance, allowing for thorough trip planning.

Since the WRC Gamelands Platform is managed by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, direct phone contact for the platform itself is not typically provided. For all inquiries regarding reservations, regulations, or general information about the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail and its platforms, the best approach is to visit their official website or use their general contact information.

Address: VFC8+5C, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA (This is the GPS Plus Code for the approximate location and should be used in conjunction with the water trail maps.)

For reservations and detailed information, please refer to the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation's official Tar-Pamlico Water Trail website.

For North Carolina locals, particularly those in the eastern part of the state, the WRC Gamelands Platform offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience river camping and connect with the natural environment in a truly unique way. If you own a kayak or canoe, or are looking to try paddle-powered adventures, this platform is an accessible and rewarding destination.

Unlike traditional car camping, reaching the WRC Gamelands Platform requires effort and planning, but this very aspect contributes to its charm and seclusion. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend micro-adventure, allowing you to paddle a section of the Tar River during the day and enjoy a comfortable, secure, and bug-free overnight stay. It’s a fantastic way to introduce older children or teens to the joys of expedition-style camping without requiring extensive backpacking gear.

The requirement for a portable toilet reinforces a strong Leave No Trace ethic, encouraging responsible outdoor behavior that aligns with North Carolina’s conservation values. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, a unique family adventure, or a new challenge in their outdoor pursuits, the WRC Gamelands Platform provides a distinct and memorable camping experience right in our own backyard. It’s a testament to the diverse and accessible outdoor opportunities that North Carolina proudly offers, inviting locals to "love it out here" on the water.