Carolina Beach State Park and nearby campgrounds offer varied cabin and yurt camping options within 30 miles of Leland, North Carolina. Winter camping is popular at several locations, with December and January providing fewer crowds and mild temperatures typically ranging from 40-60°F. The terrain features coastal pine forests with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain.
What to do
Beach driving adventures: At Carolina Beach State Park Campground, visitors can take their vehicles directly onto the beach. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" notes Kimberly S., making it convenient to transport fishing gear, coolers and beach equipment without long walks.
Off-season exploration: Carolina Beach State Park offers a different experience during cooler months. "I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," shares Ms P., highlighting the benefits of visiting outside peak season when temperatures are mild.
Wine tasting: CarrollWoods RV Park at Grapefull Sisters Vineyard offers on-site wine sampling. "I visited the winery and the two women who own it are helpful and lively. If you visit, you must get one of their wine floats," recommends Nancy C., pointing to a unique adult activity not found at most campgrounds.
Dog-friendly outings: CarrollWoods features an exceptional pet area. "It has one of the best dog parks that I have ever been to. It is very spacious, fully shaded by lots of trees and even has a few man-made hills for the pooches to climb," explains Nancy C.
What campers like
Less crowded beaches: The coastal areas near Leland offer alternatives to busier destinations. "I like it because it's not really touristy like the outer banks or myrtle beach. Not a whole lot of people come to it, so it's always pretty secluded and clean," writes Sam M. about beaches near Carolina Beach State Park.
Private bath facilities: Willow Tree RV Resort provides upscale bathroom amenities. "Bath house was 8 individual doors to full individual bathrooms of toilet sink and shower which were kept very clean," notes Ramona K., describing a comfort feature important to many campers.
Quick beach access: Several campgrounds offer convenient beach proximity. "Excellent facilities and only a drive to the beach. Cool marina near check-in area too," says Daniel P. about Carolina Beach State Park, noting the short transit time to reach the ocean.
Winter water temperatures: Lake Waccamaw maintains comfortable temperatures year-round. "The lake is beautiful, shallow, warm, good fishing, fun for everyone!" reports Courtney B., highlighting the lake's accessibility for water activities.
What you should know
Yurt conditions vary: When considering yurt camping near Leland, North Carolina, check recent reviews. "Long story short, just 2 beds. But the worst part was weeds growing up through the floorboards, ripped screens, doors that wouldn't zip completely," warns Courtney B. about a previous yurt at Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground.
Walking distances: Some campgrounds have significant distances between parking and sites. "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area," cautions Kristin T. about Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground.
Seasonal pool operations: Facilities may not always be operational as expected. "There's a pool that was unfortunately out of service during most of our visit there during the 90-degree heat. It was finally open when the weather cooled," reports Nancy C. about CarrollWoods RV Park.
Grocery access: Food Lion supermarket is located near Carolina Beach State Park, providing easy shopping access for campers needing supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's offers extensive water recreation. "Laser Tag. Splash pad. Water slides. Indoor and outdoor pool. Playgrounds. Dog parks. Putt-Putt. Ice Cream. Fishing. Basketball. Volleyball. Horse shoes…and our kids did it all," shares E G., listing the numerous activities available.
Holiday events: Many campgrounds organize special activities during holidays. "The campground did an excellent job adding activities for kids and adults. Booked for next Memorial Day before leaving," mentions Thomas C. about Willow Tree RV Resort.
Halloween celebrations: Several campgrounds feature seasonal events. "They had an arts and crafts event we did not attend because the kids wanted to swim. But trick or treating was awesome for the kids, adults, and puppies. We briefly went to the Halloween bash but hurried over to go on the haunted hay right through the forest," explains Tucker M. about Willow Tree RV Resort's October festivities.
Playground options: Wilmington KOA includes unique play structures. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" reports Bridget H.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Holden Beach RV Campground provides well-designed sites. "We stayed in the new section with great, full hook up, level, gravel pads and some new grass and landscaping, large new picnic table and fire pit. And a decent amount of space from next door neighbor at an angle," explains Taissa K.
Beach transportation: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services. "A free trolly takes you to the beach and some restaurants," notes Taissa K. about Holden Beach RV Campground, eliminating parking concerns during busy times.
Winter camping benefits: Wilmington KOA maintains year-round operations. "My family and I stayed here for a week in November. My wife worked from the road while I taught school. The WiFi was strong and the employees were helpful and informative," shares Luke M., highlighting the feasibility of remote work from campgrounds.
