Best Beach Campgrounds in North Carolina
Hey there, **readers!** Are you searching for the perfect spot to set up camp by the beautiful North Carolina coast? With miles of pristine beaches and charming coastal towns, North Carolina offers a diverse range of camping experiences. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right campground for your needs.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve scoured the state, analyzing the best **beach campgrounds in North Carolina** to help you find your ideal coastal getaway. We’ve considered everything from amenities and activities to location and price, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
So, let’s dive in and explore some of the most fantastic **beach campgrounds in North Carolina** that will leave you wanting to return for more.
Campgrounds in the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a haven for beach lovers with its stunning beaches, iconic lighthouses, and rich maritime history. Here, you’ll find an array of campgrounds offering breathtaking ocean views, easy access to the sand, and a range of amenities for every camper.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park Campground
Located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park Campground provides a unique camping experience. It’s the only state park in North Carolina that offers overnight camping on a sand dune, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The campground offers both primitive and RV campsites, complete with water and electric hookups. You can hike, bike, or drive to access the famed Jockey’s Ridge State Park, boasting the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. Explore the park’s nature trails, visit the visitor center, and marvel at the ever-changing sand formations.
Reserve your spot well in advance, as this campground is highly popular, especially during peak season.
Kitty Hawk Woods Campground
Nestled among the maritime forests of Kitty Hawk, Kitty Hawk Woods Campground offers a tranquil escape. This campground is ideal for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to the beach via a dedicated walkway.
The campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, catering to various camping preferences. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a playground for the kids. Explore the nearby Kitty Hawk Bay, renowned for its calm waters, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Kitty Hawk Woods is a great option for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a serene camping experience near the beach.
Oregon Inlet Campground
If you’re an avid angler, Oregon Inlet Campground is the perfect destination for you. Situated near the renowned Oregon Inlet, this campground is a prime spot to cast your line and reel in a catch.
The campground offers numerous amenities, including full hookups for RVs, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. You can access the beach via a short walk, where you’ll find opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and seashell hunting.
Spend your afternoons fishing from the pier, exploring the nearby fishing village of Manteo, or embarking on a boat trip to the Outer Banks’ beautiful inlets and sounds.
Campgrounds in the Crystal Coast
The Crystal Coast, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, offers a diverse range of camping options. From rustic campgrounds nestled in maritime forests to luxurious RV resorts with pools and hot tubs, you’ll find something to suit your style.
Hammocks Beach State Park Campground
Hammocks Beach State Park Campground provides a peaceful retreat on the pristine shores of the Crystal Coast. Known for its diverse ecosystem, the park offers a variety of activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and bird watching.
The campground features 50 primitive campsites with access to restrooms and cold water showers. Explore the park’s nature trails, visit the maritime forest, or take a ferry to the beautiful Bear Island, home to a variety of wildlife.
Hammocks Beach State Park Campground is a great choice for those seeking a secluded and natural camping experience.
Emerald Isle Woods Campground
Emerald Isle Woods Campground offers a convenient and relaxing camping experience. This campground is just a short walk from the beach and offers a wide range of amenities for its guests.
Choose from various campsites with full hookups, partial hookups, or no hookups. The campground features restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and a playground for the kids. You’ll also find a pool, a game room, and a picnic area for your enjoyment.
Emerald Isle Woods is a great choice for families and friends looking for a comfortable and convenient camping experience.
Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort
For those seeking a more luxurious camping experience, Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort offers a range of amenities and services. This resort features a beautiful pool with a lazy river, hot tubs, a playground, and a clubhouse with a game room, a kitchen, and a laundry facility.
The campground also offers a variety of campsites, including pull-through sites, back-in sites, and tent sites. The location is ideal for exploring the nearby attractions of Atlantic Beach, including the Carteret County Maritime Museum and the Fort Macon State Park.
Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and luxurious getaway.
Campgrounds in the Southern Outer Banks
The Southern Outer Banks, known for its laid-back charm and picturesque fishing villages, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town hospitality. Here, you’ll find a variety of campgrounds catering to different preferences, from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Ocracoke Island Campground
Ocracoke Island Campground is a true gem nestled in the heart of Ocracoke Island. This campground offers a tranquil escape, surrounded by natural beauty and rich history.
The campground offers a variety of campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and tent sites. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility. Hike or bike the island’s scenic trails, explore the historic village, or swim in the calm waters of Ocracoke’s beautiful beach.
Ocracoke Island Campground is a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing and authentic camping experience.
Engelhard Campground
Engelhard Campground, located in Engelhard, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for campers seeking a peaceful getaway in the heart of the Southern Outer Banks. Nestled on the banks of the Pamlico Sound, this campground offers a variety of amenities and activities for all ages.
The campground offers a mix of RV sites with water and electric hookups, primitive campsites, and tent sites. You’ll find restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Enjoy the campground’s cozy atmosphere, relax by the sound, or explore the nearby towns of Engelhard and Bayboro.
Engelhard Campground is a great choice for families and friends looking for a budget-friendly and peaceful camping experience.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Campground
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Campground is an ideal choice for nature lovers seeking a unique camping experience. Located within the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, this campground is a haven for birds and other wildlife.
The campground offers primitive campsites with access to restrooms and cold showers. Explore the refuge’s scenic trails and observe a diverse range of bird species. You can also enjoy the nearby beaches, known for their beauty and tranquility.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Campground is a great choice for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and memorable camping experience.
Detailed Table Breakdown of Best Beach Campgrounds in North Carolina
| Campground Name | Location | Amenities | Activities | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jockey’s Ridge State Park Campground | Nags Head | Primitive and RV campsites, water and electric hookups, restrooms, showers | Hiking, biking, sandboarding, nature trails, visitor center | $20-$30 per night |
| Kitty Hawk Woods Campground | Kitty Hawk | Tent sites, RV sites, cabins, restrooms, showers, dump station, playground | Beach access, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, nature trails | $30-$40 per night |
| Oregon Inlet Campground | Oregon Inlet | Full hookups for RVs, restrooms, showers, dump station, pier fishing | Fishing, swimming, sunbathing, seashell hunting, boat trips | $35-$45 per night |
| Hammocks Beach State Park Campground | Swansboro | Primitive campsites, restrooms, cold water showers | Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, bird watching, ferry to Bear Island | $16-$20 per night |
| Emerald Isle Woods Campground | Emerald Isle | Full hookups, partial hookups, no hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facility, playground, pool, game room, picnic area | Beach access, swimming, sunbathing, fishing | $40-$50 per night |
| Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort | Atlantic Beach | Pull-through sites, back-in sites, tent sites, pool, lazy river, hot tubs, playground, clubhouse, game room, kitchen, laundry facility | Beach access, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, exploring nearby attractions | $50-$60 per night |
| Ocracoke Island Campground | Ocracoke Island | Primitive sites, RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, restrooms, showers, laundry facility | Hiking, biking, exploring the historic village, swimming | $25-$35 per night |
| Engelhard Campground | Engelhard | RV sites with water and electric hookups, primitive campsites, tent sites, restrooms, showers, dump station | Relaxing by the Pamlico Sound, exploring nearby towns, fishing | $20-$25 per night |
| Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Campground | Pea Island | Primitive campsites, restrooms, cold showers | Hiking, bird watching, wildlife photography, beach access | $14-$18 per night |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beach campgrounds in North Carolina for families?
Some of the best family-friendly beach campgrounds in North Carolina include Jockey’s Ridge State Park Campground, Kitty Hawk Woods Campground, Emerald Isle Woods Campground, and Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities for families, such as playgrounds, pools, and game rooms, making them perfect for a fun-filled camping experience.
What are the best beach campgrounds in North Carolina for RV camping?
Many campgrounds in North Carolina cater to RV campers. Some of the best options include Oregon Inlet Campground, Atlantic Beach Camping & RV Resort, and Kitty Hawk Woods Campground. These campgrounds offer a variety of sites with full hookups, making them ideal for RV camping.
What are the best beach campgrounds in North Carolina for primitive camping?
If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, try Jockey’s Ridge State Park Campground, Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, or Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Campground. These campgrounds offer primitive campsites with access to restrooms and showers.
Conclusion
So there you have it, **readers!** We’ve explored some of the best **beach campgrounds in North Carolina**, offering diverse options to suit every camper’s needs. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a luxurious getaway, you’ll find the perfect spot to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning North Carolina coastline.
Now, as you plan your next camping trip, don’t forget to check out our other articles on **North Carolina travel** and find the perfect destination for your next adventure. Happy camping!
Whether you crave pristine stretches of sand, refreshing ocean breezes, or simply a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, North Carolina offers a diverse range of beach campgrounds to suit every taste and budget. From family-friendly havens with abundant amenities to secluded, rustic retreats perfect for nature lovers, the state’s coastline is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable camping experience. As you plan your next adventure, consider the unique charm of each campground. Many offer access to fishing piers, kayak launches, hiking trails, and even opportunities for whale watching. Others feature cozy cabins, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and playgrounds for keeping the little ones entertained.
Beyond the stunning natural beauty, these campgrounds often serve as gateways to explore the vibrant coastal towns and cities that dot the North Carolina shoreline. Take a day trip to historic Wilmington, indulge in fresh seafood at charming waterfront restaurants, or browse unique shops and art galleries while soaking in the laid-back coastal atmosphere. No matter what your preference, from surfing and paddleboarding to exploring picturesque lighthouses and wildlife sanctuaries, the possibilities for adventure are endless.
So, pack your bags, grab your tent, and head to the coast. North Carolina’s beach campgrounds are waiting to welcome you with open arms, promising an unforgettable getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, and lasting memories. Whether you choose to spend your days exploring the sandy shores, marveling at the ocean’s vastness, or simply basking in the serenity of your campsite, the North Carolina coast offers a sanctuary for both the body and soul. Let the gentle rhythm of the waves and the fresh ocean air rejuvenate you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of this coastal paradise.
Escape to paradise! Discover the best beach campgrounds in North Carolina. Stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and unforgettable memories await. Book your adventure today!
