N.C. Forest Service - About Bladen Lakes State Forest

Our Vision

We envision a North Carolina with healthy trees and forests that provide essential environmental, economic and social benefits served by a professional workforce recognized as a leader in forest protection, emergency response, resource management and environmental education.

About Bladen Lakes State Forest

Bladen Lakes State Forest was designed as a self sustaining Demonstration forest.  A "show me" forest designed to demonstrate operational techniques in reforestation, control burning, road construction, logging, forest product utilization, etc. BLSF is also a working forest, which means it is actively managed and creates its own income. Yearly revenues are generated through timber sales, pine straw sales and production of charcoal and revenues from being in the Game Lands Program. It is an active partner in the Forest Stewardship Program, contributing significantly to the regions clean water and air, protection of the soil, wildlife habitat, recreational resources and timber supply. We also have a close working relationship with NCWRC, the Natural Heritage Program of NC, The Nature Conservancy and other stakeholders. Forest products are sold to sustain forest operations and staff salaries. This saves taxpayer dollars, provides jobs, and benefits local/regional economies

Although Bladen Lakes does not have its own lake, there are 2 state parks adjacent that offer recreational opportunities that you can take advantage of when you visit. Those are Singletary Lake and Jones Lake State Park. Amenities include RV hookups and bathhouse at Jones Lake and cabins at Singletary Lake.

Facts about Bladen Lakes State Forest

Elevation: 15-115 ft.

Acreage: 33,000+ acres

Climate: Average Temp: 44 F (Jan), 82 F (July)

Annual Precipitation: 46 inches

Soils: In addition to some well drained soils, the forest sits on many marginal soils. 

• Poorly to very poorly drained -- Lynn Haven and Pamlico Leon types
• Well to excessively drained -- Lakeland soils