Near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, camping options range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV resorts, with most located within a 30-minute drive of ocean beaches. The coastal region experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter camping remains viable with milder 50-60°F daytime temperatures. Local campgrounds typically sit along rivers, creeks, and marshlands, creating opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities.
What to do
Kayaking on smaller waterways: At Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm, campers can access the small river behind the RV and tent area via a wooden dock. "Kayaks available to enjoy the small river behind RV& Tent area. Easy access via wooden dock for boarding or unloading kayaks," notes Richard W.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Hawkins Creek Campground offers catch-and-release fishing ponds on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy fishing without leaving the property. Octive F. mentions this among the amenities: "This is a great place to stay stocked catch and release fishing ponds."
Farm experiences: Some campgrounds offer unique agricultural activities not found at standard sites. Wallace Meadows Farm combines camping with farm experiences. "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice," shares Faith W., adding "They sell their own beef and I will have to say the best beef hot dogs I've ever had."
What campers like
River views and access: Campers consistently praise the waterfront locations in the area. At Oyster Point Campground, sites near the water are particularly valued. Roger W. notes, "Sites #9 and #11 have pathways to a very small private beach," while Jenna L. appreciates "a 20 ft path directly from my campsite to the river, which is nice."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. Tracy K. experienced this at Wallace Meadows Farm: "The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower! The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil."
Spacious sites: Oyster Point offers generous spacing between campsites. Roger W. states, "Very wide sites," while Tracy R. confirms "Campsites are large and spread out. Logs were at each campsite when we arrived, great for firewood or for seating around the campfire."
What you should know
Distance to shops and services: Some campgrounds are quite remote. Tracy R. points out about Oyster Point: "Area is remote. Closest shopping was more than 10 miles away." Similarly, Jody B. notes, "Not a lot in the immediate area. Town was 25-30 minutes away, but had all the types of stores."
Insects can be intense: Coastal camping often comes with bug challenges. Hannah F. warns about Oyster Point Campground: "Only complaint is nature related and that's the bugs! The flys are insane but you'll quickly learn to ignore them - aside from a few bites here and there. We smoked them out and it was fine for the most part."
Yurt camping options: While traditional tent and RV camping dominate, yurt camping near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is available at select locations like White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort. These yurt accommodations provide a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals, with most featuring electricity and nearby bathroom facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: During hot months, pools are valuable amenities. Caralee B. raves about Goose Creek Campground: "The pool is amazing! The slide is so fun! It has 3ft all the way to 6ft roped off sections in the pool!"
Consider permanent residents: Many campgrounds have year-round residents. Caralee B. notes about Goose Creek: "Lots of year round permanent residence with some super cute homes," while Daniel P. says about Hawkins Creek: "Very friendly people and lots of kids. Alot of full timers here too."
Check for after-hours procedures: Plan your arrival carefully. David B. cautions about Oyster Point: "Make sure you don't check in after hours lol," indicating potential complications with late arrivals.
Tips from RVers
Site surface types vary: Different campgrounds offer various pad types. Richard W. appreciates the concrete pads at Wallace Meadows Farm: "Each site has 12x12 concrete pads to restrict tracking sand and/or dirt into RV unit."
Price considerations for extended stays: For longer-term camping, costs can add up. Lewis M. cautions about Goose Creek: "Very nice place, well keep, nice paved streets, nice boat ramps, nice piers, nice laundry room, good cell service. WiFi available for $$ more, cable 👎👎👎 Wanted to stay for a month but only had 21 days opening. $1800 👎"
Cell service information: Connectivity varies by location. At Oyster Point, Jody B. reports "Verizon service was good," while Lucy P. simply states the campground has "great cell service," important information for remote workers or those needing to stay connected during their yurt camping experience near Atlantic Beach.
