Bourne Farm Platform

Hello, North Carolina paddlers and adventurous campers! If your idea of a perfect outdoor getaway involves gliding along a scenic river and settling into a unique, secluded campsite accessible only by water, then the Bourne Farm Platform on the Tar River near Rocky Mount, NC, is a destination you absolutely need to know about. This isn't your traditional drive-up campground with all the bells and whistles; instead, it offers a more rustic, immersive, and truly memorable experience for those who embrace the spirit of self-propelled adventure.

The Tar River, part of the extensive Tar-Pamlico Water Trail, is a cherished natural resource in Eastern North Carolina, offering miles of serene paddling opportunities. The Bourne Farm Platform is a testament to the efforts to enhance this trail, providing a designated, elevated camping spot for those undertaking multi-day paddling trips. This article aims to give you a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Bourne Farm Platform, detailing its unique location, the minimalist yet essential "services" it provides, and why it's perfectly suited for North Carolina locals who are eager to explore our state's waterways from a truly unique vantage point. Prepare to discover a new way to camp and connect with the natural beauty of the Tar River.

The Bourne Farm Platform is situated along the Tar River, with its official address listed as X83H+XP, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, USA. This GPS coordinate places it in Edgecombe County, specifically in the vicinity of Dunbar, upstream from this location. For North Carolina residents, reaching the general area to begin your paddling journey is relatively straightforward, as Rocky Mount is a significant hub in the eastern part of the state, accessible via major highways like US-64 and I-95.

However, it's crucial to understand that the Bourne Farm Platform is a unique type of campsite: it is a paddle-in camping platform. This means it is not accessible by car directly. To reach the platform, campers must paddle to it via the Tar River. The Tar-Pamlico Water Trail website, which manages these platforms, specifies that users should "Use the existing boat ramp on the farm as a landing spot and walk 50 yards downstream to the camping platform." This indicates that while the platform itself is on the river, there's a designated landing area near what was likely a historic farm or property, from which you then access the platform on foot with your gear. This arrangement ensures a secluded experience, making it perfect for those seeking to truly immerse themselves in nature away from road noise and crowds. Its location on one of the "most scenic" stretches of the river, as described by the Water Trail organizers, adds to its appeal. This type of accessibility, while requiring a canoe, kayak, or small boat, makes it an ideal adventure for North Carolinians looking to explore the state's waterways and enjoy a truly off-the-beaten-path camping experience. The platform is designed to be part of a larger paddling journey along the Tar River Water Trail, allowing for multi-day trips with pre-booked overnight stops.

• Elevated Camping Platform: The primary "service" is the physical camping platform itself, which provides a raised, dry, and level surface for setting up tents, protecting campers from ground moisture and uneven terrain. This platform was completed in August 2014, indicating a purpose-built structure for camping.

• Designated Landing Spot: While not directly on the platform, there is an "existing boat ramp on the farm as a landing spot" nearby, allowing paddlers to safely get their boats out of the water and access the platform.

• Secluded & Natural Environment: The location offers a tranquil, natural setting away from vehicular traffic and urban distractions, providing a genuine wilderness camping experience.

• Scenic River Views: Being situated directly on the Tar River, the platform offers beautiful views of the waterway and surrounding riparian ecosystem.

• Booking System: The platform is part of the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail's booking system, allowing users to reserve specific nights for a fee (noted as $20 per night for other similar platforms), which helps manage usage and ensures availability for booked parties.

• No Traditional Amenities: As a rustic paddle-in site, it's important to note that the platform does not offer amenities such as restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, or trash disposal. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Unique Paddle-In Access: The most distinctive feature is that it's exclusively accessible by water (canoe, kayak, small boat), making it an ideal destination for adventurous paddlers seeking a truly off-grid and secluded camping experience. This ensures peace and quiet, free from road noise and typical campground crowds.

• Part of the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail: As one of several platforms along the Tar River Water Trail, it enables multi-day paddling excursions, allowing adventurers to explore extensive stretches of the river and experience different landscapes.

• Elevated and Dry Campsite: The platform provides a comfortable, dry, and level surface for pitching tents, offering protection from ground moisture, uneven terrain, and potential flooding, enhancing the camping experience.

• Scenic River Setting: Located on one of the "most scenic" sections of the Tar River, the platform offers beautiful views of the water, surrounding forests, and opportunities for wildlife observation (birdwatching, etc.).

• Secluded Wilderness Experience: Due to its water-only access, the platform provides a strong sense of remoteness and solitude, perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves fully in nature.

• Supports "Leave No Trace" Ethics: The minimalist nature of the site encourages and requires campers to practice strict Leave No Trace principles, fostering responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

• Ideal for Experienced Paddlers: While basic, the unique accessibility and rustic nature make it a perfect challenge and reward for experienced canoeists and kayakers.

• Historical Context (Bourne Family Donation): The site was generously donated by the Bourne family of Tarboro, adding a local historical connection to the land and the river trail's development.

Address: X83H+XP, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, USA (This is a GPS coordinate; specific physical address for direct vehicle access is not applicable for a paddle-in site.)

For reservations and detailed access information, please refer to the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail website (tarpamlicowatertrail.org) or contact the Sound Rivers organization, which helps manage the trail.

Phone: No direct phone number for the platform itself. For inquiries about the Tar-Pamlico Water Trail platforms, contact Sound Rivers at (252) 946-7214.

Mobile Phone: +1 (252) 946-7214 (Sound Rivers contact number for general water trail inquiries).

For North Carolina residents who possess a keen sense of adventure and a love for paddling, the Bourne Farm Platform on the Tar River near Rocky Mount offers an exceptionally suitable and truly unique camping experience. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its distinctive "paddle-in" accessibility. This isn't a campground you can simply drive up to; it requires effort and preparation, but in return, it grants an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in nature that is hard to find at more conventional sites. For those in North Carolina who own a canoe, kayak, or small boat and are looking to push their outdoor boundaries, the Bourne Farm Platform provides the perfect challenge and reward.

Furthermore, the platform is an integral part of the broader Tar-Pamlico Water Trail. This means that locals can integrate a stay at Bourne Farm Platform into longer, multi-day paddling adventures, exploring vast stretches of the scenic Tar River. This is an incredible opportunity to experience our state's waterways from a completely different perspective, witnessing diverse ecosystems and wildlife along the way. The existence of dedicated, elevated platforms like Bourne Farm makes multi-day river trips more comfortable and accessible for self-sufficient paddlers, providing a dry and stable base each night.

Finally, the rustic nature of the Bourne Farm Platform appeals directly to North Carolinians who practice and value "Leave No Trace" principles. It encourages a responsible and minimalist approach to camping, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. For locals seeking an authentic backcountry experience without venturing into the high mountains, or those simply wanting to escape the noise and crowds, this platform offers a rare chance to truly disconnect. It's an adventurous and fulfilling way to explore the beauty of Eastern North Carolina, making it a perfect destination for those who cherish unique outdoor challenges and the peaceful rewards that come with them, right here in their home state.