Cooke's Landing

For North Carolina locals seeking a truly immersive and tranquil outdoor experience, Cooke's Landing offers a unique opportunity to connect with the state's magnificent riverine environment. Situated on the scenic Roanoke River in Northampton County, this distinctive campsite is a haven for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of nature, the thrill of river recreation, and the serenity of a secluded overnight stay. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Cooke's Landing provides a "back-to-nature" experience that is both comfortable and adventurous, making it an ideal destination for paddlers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Cooke's Landing is part of a network of campsites along the Roanoke River managed by Roanoke River Partners, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of this vital waterway. Their commitment ensures that sites like Cooke's Landing remain pristine and accessible for generations of North Carolinians to enjoy. It’s a place where the gentle flow of the river, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of local wildlife become the soundtrack to your escape from the everyday.

If you've been searching for a camping experience that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a blend of peaceful solitude and engaging outdoor activities, Cooke's Landing awaits. Its unique setup and stunning natural surroundings are perfect for creating unforgettable memories in the heart of Eastern North Carolina.

Cooke's Landing is nestled on the northern side of the Roanoke River, specifically within Northampton County, North Carolina, with the address often listed as Northampton County, NC 27869, USA. Its precise location is approximately two miles downstream from the Edwards Ferry NC Wildlife Resources Commission access point, which is near Highway 258. This positioning makes it a prime spot along the renowned Roanoke River Paddle Trail.

Crucially, access to Cooke's Landing is exclusively by boat. This boat-only access is a defining characteristic that contributes significantly to the campsite's remote and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors typically launch their canoes, kayaks, or small motorboats from public access points along the Roanoke River, such as Edwards Ferry. Once on the river, navigating to Cooke's Landing involves pulling your boat into a small cove. From there, a few steps lead up from the riverbank to the campsite area. This journey by water isn't just a means of transport; it's an integral part of the adventure and immersion into the Roanoke River ecosystem.

While secluded, Cooke's Landing is still within a reasonable distance for many North Carolina residents. It offers a true wilderness feel without being entirely isolated from access points, making it a feasible weekend getaway for those willing to embrace the river journey. The remoteness due to boat access also helps preserve the natural integrity of the site, ensuring a more authentic outdoor experience.

Cooke's Landing provides essential amenities for a comfortable, yet rustic, river camping experience, emphasizing sustainability and minimal impact.

• Raised Camping Platform: The primary service is a spacious raised camping platform, measuring 16 feet by 24 feet. This elevated structure provides a dry, level, and clean surface for pitching tents, protecting campers from ground moisture and potential flooding during periods of high water.

• Picnic Table: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and social gatherings.

• Privacy Area: A designated raised privacy area (approximately 5 feet by 5 feet with a 2-foot wide entrance) is available. While it has no built-in facilities, it provides a secluded spot, requiring campers to bring their own portable waste solutions, adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles.

• Boat Access Steps: Steps leading directly from the river into a small cove ensure easy and safe boat access for campers arriving and departing.

• Maintenance Tools: A swing blade is available at the campsite (hanging on a railing post) for campers to trim grassy areas around the site, contributing to site maintenance between official visits.

• Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved in advance, ensuring that your spot is secured for your chosen dates, which is highly recommended due to the unique nature of these sites.

Cooke's Landing stands out with several key features that make it an attractive option for river adventurers and nature lovers in North Carolina.

• Riverside Platform Camping: The most significant highlight is the opportunity for elevated platform camping directly on the high bank of the Roanoke River. This not only offers incredible views of the river and surrounding landscape but also provides a dry and comfortable base for your tent, even during periods of high water.

• Secluded and Grassy Campsite: Despite its accessibility, the site maintains a quiet and secluded atmosphere. It features a grassy camping area, marked by red boundary paint, creating a picturesque and inviting space for setting up camp.

• Part of the Roanoke River Paddle Trail: As a component of the extensive Roanoke River Paddle Trail, Cooke's Landing is perfectly positioned for multi-day paddling excursions. It serves as a designated, safe, and scenic overnight stop for those exploring the river's numerous cypress swamps and diverse ecosystems.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The Roanoke River is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Campers at Cooke's Landing have excellent opportunities for birdwatching, observing various aquatic species, and potentially encountering other wildlife native to the river basin, enhancing the overall wilderness experience.

• "Leave No Trace" Emphasis: The design and management of Cooke's Landing encourage strict adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring the pristine condition of the site and the surrounding environment. This commitment appeals to environmentally conscious campers.

• High Bank Location: Being situated on a high bank above the river, the campsite offers natural protection and elevated vantage points for enjoying the scenery, providing a sense of grandeur and security.

• Proximity to Edwards Ferry: Its relatively close proximity to the Edwards Ferry NCWR access means that while it feels remote, it’s not excessively difficult to reach by boat, striking a balance between adventure and logistical convenience.

Cooke's Landing is managed by Roanoke River Partners, an organization dedicated to the stewardship of the Roanoke River. For reservations and detailed information about the campsite and the Roanoke River Paddle Trail, it is best to consult their official website or contact them directly.

Address: Northampton County, NC 27869, USA (Physical location on the river; administrative contact through Roanoke River Partners)

Website: Visit the Roanoke River Partners website for booking information and contact details. (Specific phone numbers are often listed on their booking pages for general inquiries related to the paddle trail and campsites).

For North Carolinians, Cooke's Landing offers a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience that resonates deeply with the state's natural heritage and the spirit of adventure. In a state boasting diverse landscapes from mountains to coast, the Roanoke River Basin provides a distinct environment, characterized by its slow-moving waters, ancient cypress trees, and abundant wildlife. Cooke's Landing allows locals to tap into this specific ecological treasure in a way that typical car-accessible campgrounds cannot.

The boat-only access is a key differentiator, transforming the journey itself into an adventure. This aspect appeals strongly to North Carolina's growing community of paddlers and those seeking a more secluded and authentic wilderness experience, far from the crowds. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of nature, and rediscover the tranquility that comes from being off the beaten path. The raised camping platforms are a thoughtful amenity, providing comfort and convenience while still maintaining the rustic feel of river camping. They make this experience accessible to a wider range of campers, ensuring a dry and level spot for tents.

Furthermore, as part of the Roanoke River Paddle Trail, Cooke's Landing serves as a vital link for multi-day river trips, encouraging locals to explore larger stretches of this magnificent natural resource. It fosters an appreciation for river conservation and the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems. For families, friends, or solo adventurers, Cooke's Landing provides a setting for unforgettable memories, whether it’s through a successful fishing trip, a quiet morning of birdwatching, or simply the peaceful contemplation of a starlit river sky. It’s an authentic slice of North Carolina's wild side, perfectly suited for those who call this beautiful state home.