Within Croatan National Forest, this dispersed camping area offers primitive camping in a native longleaf pine ecosystem. The US Forest Service manages this free camping zone where visitors can set up camp throughout the forest, though access requires navigating unmaintained dirt roads that can challenge smaller vehicles.
The forest contains swampy habitat where alligators and bears live alongside the camping areas. Carina F. describes it as "dispersed camping deep in the national forest" with "a native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes." Hurricane damage has closed several access roads, making route planning essential before arrival. Campers report finding abundant shotgun shells scattered throughout the area, indicating heavy hunting activity.
Great Lake sits at the heart of this camping zone, accessible by ATV or capable four-wheel-drive vehicles past concrete barriers blocking standard road access. The area features pitcher plants and Venus flytraps growing naturally in the forest understory. Mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent, particularly during warmer months. Military aircraft conduct training flights overhead regularly.
RV camping works better than tent camping given the wildlife presence and rough terrain. Those seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Havelock or check Catfish Lake - Croatan National Forest for more developed facilities. Come prepared with all supplies and a reliable vehicle for forest road navigation.
Description
Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water. All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators. Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes. The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District. Please contact the District for more information. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here. Recreation Maps Croatan National Forest Maps Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingGreat Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest is located in North Carolina
Directions
From Maysville, take NC 58 East, turn left onto SR 110 (turns to gravel). Continue to FR 126 and follow to the lake.
Coordinates
34.86091683 N
77.05327781 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/2/26
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Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 50 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 1 hr 40 min from Goldsboro, NC
- 1 hr 41 min from Greenville, NC
- 1 hr 49 min from Wilmington, NC
