Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in White Lake, NC

  • Published 2022/01/14

Being a gorgeous lakeside resort town, you won’t run out of the best things to do in White Lake, North Carolina.

Crystal pure water and a white sand bottom make White Lake one of a kind.

It receives its water supply from underground springs.

It is truly a child’s heaven because there are no currents, no tides, no dangerous depressions, and no actual threats to swimmers.

As a result, it has been dubbed “the safest beach in the country.”

There are a few lodgings that are open year-round.

You may either have a fun-filled day at the beaches and arcades or relax in the deep cool shade at this desirable resort region in southern North Carolina.

White Lake, North Carolina, is a popular family vacation spot nestled on the banks of its Lake.

This small town has white-sand beaches, stunning vistas, and more.

It’s easy to organize a trip for the whole family to White Lake, where attractions can be found within a short distance from one another.

See what White Lake has to offer the whole family.

Enjoy Various Lakeside Activities at Camp Clearwater

Camp Clearwater is North Carolina’s largest family campsite, situated on the lovely shores of White Lake.

White Lake’s 1,100 acres of crystal-clear water, white sandy bottom, and gently sloping coastlines have made it a popular vacation destination for families from the East Coast, particularly North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.

On its 1,300 feet of a private white sand beach or from any of our four piers, you will be able to appreciate White Lake’s natural splendor.

It has sites available for Overnight, Seasonal, and Year-Round camping. Camp Clearwater also has sites available to cater to your Manufactured Home or Park Model if you plan to camp for a long period.

Browse Different Shops along Goldston’s Beach

For almost a century, Goldston’s Beach has served as the setting for numerous family adventures and memories.

H.P. Goldston bought land along the picturesque White Lake shoreline in 1921, and the rest is history.

Goldston’s Beach began as a place for amusements and entertainment but quickly expanded to include overnight accommodation, becoming one of eastern North Carolina’s most popular family holiday spots.

Harry and Jack Womble, two young brothers from Goldston, North Carolina, came to work for their uncle’s company in the early 1930s.

Despite surviving WWII and a horrific fire, they continued to grow.

The family-owned firm has now spanned four generations.

It is now managed by The Grand Regal and hosts local stores and restaurants and concerts, parties, and trivia nights.

Stay at Tar Heel Cottages

Since its inception by Lillian Watson Melvin and H. Graden Melvin in 1961, Tar Heel Cottages has served as a resource for families looking to make the most of the Lake and create cherished memories.

After a long hiatus, the family returned in 2011 and began work on repairing all of the cottages.

Each family member brought something special to the table in painting, carpentry, and interior design.

All units have been repaired, repainted, and renovated, with interior walls torn down and kitchens rebuilt.

Its owners built and painted brand-new bed frames and created brand-new double bunk beds.

There was a lot of work done to the flooring, either painted or rebuilt with beautiful wood laminates.

It seeks to give families a fresh, clean, and permanent place to call home while taking advantage of White Lake’s all.

Families will appreciate the opportunity to spend time together at Tar Heel Cottages.

Go Camping at White Lake Motel and Campground

The White Lake Motel and Campground is a 9-acre campground on the lovely White Lake shoreline.

Its location gives a quiet and pleasant environment while still being close to everything the area has to offer.

White Lake Motel and Campground lies in the center of the town.

It offers a family-friendly, low-cost option with private access to the Lake.

It includes 170 campsites, with the majority of them being year-round.

Do note that only RVs will fit on its 30′ x 50′ lots, and the motel has 20 rooms, all of which are double occupancy.

Rooms have been remodeled and include tiny refrigerators and microwaves.

It also features two mobile homes available for rent every week.

White Lake Motel and Campground is where to be if you want to have a relaxing family holiday.

Tee Off at Vineyard Golf at White Lake

Vineyard Golf at White Lake is a picturesque par 72, 18-hole championship golf course on Highway 701 between White Lake and Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Vineyard Golf is a classic golf course that runs through towering and gorgeous pine trees.

The course is about one hour from North Myrtle Beach and the beaches of Southeastern North Carolina.

The course offers a fun challenge to all golfers, whatever their ability.

The golf course is open to the public to enjoy and has several membership options for individuals, families, and businesses.

In the summer of 2014, the new Mini Verde greens were placed.

Visit the White Lake Marine

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and plans on making White Lake your holiday home, why not gift yourself or your significant other a Nautique boat?

White Lake Marine specializes in boats for inboard skis and wakeboarding.

Its boat store at White Lake is the world’s oldest Correct Craft dealership and has been selling Nautique-built boats for 60 years.

It has a huge inventory of pre-owned inboard ski boats for sale because of its unique position in the industry.

On consignment, it sells inboards and traded boats.

For qualifying purchasers, it provides financing on all of its pre-owned boats.

Its dealership is a PCM and Indmar Inboard service facility that provides a wide range of services.

A comprehensive line of Correct Craft, Fashion Nautique, and PCM components is always available for immediate shipment by UPS, FedEx, and the US Postal Service to anyplace in North America.

Celebrate White Lake Water Festival

Beginning in 1979, the White Lake Water Festival has been a tradition.

Residents of the town hold this celebration in May.

It’s that time when they gather by the White Lake to mark the beginning of the customary summer season.

It has been a popular event, with fantastic music, a parade, car and track displays, arts and crafts, and other family-friendly activities centered on the picturesque White Lake in Bladen County, North Carolina.

Goldston’s Beach is the go-to spot for this gathering year after year.

Join the White Lake Triathlon

The inaugural White Lake race was held at Goldston’s Beach in 1996.

The White Lake Triathlon has expanded to include a Sprint, an International, and a Half-Ironman course in the spring.

The Iron Distance relay race is part of the Set Up Events lineup for the Fall season, joining the Sprint and International events.

The Iron Distance event for 3-person teams exclusively occurs in September during the Carolinas Clash.

It means that all three legs of the race must be completed concurrently.

White Lake is the ideal location for this fun and exciting event.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Fishing at Singletary Lake State Park

Singletary Lake State Park

Chansak Joe / shutterstock.com

Fishing, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking are different activities you can try at Singletary Lake State Park, eight minutes from White Lake.

It is possible to camp, retreat, and learn about the environment in the 35,975-acre Bladen Lakes State Forest with a party of 20 or more people.

Before your arrival, make sure you have made a reservation.

Singletary Lake State Park

Chansak Joe / shutterstock.com

Both camps have accommodations in the style of a dorm and contemporary facilities and a dining hall.

Campers may use a 500-foot pier for swimming in the Lake from which they can see the beauties of the Carolina Bay environment.

As part of Singletary Lake State Park, Bay Tree Lake State Natural Area is located about 13 miles north of the park.

In addition to hiking and parking, visitors can register their vehicles at the park office.

Singletary Lake State Park

Chansak Joe / shutterstock.com

Get Up Close with Wildlife at Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest

The Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest, 12 minutes from White Lake, was originally part of the Bladen Lakes State Forest, encompassing more than 32,000 acres in and around Bladen County.

The Educational State Forest’s 890-acre part was initially designed as an educational area where visitors may drive through and examine wooded stands and some displays.

One year after its creation in 1987, the area was renamed Bladen Lakes Educational State Forest.

As a former military airstrip, the Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest has been used for various purposes, from forestry research to cultural and historical relevance for local longleaf pine ecosystems.

The Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest conducts seminars on various forest-related topics for groups of all ages and sizes.

It is a demonstration forest accessible to the public for self-guided tours and hiking on its pathways.

Have a Picnic at Tory Hole Park

To get to this site, just six minutes from the town of White Lake, you’ll have to go down the ravine that runs from Elizabethtown’s main street to the Cape Fear River.

On August 28, 1781, the Battle of Elizabethtown was fought near Tory Hole Park.

The battle of Elizabethtown saw a tiny band of 70 Whigs overcome 400 Tory forces.

It is also a popular spot for picnics and exercising at Tory Hole Park’s recreational facilities, including hiking and nature trails.

These amenities are available on-site, including a theater, a park, and an exercise track.

Tour the Harmony Hall Plantation

Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring Harmony Hall Plantation, just 22 minutes from White Lake.

There are many fascinating stories behind Harmony Hall.

He erected his mansion on a 12,000-acre plot in White Oak, North Carolina, during the American Revolutionary War in 1768.

You’ll be able to admire the stunning countryside around your home from its extravagant double front porch.

Locals say that General Cornwallis occupied Harmony Hall during the Revolutionary War.

Have a Blast at White Lake Water Park

White Lake Water Park, just six minutes away from the town of White Lake, is a great place to spend the day with your family.

Ride the double Turbo Twister Slide or dip in the brand new 2,000-square-foot swimming pool for adults and teenagers.

It also features a 100,000-gallon wave pool.

Relax on the bubble bench, where hydro-therapy jets will massage your aching muscles, or use our sun terrace to soak up the sunshine after you’re done swimming.

Make the most of your day by taking a leisurely trip down the park’s lazy river and racing around the bumper boat pool.

Hold Your Special Event at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery

At Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in Elizabethtown, 15 minutes from White Lake, you’ll find a beautiful ballroom for your special event.

There are long-leaved pine trees and vines that snake around the location.

It is ideal for waterfront ceremonies, ballroom dinner receptions, and small wedding parties.

Wedding ceremonies and images can be enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings and the quaint gardens.

Up to 250 people can be accommodated in the two event rooms at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery Ceremony.

Reception, bridal shower, engagement party, elopement, and rehearsal dinner venues are all available at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery in Manteo.

Dining options include The Cork Room, a full-service restaurant located inside the building.

Hit the Dirt at Cape Fear ATV Park

On the Cape Fear River banks, just 10 minutes from White Lake, you will find the Cape Fear ATV/MX Park and Family Campground.

It is the perfect area to ride because of its natural surroundings and various terrain.

There are plenty of mud pits and tracks for the family to enjoy here and sand for the sports quads.

Riders of every age may enjoy its MX track.

Don’t forget to bring your fishing and camping gear and take advantage of all the exciting activities.

On a slow day, there’s much to do in this area.

It can accommodate riders of all skill levels in various areas.

Final Thoughts

It may feel like you’re on a tropical island even if you’re in North Carolina when you visit White Lake because of its white beaches and crystal blue water.

You won’t see anything like it at most other lakes with underground springs.

Any outdoor enthusiast may find something to their liking at White Lake, North Carolina, regardless of their interests.

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