Camping on the North Carolina Coast

Some of North Carolina’s most undeveloped places are along our beautiful coast. The soft dunes and flat plains of this region are perfect for setting up camp and stargazing. From state parks and national seashores to river platforms and RV parks, camping options abound.

1 Cape Lookout National Seashore

1 Cape Lookout National Seashore

Crystal CoastSee on mapSee on map

Imagine setting up camp on the beach, building a fire and watching the rhythmic sweep of the light from Cape Lookout Lighthouse. All camping within Cape Lookout National Seashore is primitive beach camping – there are no designated campgrounds – which is what makes this a truly special experience. During the day, visit the wild horses that roam the Shackleford Banks or see historic Portsmouth Village nearby. At Whispering Pines RV Park near Morehead City and Emerald Isle, families can enjoy easy access to Bogue Sound with a boat ramp and pier, a swimming pool and clubhouse, playground with a dog park and a freshwater fishing pond.

2 Merchants Millpond State Park

Couple canoeing through Merchants Millpond State Park with sun streaming through trees

2 Merchants Millpond State Park

Albemarle & Pamlico SoundsSee on mapSee on map

Not far from the state’s northern border in Gatesville, Merchants Millpond State Park is a camping destination with water as its centerpiece. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities here, and campsites range from drive-up family campsites (tent and RV) to backpack primitive sites to canoe-up sites.

3 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

3 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

Cape Hatteras National Seashore along the Outer Banks stretches some 70 miles across barrier islands and offers more then 30,000 acres in which to enjoy the pristine maritime environment. Four campgrounds in the park are located at Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco and Ocracoke Island. The campsites on Ocracoke can be reserved; the rest are first come, first served. Ocracoke is a favorite spot because of its 14 miles of pristine beaches, quaint village, lighthouse and maritime forest. The only way to reach the island is by ferry, but the journey is well worth the solitude you’ll find here.

4 Pettigrew State Park

Pier jutting into lake with cypress trees all around during cloudy daytime

4 Pettigrew State Park

Albemarle & Pamlico SoundsSee on mapSee on map

With crystal clear Lake Phelps as its centerpiece, Pettigrew State Park is a wonderland for campers who are looking for both natural beauty and a taste of history. North Carolina’s second largest lake – as well as one of its oldest – Lake Phelps is a haven for swimmers, boaters and anglers. A total of 13 family campsites make it easy to explore and enjoy this scenic park.

5 Jones Lake State Park

5 Jones Lake State Park

Inner Coastal PlainSee on mapSee on map

Geology lovers will find Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown a fascinating place to explore. Jones Lake is a prime example of a geological phenomenon scientists call Carolina bays – elliptical depressions in the earth that span the Atlantic Seaboard. These “bays” aren’t connected to the sea or to rivers, and only a few (like Jones Lake) hold water. In addition to being a geological mystery, the park is a favorite spot for hiking, swimming, fishing and camping. The 20 family campsites here include a picnic table and grill, with drinking water, restrooms and showers nearby.

6 Roanoke River Platform Sites

6 Roanoke River Platform Sites

Inner Coastal PlainSee on mapSee on map

Kayakers will love platform camping with Roanoke River Partners, a nonprofit group that maintains the Roanoke River Paddle Trail. Campers pack all their gear into kayaks, and then paddle out to one of several platform sites located along the Roanoke or Cashie River. Each platform is different in habitat and amenities – some contain just the platform itself, others have covered platforms, in-ground bathroom facilities and one even has two bikes you can use to pedal to nearby civilization.

7 Hammocks Beach State Park

7 Hammocks Beach State Park

Topsail areaSee on mapSee on map

Anglers might want to set up camp on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro. Open dunes awash with sea oats wait campers here, as well as waters chock full of fish. Puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish bite now as they did in centuries past, when the park was a hunting and fishing haven for Native American tribes.

8 Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

8 Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

Outer BanksSee on mapSee on map

RV enthusiasts can find plenty of camping options on the Outer Banks. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground is one of the largest, offering more than 400 RV sites, 15 tent sites and seven cabins. A hot tub, Wi-Fi, hot/cold water, sewer hook-ups, electrical hook-ups, guest laundry, camp store, playground, and Jet Ski and kayak rentals are all available here.

9 Carolina Beach State Park

Two girls standing at edge of water at state park with shoreline in far distance

9 Carolina Beach State Park

Wilmington areaSee on mapSee on map

Carolina Beach State Park, just outside Wilmington, sits astride the 761-acre island. In addition to RV and group campsites, the park features a marina with two launch ramps and 40 boat slips. Anglers can expect to catch spot and flounder. Miles of trails allow you to explore distinctive habitats, including one that is home to carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant and Venus flytrap.

Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.

Updated March 31, 2023
About the Author
Jason Frye

Jason Frye

Jason Frye is the author of Moon North Carolina, Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip and Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He lives and writes in Wilmington.

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