SANDHILLS GAME LAND
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission,
Hoke, Moore, Richmond and Scotland Counties (61,526 acres total)
The area I am highlighting is but a small portion of this expansive area. I chose this area to put as a waymark because it is an area I have hunted and hiked on numerous occasions. As corny as it may sound, you can let all the days problems melt away once out of sight of the vehicle. A casual stroll or a quick step hike through the pines and scrub oaks will lift your spirits and free your mind if you allow it. The area that I am giving cords to is just off the Nashville Church Road area in Scotland County. There is a convenient place to pull off the road there and park. If you have four wheel drive that's okay but in most places you will not need it. Remember to use common sense when in the outdoors. As you walk in any of the Sandhills Gameland look for turned soil, a treat may be had. This area was once inhabited by Native Americans and some of their pottery and arrow points can be seen. A word of caution here, do not remove what you encounter, the artifacts are property of the state. I know of a place across US 1 where there are scads of pottery shards that can be seen when the forestry service plows the area to plant feed plots.
Some additional useful information on this area:
Size of the public land : 61,526 acres total
Is there a trail system?: No, this is not a formal system of trails but multiple intersecting firelanes, deer trails, and paths are there for your enjoyment.Terrain is slightly hilly, not strenuous. The sandy soil sort of tugs at your feet for a while and then you get used to it.There are fire breaks the fire plows have made for the occasional controlled burn and there are fire lanes all over the area.
What points of interest are there?:
Points of interest are really few if all you are looking for is a nice overlook, etc. What the gamelands offers is a solitude that is rare today. Park your vehicle, get out, take a deep breath, slow down, and start walking down a fire break or a small lane. Quietly stroll, eyes open, deer, turkey, fox squirrels are there and you will see them if you are quiet. As you walk along, observe, relax, enjoy the gamelands and let the solitude recharge you. At Kinney Cameron Lake there is a memorial stone for a squad of WWII paratroopers that drowned in the lake after given clearance by error to exit the plane. If you are into geocaching too, then there are several near this area.
What activities are available?:
All activities are pretty much from sun up to dusk. Horseback riding is enjoyed by many, only one thing bring your own horse. Dirt bike and four wheelers are allowed but must stay on the roadways. Some of the side roads are marked for foot travel only. The game warden takes these signs seriously as so should you. Mountain biking is okay there but remember the name of the area, the Sandhills Gamelands. Of course, good old hiking can be enjoyed. The Sandhills Gamelands are a 3 day a week hunting area. In hunting season it is best to stay home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If you choose to ignore this, at least wear lots of blaze orange! There are several lakes available for fishing. You can launch boats but can not use gasoline engines on the gameland lakes. Several of the lakes would be good canoeing or kayaking lakes. Camping is allowed only at designated hunter camping areas. Check with regulations book from NC Wildlife Commission on locations. If you are into geocaching too, then there are several near this area I am waymarking. On the geocaching.com site put in Hoffman, NC or Marston, NC to cut down on the search area.
List of known hazards:
Poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and coyotes are found in the gamelands. Remember you are in the woods, use caution. Know how to use as compass. Yes I know you have a GPSr but if the batteries die and you forgot extras, or they fell out of your pocket along the way, or heaven forbid you forgot to set a waypoint for your vehicle, well I think you get the picture. Again, know how to use a compass. After you leave your vehicle and enter the great beyond, it begins to look the same. The animals you may encounter are wild animals, don't pet or feed any of them, especially the raccoons. Rabies is a big problem in eastern North Carolina. Hope I have not scared you away. The gamelands are actually a beautiful place to visit.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: No
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.:
For hunting and fishing, a Gamelands permit as well as a valid NC hunting or fishing license is needed. You may acquire that at a local sporting goods store such as Wally World. Prices vary depending on what you load your license with. For those who only wish to hike or ride horseback, there is no fee at this time. Under the tab dogs allowed, that all depends on the season. To be safe, keep Fido on a leash, for his safety and yours. Make sure the dog's vaccinations are up to date.
Please supply the website of the land if available: (
visit link)
PARKING CO-ORDS: N 34 57.452 W 079 28.400
Geocaches: 2 close by caches are GC1Y8FC and GC1Y8ED