Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Atlantic Beach? Finding a place to camp in North Carolina with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your North Carolina tent camping excursion.
Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet at Bear Island. Fourteen family campsites accommodate up to six people and two tents each. Campsites 1 to 11 are accessible via ferry, private boat or paddling only. Campsites 12 to 14 are accessible by private boat or paddling only and are not hikeable.
Sites 1 to 11 have a picnic table, while sites 12 to 14 do not. Fires are not permitted at Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves.
Water and a bathhouse with hot showers is located at Bear Island, but is available from only mid-March through mid-November. There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized.
Hike-In Distance Light and simple is the way to travel, as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock.
$12 - $52 / night
Originally a tobacco farm that was converted into a muscadine vineyard. Such a magical spot with so much history. Plenty of space to wonder. Wildlife is abundant.
$25 - $50 / night
Scout
We tent camped at this small (16 sites) campground in late May. The location is pretty and on the water. Not a swimming place, but there is a launch for canoes and kayaks. The location is a perfect staring point for hiking in Croatan National Forest. Fierce biting bugs and ticks during certain seasons, so bug spray is a must! Campsites are large and clean with some shade and old (need repair) picnic tables and fire pits. Some sites have electric hook ups. Toilet facilities are there but I do not recommend. Sites feel relatively private, but you do sometimes hear your neighbors. Most sites had RV campers when we stayed there. Also small youth groups frequent this location. Good for tent camping and not far to Carteret County beaches.
Traveler
We stayed here while visiting friends in Swansboro. We had to pay full hook up prices even though we were just tent camping but that wasn’t a huge deal. The area was kept really clean (bathrooms could use a little TLC) loved the views on the hiking trail which was close to the camping sites. Dog friendly! Our kids loved it. Beaches in driving distance.
Guide
I'm tent camping. The lady in the welcome center was in a rush to get out of the building and go work in a next-door diner so she didn't have time to answer any questions about this campground. I paid $30. There's a beautiful place to walk my dog along the water. White sand beach. The site itself has hookups if you need them. It has a picnic table, a fire ring and plenty of space for my vehicle and tent. I'm about 15 feet from the water. Nice view.
Traveler
Great for a weekend tent trip, most RV spots are used by permanent users. Small camping area not a whole lot of acres, how ever a lot of outdoor exploring area adjacent to the camp ground. Multiple ponds and frisbee golf course. MY PERSONAL OPINION, may not affect others but I like to camp under trees or close to. Most of the tent sites are out in the open. We got lucky and got one. Great prices though as well.
Traveler
Dispersed camping deep in the national forest. A native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes. Lots of roads closed from hurricane damage, so don't trust Google maps. The dirt roads were not maintained and ridiculously bumpy and unmanageable for smaller cars. There are alligators, bears, way too many ticks, mosquitos and a ridiculous amount of shotgun shells. It definitely felt dangerous. Would not recommend tent camping, but great for an RV if you can figure out where to park.
Guide
This was a very nice, well maintained campground. The staff were extremely polite and helpful. We stayed from Aug 11-14, 2020. The pool was nice on a hot humid day. They have gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store. The bathhouses are all very new due to a recent hurricane and they were kept clean. The dock/pier was picture perfect as the sunset over the Neuse river. The playground and jump pad looked like they would be a lot of fun but were closed due to Covid 19 restrictions. They had horseshoes and Gaga-ball that were open. They had 2 fenced in dog parks and a dog washing station. We chose this campground for it’s location near historical downtown New Bern and we would definitely recommend it to others. They have RV sites, tent sites and cabins.
Scout
The 24 hour campground park ranger stays on the first site of the right side entrance. There is a oyster fishery nearby. You can gather your own wood as there are nearby paths to gather large and small wood. The cost is $10 per site and one site has a double pad for $20 a night. It is quiet and enjoyable. The nearby beach is Atlantic beach as 20 minutes and your at the beach. The campsiye is on the Pamlico sound Pamlico river. The driveway is a small dirt road and can be easily missed so slow down when entering. We used a 6 person tent that had adequate space even with a dodge caravan to park in our space.
LegendI think this is only the third time I have stayed at a cabin at a campground, and it was all right but I like tent camping better. Because of the intense heat and health concerns, we chose to stay in a cabin here. I wish I had taken more pictures of the campground, but my buddy(seen in the photos) and I are photographers who look for scenes of beauty. It’s not that the campground was not“pretty,” but when you are this close to New Bern, there are better things to photograph. There’s Tryon Palace, Union Point Park, the historic Confederate cemetery, the fireman’s museum, the Pepsi Cola museum(New Bern is where Pepsi was born), etc. The New Bern KOA is perfect in every way. The sites are large with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, etc. It has all the amenities of a top notch campground that you would expect from KOA. I have stayed at several KOA campgrounds, and they all seem to have the oversized chess; and I have never seen anyone playing it with seriousness. They have two pools, a pavilion, a bouncer… and I could go on and on. IF you want to spend your time at the campground, there is so much to do that you don’t need to go anywhere else… HOWEVER… Did I mention New Bern and Tryon Palace? You can’t come this close to New Bern and not go to Tryon Palace. The campground is located on the shores of the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. Since they join here, you seem as if you are closer to the ocean. It looks more like a bay. There is a really nice pier at the campground beach for fishing, and the KOA here has outdoor boat rentals. There is also horseshoes, pedal bike rentals… Did I mention there is also New Bern and Tryon Palace? Seriously, the New Bern KOA is about the best campground at which I have stayed, but my buddy had never been to New Bern. There was more to see. If you go, make sure to make reservations. New Bern is a historic town with lots of vacationers during the summer. Looking for something to eat? My favorite place to eat in New Bern was Captain Ratty’s, which has great clam chowder. However, New Bern has lots of other great places to eat as well. The downtown area is also a great area for shopping. Back to the campground… the first time I stayed at the New Bern KOA was over thirty years ago, but it has grown in size and amenities. Now, it is more like a resort than a simple campground.
Guide
We recently stayed overnight at Wallace Meadows and it was one of the most lovely places we've ever been to! Rich was very friendly and welcoming and the hookup & amenities they offered for a fee were excellent. The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower! The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil. There's even a guesthouse which could possibly accommodate fellow travelers who may not have an RV. There's also a laundry room but we didn't use it. They have a background in hospitality and it really shows. Before we left, we purchased some fresh eggs from their farm, beautifully packaged and delicious! We will return to North Carolina. There's so much to see here and we'll definitely return to Wallace Meadows Farm.
TravelerCamp sites are clean and cared for. They have nice tent pads done up. would be nice if some of them had two tent pads for a second tent but ground was nice and level for a second tent. Some campsites have water access some don’t. the Camp host were also very friendly and accommodating.
TravelerWe really enjoyed our night at Oyster Point. The host was friendly and helped me find another campsite when my was taken by an unregistered guest. We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11. Tent pads are big enough for 1 large tent or 2 small tents. The campground is small so fairly quiet.
**Pro's: **
Metal Fire Ring/Grill
Picnic tables
Lots of lantern hooks
Port a Johns were very clean
Some cons:
The bugs are bad in June and bug spray didn't really help.
The sites aren't in order by number.
The gravel road had a lot of ruts in it so getting my trailer with kayaks in and out was a lot of trouble.
No showers
Port a johns were noticeably tilted down hill
ScoutReal camping, no frills. Beautiful campground, great camp host, back to basics camping. The way it should be , in a tent.
ScoutFun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap.
Guide
Sand in your pants and tent, but worth it! Ferry out, and hike down the a mile or so, and sleep on the beach. A truly unique experience!
LegendMy wife and I stayed at this campground many years ago, and when I came this time, the changes were mind blowing. The first time, it was rustic with high grass, a dirt entry road, and most campers were in tents. This time, the landscaping was well manicured, there were paved roads throughout, and most campers were in RVs. Wow!!!! What an upgrade! However, I had a tent and I felt out of place. I guess I was expecting a campground more like federal campgrounds I have been to in the past where there is more privacy and space between the campsites. With that said, the tent was on grass and there were no hookups. Essentially, it was a grassy, level place to pitch a tent. The one redeeming factor was that it was close to the bath house. The facilities were fairly new. For example, the bath house looked as if it had been built recently, and the concrete looked fresh. Inside, there are individual showers separate from the toilets. Both are modern and something I am not used to seeing except at privately owned campgrounds. The main attraction here is the Cedar Point Tideland Trail which takes you through the estuaries close to the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This area is a photographer’s dream, especially if you like photographing the native habitat and creatures. I was able to get photos of birds, soft shell crabs, and closeup photos of dragonflies. The estuary itself is worth taking pictures of, especially at sunset. Another attraction is its proximity to Emerald Isle and the ocean, which is about two to three miles away. If you are a kayaker like I am, or a boater, there is access to the White Oak River by way of a boat launch. Personally, I had rather be in a more remote wilderness type area, but I understand that some people love this type of closeness to their neighbors and the modern facilities. Don’t get me wrong. All you have to do is drive a few hundred yards, and you will be in a wilderness type area(the Tideland Trail). Overall, this is a great little campground for RVs(and tents if you spend most of your time exploring the Tideland Trail and surrounding areas), and I highly recommend it… IF you can get a spot. All of the sites are by reservation only except for five first come/first serve spots.
Traveler
It was gated due to local issues, which made me feel safe. Quiet, despite RV traffick. Mine was the only tent on site, but people were kind in RVs.
Legend
I’ve been riding my bicycles on the the trails around Flanner’s for years. This was my first camping experience here.
We brought our T@G Boondock XL for my wife and I, and a side tent for my grandson. Decent sized spot for our camper and 10x10 tent, and it included a fire pit (very tall sides) and a picnic table.
We spent the first day setting up, preparing food and enjoying the fire. Ended the day in the tent playing guitar and singing, while my grandson played the Djembe.
Day 2, was fresh ground Death Wish coffee in the Chemex and breakfast. Then we went for a 3 mile hike. Ate lunch and played ladder ball.
Another 2 mile hike in the afternoon, some card games, dinner over the fire and pudgie pies. Played music around the fire until bedtime.
Day 3 was Coffee, breakfast and tear down/pack up.
The grounds were clean, saw the hosts throughout the park, and they were very friendly.
Showers/bathrooms were good. Water was plenty hot in the shower. It was cold at night and in the morning, and the facilities have screens for ventilation, so it can get quite cold (or hot) in there.
The beach is closed indefinitely.
The trails are great.
Great first camping experience for our grandson.
I will be back.
The sign at the gate says NO ALCOHOL. Not sure why this is an issue, but it’s their rule.
ScoutOyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene. Campsites are relatively close but fat enough to feel like there's some privacy. Close to the water and a lovely 21 mile trail. Potable water available along with raised bathrooms and trash receptacles. It's a solid 9/10. Drawbacks are the biting flies and tough ground if you're tenting.
Scout
A gem of a place! Call to reserve a spot. The staff is super helpful and friendly. We loved being right by the beach. There are spots for RVs and tents. You could still hear the waves even with RVs running air conditioners.
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! Your host Kathrine is an experienced host and is ready to make your next camping trip a memorable one! There's a spot for everyone, from the onsite camper, to bring your own tent/RV sites, check them out and share some pics from your stay on the Dyrt!
GuideDo NOT stay here!! The hosts do not follow the published USFS/recreation.gov rules, oe even their own posted rules. FFS sites are in fact booked IN ADVANCE. You can book them for days at a time, anytime. The app is INACCURATE. The hosts simply do whatever they want, then argue when presented with published rules and policies. Additionally, no handicapped placard or other disability proof is required to rent the wheelchair accesssible sites across from the bath house and all were filled with able-bodied persons in huge RVs. Horrible experience and OUTRAGEOUS $8 reservation fee and $10-$18 cancellation fee. Furthermore, there are serious issues with the electric connections, which you have no choice but to pay for. We were only able to occasionally have reliable electricity, resulting in even small 5V items not charging. The biggest issue was inconsistent/incomplete charging of wheelchair batteries. We had to rely on vehicle power charging for most things. The campsites are also poorly arranged, forcing tents to be placed within 2-3’ of fire rings, which is ridiculously unsafe. The sites are also full of fire ant beds - including on the tent/table pad itself. One of the poorest managed campgrounds I have ever stayed in.
GuideThanks to my Access pass camping here is just $5/night. Gorgeous wooded sites, well-maintained. Waterside! Literally a 60-second walk to water from campsite. Great hiking & kayaking. Very quiet & private. Nice and flat but if you tent I would advise sand stakes. No bug problems whatsoever in mid to late October. Forest Service road in is newly graded and graveled. Zero potholes. About 15 min drive to civilization with gas/groceries/food. Host is wonderful!! So sweet and helpful.
ScoutExtremely nice campground with 4 RV sites(50 Amp) and water service. Dump station is easy access upon arrival or departure. Easy entrance and exit from main highway to site area. Trees are well maintained to prevent brushing RV upon entrance and exit. Accommodates easy access to 2 pull through and 2 back in camp sites. Each site has 12x12 concrete pads to restrict tracking sand and/or dirt into RV unit. Daily trash service at sites. Rest rooms well kept, clean with private single shower. Washer and dryer service located at bath house and close to site area for a reasonable price. Wi-Fi service available and ready. Wonderful remote quite area for total relaxation. Tent area behind RV sites but separated from RV location. Area lit at night but not to the extreme to bother camping. Kayaks available to enjoy the small river behind RV& Tent area. Easy access via wooden dock for boarding or unloading kayaks. Owner is extremely accommodating and offers fresh eggs and black angus beef at responsible rates.
TravelerAnother great National Forest campsite. All sites are paved; minimal leveling required. Lots of trees and shade -- plenty of room for the hamock and screenhouse. No individual water at sites, but potable water available at the dump station. Hosts were visible and attentive.
Bathhouse was clean with large, individual showers.
Mostly TTs and big rigs -- only saw 2 tents. Hiking trails and boat ramp located 0.5 miles away, within the park. There is a marine airfield nearby, so you will hear planes and "booms" occasionally. Would have given this one a "10" if it had water hookups.
GuideThis is a really nice spot with easy access to/from Havelock and New Bern. Host is awesome and facilities are super clean. Picnic tables have been updated with fresh planks, fire pits/grates in good repair. Really nice bathhouse with great showers. Beach remains closed due to hurricane damage, just fyi. Many sites have electric hookup available. Great hiking/walking trails!
UPDATE 2024: This campground continues to reign supreme. The host is absolutely phenomenal and the facilities are still awesome. The only issue is the toilets in the tent area of the loop are closed, meaning you have to go all the way up to the main bath house. Otherwise, just a terrific as ever!
Guide
We love this campground and stay here at least once a year. Full hook ups, very clean, friendly staff, and many sites have a shelter area for the picnic table (all sites have a table). WiFi isn’t great but that doesn’t bother us; cell signal is decent. Easy access to beach and waterway. Bathhouse and laundry room are clean and adequate. Sites are pretty level. You will need to be able to tolerate the noise of a military base including low-flying aircraft and artillery fire. Sites in the small RV/tent circle will have standing water in heavy rain. MCX Mini Mart beside the campground is well-stocked. Nice fishing area on waterway.
LegendThis was our first camping trip with our boy, Cooper. This was a great spot for him to explore and get used to the idea of spending a few nights under the stars. While the campground was busy (early May) it didn't feel over crowded. The sites are nicely spread out and accommodate both tents and RVs easily.
Water spigots are located throughout the campground and were only a short walk form our campsite. The restrooms were clean and the showers were nice and hot. We were able to pack up our things each morning and head out for a day of exploring. It seemed as if everything we wanted to do was only a short drive from the campground (including batting cages and mini golf).
Bottom line, it's nice and close enough to explore the Cape Lookout National Seashore and so many other cool spots!
Tent camping near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy the serene coastal environment while engaging in numerous activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Atlantic Beach, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Atlantic Beach, NC is Hammocks Beach State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Atlantic Beach, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Atlantic Beach, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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