Description

Tar River, Franklinton vicinity — Located about 10 miles downstream of the river access point at Wilton Slope, along N.C. Highway 96  in Granville County, the McGhee platform is our most upstream camping location. This site is just upstream of N.C. Highway 1. Riverbend Park in Louisburg is located 14 miles downstream, making the McGhee campsite a perfect two-day overnight paddling adventure. 

Enjoy high bluffs that rise more than 150 feet, sights of mountain laurel, rocky river bottom and a few rapids in the section upstream of the platform.  You will see very little development in this section of the river. The platform overlooks a small sandbar from the corner of a large cow pasture.

Special thanks to our site sponsor, Mr. Wyatt McGhee.

*Paddler Safety Note: The Tar River from Wilton Slopes to Green Hill Road can roar into a Class II-III run when the river gauge approaches 4.5 ft. If the river gets much below 2.8 ft, you’ll likely be walking through some low river sections. Please note that in this area of the river, water levels and flows can increase dramatically in a few hours if there is heavy rainfall.