Several RV campgrounds serve the Wrightsville Beach area with varying levels of privacy, amenities, and beach access options. Most locations are within a 15-40 minute drive of the shore. Weather in this coastal region brings strong sea breezes throughout summer and occasional severe storms during hurricane season from June through November, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.
What to do
Beach access transportation: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area provides direct beach access with a short walk. "The beach is beautiful and the landscaping has rock formations scattered through it. It's a somewhat remote feel to this area even though it's not far from Carolina Beach," reports one visitor at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Seahaven Marine RV Park, "You can fish off the dock. No fancy amenities but a great place to stay for a few days," according to a camper.
Local attractions: The region offers aquariums, museums, and historical sites. "There is also an aquarium, and museum down the road if you need a history or education fix. Down South of it is bald island and access to a ferry that will take you to Southport," explains a camper about Fort Fisher.
What campers like
Proximity to beaches and towns: Campers appreciate locations within short driving distance to beaches and restaurants. "We were looking for a last minute place, close to the coast. Found this campground by chance. Reasonably priced during peak season. Quiet site, not a lot on amenities, but nice wooded areas, friendly staff, and 20 minutes to Holden beach, 20 minutes to Southport. Really great location," reports a visitor at S & W RV Park.
Rental options: Some properties offer equipment and activity rentals. "They have a rental facility for surfboards, umbrellas, kids toys, etc," notes a camper at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.
Wooded sites: Several campgrounds provide tree cover for shade. At Holden Beach RV Campground, "We had a shaded site, which most of the sites there are shaded, it had full hook ups and a fire ring. The staff was helpful and very easy to approach about any issues that would come up."
What you should know
Space limitations: Site size and configuration varies considerably between parks. "We were 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," describes one camper at Holden Beach RV Campground.
Seasonal variations: Off-season stays can provide more space and privacy. At Harbor Point RV Community, a visitor notes, "These sites are on top of each other and I don't know that I'd use this campground during high season... but we had a site with no neighbors, and nearly no dogs while here so it was quiet."
Military access requirements: Some facilities require military ID. "You need a DOD ID card to stay here. It is affordable if you qualify to stay. They will check and make you leave if you are not a card holder," cautions a camper about Fort Fisher.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly accommodations: Many rv campgrounds near Wrightsville Beach allow pets with restrictions. At In The Pines RV & Cabin Village, a visitor reports, "Dog Park and nice mowed lanes for walks. Owner super nice and helpful."
Campground activities: Some locations offer on-site recreation. A camper at Holden Beach notes, "There is a playground for kids and I could see our kids riding their bikes around with no issues at all. It is very short ride to the beach and there is a grocery store, ice cream shop, and a few restaurants nearby."
Education options: Families can combine beach time with learning experiences. "Also has a nice pool and rec center, as well as ongoing outdoor classes (kayaking, ghost turtle hunting, etc)," mentions a visitor to Fort Fisher.
Tips from RVers
Maneuvering challenges: Some sites present difficulties for larger rigs. A reviewer at Seahaven Marine RV Park cautions, "Large RV (DRWDP) got stuck in their spot so be careful."
Hookup placement: Check hookup locations before selecting sites. At Fort Fisher, a camper notes, "The sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length."
Check-in logistics: Some rv campgrounds in the Wrightsville Beach region have complicated arrival procedures. "The check-in office is further down towards the river with no real place to turn-around, so I recommend calling ahead to know your site, unhook, then drive to check-in," advises a visitor at Fort Fisher.
