Fishing and swimming enthusiasts will find both activities available at Hammocks Beach Simmons Mainland Campground, which operates as part of Hammocks Beach State Park. The campground accommodates multiple access methods including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in options across forested and open terrain areas.
Sites include full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections, along with standard amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome with advance reservations available. Rates range from $17 to $75 per night depending on site selection and season. Campers wanting a different experience can check out Buttons Family Campground nearby.
Description
Located in Onslow County 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Hammocks Beach State Park comprises a mainland area and three barrier islands, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. A seasonal passenger ferry transports visitors to the pristine beach that provides an opportunity to swim, surf, look for shells, and fish. Alternatively, visitors can rent or bring their own kayak or canoe for a closer exploration of the marshlands and maritime swamp forests that surround the park's island areas. The park offers two distinct camping experiences, primitive beach camping on Bear Island and more traditional drive-up camping on the mainland.
Park Gate Hours:
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Year-Round;
8:00 am till 7:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day
Visitor Center Hours:
8:00 am till 5:00 pm Year-Round,
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day
Bear Island Loop and Bear Island Boat In Only Loop:
Check-in required at the visitor center for Bear Island campsites. No late arrivals.
Open fires of any kind are not allowed on Bear Island.
Bear Island campsites require transportation by canoe, kayak, private boat, or ferry service when operating. Ferry service information available at: Hammocks Beach State Park: Home | NC State Parks (ncparks.gov).
Simmons Mainland Campground has 24-hour drive-up access to the campground. Check-in at 3:00 pm NO Early Check-ins.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock, Morrow Mountain, and Cliffs of the Neuse State Parks 1 night Minimum Stay on holiday weekend if the booking dates within 14 Days before Arrival Date Rule applies to the following holiday weekends: Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHammocks Beach Simmons Mainland Campground is located in North Carolina near Swansboro
Directions
The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City. From I-95, take I-40 east to NC 24. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. Simmons Campground, 1/4 mile on the right. Turn right about 500 feet before the end of the road for the park main entrance and ferry dock.
Address
1572 Hammocks Beach Rd
Swansboro, NC 28584
Coordinates
34.67616728 N
77.14956279 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/9/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/9/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/9/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
