White Lake

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Tough Southeastern North Carolina’s Atlantic coast beaches

get a lot of traffic and attention this time of year, there is another vacation hotspot in our area — and you won’t have to worry about rip currents, getting stung by a jellyfish or getting attacked by a shark. You might end up with a good sunburn if you’re not careful, though.

12 J ust a couple miles east of Elizabethtown in Bladen County is a family getaway that’s been drawing thousands to its sandy yet shady beaches each year for over a hundred years — White Lake.

Touted as “Te World’s Safest Beach,” White Lake opened in 1901, and offers boating, fishing, water sports like skiing and jet skiing, camping, miniature golf and much more.

One of the Carolina Bay Lakes, White Lake is spring- and rainfall-fed, says Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce president Terri Dennison.

White Lake is 1,100 acres, connected by two main highways— White Lake Drive and N.C. Highway 53, which circle the lake. Most visitors come to Goldston’s Beach, which has a pier, beach, restaurant, gift shops, campgrounds and even an amusement park, or Camp Clearwater, which is just down the road with many of the same amenities.

Both areas have gift shops where visitors can purchase all kinds of floats and beach chairs to help complement their stay. Goldston’s has a few motels and RV parks, while Camp Clearwater has tiny homes and mobile homes, as well as RVs and cottages that can be rented for short-term stays.

“Tere is always a lot of boating and fishing here,” Dennison says. “It’s clear water with a sandy bottom, which is very pretty. It’s a very Mom and Pop place, too. It’s not very commercial; it’s just kind of good, old-fashioned family fun.”

Te water itself is a state park, with private property surrounding it.

Goldston’s Beach

Te Goldston/Womble family owns Goldston’s Beach and the surrounding businesses, all with the Goldston’s name.

“It was developed it in 1918 and it was under a different name,” says Jake Womble, one of the current owners and part of the family dynasty. “Granddaddy’s brother, H.P. Goldston, bought it and changed the name to Goldston. Harry Womble was my granddad, and we’ve owned it ever since.”

Te lake is stocked with large-mouth bass, redfin perch and brim. “We see a fair amount of people fishing yearround,” Womble says.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everyone does business, Womble says plenty of folks are still coming to the lake to go fishing, boating and swimming.

“It’s been steady, but definitely a little slower,” he says. “We haven’t been able to open up all of our departments this year. Te amusement park is closed, and the arcade is closed. It’s just not worth it for some of them to try to open this year.”

Social distancing is encouraged, and most families are able to distance themselves from other vacationers on the beaches.

Swimming areas are roped off with buoys. Te depth of the lake at the end of the swimming area is about 6-7 feet, depending on rainfall, Womble says.

Back in its beginnings, Goldston’s Beach included a pavilion over the water, where people could dance and have parties, Womble recalls. “Tey used to rent bathing suits by the day, which definitely wouldn’t be good now,” he says with a laugh.

Te FFA also has a complex at White Lake, which is used yearly for annual camps.

With everything one could need on a vacation within the White Lake area, Womble says, “Most families come and don’t leave for the entire week. Tis place is all geared toward kids. Tere’s no danger here, other than if they go out in the water over their heads.”

In recent years, the area around White Lake has become more developed, with upscale beach-style homes alongside RV and mobile home communities.

A complete listing of accommodations and other activities can be found online at http://www.whitelakenc.com/. Motel rooms are available for $54-89 per night, while efficiency rooms or apartments run from $67-125 per night. Trailers can be rented for $100 per night or $550 a week. Cottage prices are determined by sleeping accommodations and size, but prices run from about $375-900 a week. Camping spaces are $25-35 per night.

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Singletary Lake

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For those who’d prefer a more wilderness-driven vacation, Singletary Lake State Park is just a few miles down Highway 53. It’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s a great spot for fishing, kayaking or canoeing, or just enjoying nature. “Singletary Lake is one of those Carolina Bay Lakes, but the water isn’t as clear because of the sediment,” Dennison explains. “You can hike there and camp there, and kind of get away from it all.” Te state park also has information on the hiking trails for kids to help educate them about the lakes, wildlife and much more. “A lot of people want to just sit and do nothing on a vacation,” Dennison says.

“Others want to do a lot of outdoor activities. We have the best of both available here. It’s a lot more than just the beach.” SE

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