Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
- Forest City
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Neil is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 45 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, class A RVs, class B RVs, class C RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Pull-through site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Flat
Generators allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
What to expect
RV/tent site
7 guests max
Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets
No potable water
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
Picnic table absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be availableCheck out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Strict
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
Wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
RV/tent sites
1 site
Lakeside Retreat
99%
(68)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
Reviews
99% Recommend68 ratings · 61 reviews
We loved everything about Neil's lakeside retreat. It was clean, easy to access and beautiful. There are nice fish there and the mosquitoes were not bad at all. A great fire pit was available but we didn't use it. I would highly recommend this place and can't wait to visit again.
M
Miranda H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Absolutely perfect! We brought our doggie for a day of swimming in the pond and outdoor fun. She doesn’t do well with strangers / other dogs so having the privacy and space of lakeside retreat was a true delight! There’s a short well packed dirt road through the property that dead ends at the pond. The host has set up a fire ring and patio table for use and there’s even a dock for fishing / lounging. We also enjoyed a stroll through the fields and surrounding woods. 10/10 we’re already planning our next trip back!
B
Bree W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Absolutely beautiful place to stay! The fishing is great! Caught quite a few big bass! There was room for me to tie my dog out and let my kids ride their bikes. We took our 4 kayaks out there and it was so spacious for us to all spread out and fish!
S
Summer Y.
6 months on Hipcamp
What an awesome place to camp. We have a 26 foot camper and we had no trouble getting in or out. Having the lake all to ourselves. Our dogs loved it. They had the run of the place. Its a nice walk around the pond. My husband caught a couple of really nice bass, and some blue gils. Fishing was great, so much fun. There is a little noise pollution, with main roads around but you cant see any of that. And most of it ends at 5pm quitting time.Neil is a great host. He accommodated us with our large camper by making side driveways so we wouldn't hit any overhanging limbs I would recommend Lakeside retreat. We will be back
J
Julie D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Neil's Riverside Retreat was perfect for a weekend with grandkids. We especially enjoyed walking the long driveway, fishing on the little lake, and having a private spot. The owners were always very responsive and helpful. Highly likely we will be back!
C
Chris C.
2 months on Hipcamp
We loved tent camping at this spot. It was great to feel like no one was around. Beautiful views, easy to find level ground to pitch the tent.
C
Carrie C.
4 years on Hipcamp
The location and space was exactly what we needed for a weekend retreat. It was beautiful and quiet (except for the sounds of nature). The dogs loved it, our crazy adolescent puppy ventured a little too deep in the woods and got in trouble a few times so bring long tethers if you have wandering pups. They have a catch and release lake, so we fished a lot and caught about 6 fish. We made some delicious food and just enjoyed the wonderful music of nature. Neil was very helpful with thoroughly detailed directions and also recommendations. We would definitely recommend!
M
Madiha H.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
A couple girl friends and my dog and I came to get some time away and this was an absolutely amazing spot! The lake had plenty of fish to catch (and release) and there was tons of wood to grab around the area to make a fire with. The area was very quiet and still pretty close to town for grabbing essentials. Neil was an excellent host and was very responsive to texts with our questions! We would love to come back here! It’s a little slice of heaven!
A
Abigail H.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Lakeside Retreat
Secluded and quiet. Plenty of space to ride bikes and the fish will bite at anything. Had a really good time
D
Doug W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Lakeside Retreat
Simple peaceful retreat. Very clean. Surrounded by woods on all 4 sides.
K
Kelly L.
5 reviews
Book now!!
If you need a sign to book it or not; here it is! This place was more than perfect for our little family camping trip! You have the entire place to yourself! The pond was filled with fish, we watched them swim by more than we tried to catch them. It was an amazing experience all together!
Darrell M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
21 ft campervan · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Nice clean campsite, beautiful pond, fishing was fun.
K
Kelley M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Awesome place, well hidden we will definitely be back again and again
Chris D.
8 reviews
Wonderful place to yourself. Safe. Clean. Wonderful host. Highly recommend this spot.
Bill H.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Lakeside Retreat
Beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. Exactly as described. Very much enjoyed camping here, and the host was very helpful and kind.
R
Richard M.
3 reviews
The sight was very pretty, especially with the leaves changing color for fall. It is a good ways off the road. We were able to catch a few fish and watch the sunrise. My only “complaint” would be the noise. The occasional dog barking or little bit of road noise didn’t bother me however it would’ve been nice to know that this location is near a small racetrack. They had races until around midnight on Saturday night, I don’t think this is a common occurrence but it’s definitely a possibility.
Christina R.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
15 ft travel trailer ·
Lakeside Retreat
Serene & secluded, just as we like it! We will be back!!
N
Nicholas S.
10 reviews
I went for an overnight camp trip at Lakeside Retreat with a few of my friends after a stressful week. This destination met and exceeded every one of our expectations. My friends, their girlfriends and my girlfriend have never been camping before. Although this site doesn’t have many amenities they said they would come back as many times as they could, they and myself absolutely loved it.
It was scenic-the lake was beautiful and peaceful. The bugs were minimal. The area was clean and well-kept. A absolute great place to stay.
The owner was very clear and helpful while giving directions and answering vigorous questions. Polite, kind, and helpful.
Getting in was easy and there was plenty of room to park and relax. Dense forest makes the site and the campground area very secluded and private. Even though a main road is not far, the sound pollution was very minimal and not noticeable *at all*.
I would recommend to anyone who has never been camping before, anyone who loves camping, anyone who likes to fish, the dock was stable and helpful! Anyone who is on this app should give this site a try.
O
Oliver F.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Neil's spot was a private oasis! We enjoyed taking our paddleboards out and letting the pup run around and swim in the water! Would definitely stay here again!
S
Sarah S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
36 ft toy hauler ·
Lakeside Retreat
This is an awesome spot. Single camp site that is secluded with your own private little Lake. Would love to come back with a little more time and a fishing pole for catcher release, of course.
M
Murry C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
16 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Beautiful spot! Very private, beautiful and nice views of the lake. Boondocking at its best!
Jennifer N.
10 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Neil was wonderfully communicative! The camp itself was very self explanatory and very well set up! My puppy loved to explore the land surrounding the lake and the lake itself!
L
Levi W.
3 reviews
Awesome spot to camp and fish in the stocked pond. We brought a canoe and used it to explore the pond and fish. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets and with a south facing view the moon was beautiful moving across the night sky.
J
Jean Paul L.
2 reviews
I echo all of Lakeside Retreat's reviews so far. The hosts are communicative and the directions to the site were excellent. The property is well taken care of and was very easy for me to navigate as a first time boondocker with my 13 foot travel trailer. It was a relaxing stay and I recommend it to anyone looking for a little peace and contentment. Thank you Neil! Because I live so close, I suspect I will be visiting again!
Robin P.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
12 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
It is very private never seen another person. Our English bulldog loved the freedom to roam off leash. I
Z
Zonina H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
12 ft campervan ·
Lakeside Retreat
Neil and Pam place was great! Clear instructions on how to get to the property. Property was well maintained and clean. Beautiful, private, and peaceful. Just what we were looking for.
D
Diana B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
18 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
We missed our stay entirely unfortunately— but it looks like the perfect staycation spot for us. Will try again soon!
E
Erica M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Lakeside Retreat
This place felt like an oasis. The site was beautiful and also easy to find. We felt completely secluded and our dog really enjoyed the room to run! The host was very nice and responded quickly when we reached out. Would def recommend and we hope to visit again.
C
Cory C.
3 reviews
What a wonderful space! My husband and I don’t frequently find ourselves with a weekend off and I’m so glad that we found this little retreat site for the brief break we could take! It had everything we could want; a sweet little dock area for fishing, privacy, established fire pit and even a table provided if you need it. We are so grateful ☺️
Sav C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeside Retreat
Nice place and kind hosts. Had the lake all to ourselves never saw a soul.
J
Jeffrey H.
2 reviews
Location
Forest City, Rutherford, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Neil P.
Joined in March 2024Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
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