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Best Campgrounds near Beaufort, NC

282 Reviews

The Beaufort area of North Carolina features multiple campground options across Croatan National Forest and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Oyster Point Campground in Newport provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets for $10 per night. Cedar Point Campground offers electric hookups and water access, while Great Island Cabin Camp on Cape Lookout National Seashore provides cabin accommodations accessible primarily by boat. The mix of forest and coastal settings creates diverse camping experiences with both inland wooded sites and beachfront opportunities.

Access to many campgrounds varies by season and weather conditions. Croatan National Forest campgrounds remain open year-round with Oyster Point accessible via Forest Road 181, though the gravel entrance road can be challenging during wet periods. Cape Lookout National Seashore camps require boat transportation, making weather an important planning factor. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campsites offer water access for kayaking and canoeing, particularly at Oyster Point where several sites back directly to the Newport River. "Large campsite with shade and privacy, next to the Newport river, and very quiet. Insects were not bad at all in mid-October," noted one visitor about their experience at Oyster Point.

The waterfront camping experience receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Oyster Point Campground has been described as a "perfect fishing campsite" located just 20 minutes from Atlantic Beach, offering both recreational opportunities and relative seclusion. Recent clearing of underbrush at waterfront sites has improved views and airflow. Campers praise the affordability of Forest Service campgrounds while noting limitations in amenities. Most developed sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water, though shower facilities are limited throughout the region. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, insect activity can be significant during summer months, particularly biting flies, making bug spray essential equipment. Winter and fall camping offers more comfortable conditions with fewer insects and reduced humidity.

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Best Camping Sites Near Beaufort, North Carolina (66)

    1. Oyster Point Campground

    24 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap."

    "We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well."

    2. Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    "The 24 hour campground park ranger stays on the first site of the right side entrance. There is a oyster fishery nearby."

    "Great location off the beaten path on a dirt road. Campsite 9 backs up to the marsh andhas a great area for watching the sunset. You can also kayak or canoe here."

    3. South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    9 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    13 miles
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    "They even walked close by our campsite. The last night had the most amazing sunset that lit up the lighthouse and the clouds above with beautiful pinks, purple and blues."

    "Start your adventure on a ferry, cross an inlet watching all the wildlife play right in front of you, then get off and drive immediately to endless stretches of white sandy beaches."

    4. Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    5 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    $80 - $180 / night

    "But they are situated directly behind the dunes from miles and miles of totally prestine beaches. The only on-island supplies are ice and gasoline, so you must pack in everything."

    "There are several boardwalks that meander around the island and numerous sandy paths connecting the sound side to the ocean side."

    5. Cedar Point Campground

    29 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $27 - $54 / night

    "Plenty of hiking trails, boat access and woods all right here in this park. The boat access and pier are just a brief walk away from the campground."

    "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."

    6. Coastal Riverside Campground

    1 Review
    Gloucester, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 723-0505

    7. Waters Edge RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 247-0494

    "Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, small and quiet location that’s close to many activities and restaurants. The water front is very nice as well. I’ll definitely be back."

    "We loved walking to the dock on the property where you could see the sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed visiting Fort Macon, Patsys pond national Forest, Shackleford Banks and the beach."

    8. Cedar Creek Campground & Marina

    4 Reviews
    Cedar Island, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 646-6084

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks."

    9. Dogwood Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 777-4343

    $66 - $80 / night

    "This spot is close to everything without being on top of it all! Kid friendly, pet friendly, and very clean! All of the lots are level making for an easy setup!"

    10. Goose Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Emerald Isle, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great location, can’t wait to come back!"

    "My wife and I spent a few days here while searching the area for potential retirement location. It's also a seasonal campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Beaufort, NC

97 Photos of 66 Beaufort Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Beaufort, NC

282 Reviews of 66 Beaufort Campgrounds

  • D
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Emerald Isle RV Resort

    Great Month-Long Stay in the Off-Season

    I stayed at Emerald Isle RV Park for a full month right after Labor Day and really enjoyed the experience. It’s clear this is a busy, touristy spot during the summer, but in the shoulder season it was quiet and relaxing, mostly just the permanent sites around.

    The campground has full hookups and is very well kept. The shower houses, laundry, and common areas were spotless solid 4 out of 5 stars for facilities. The only real downside was the Wi-Fi. it’s pretty slow (under 2 Mbps) and gets worse on weekends. It actually gave me a good excuse to finally buy a Starlink, which worked great here.

    Overall, I’d definitely come back for a summer stay. The location can’t be beat you are minutes from the beach, bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. Great spot if you want to camp near the coast without being right in the chaos.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Very Special Place

    We spent 3 nights beach camping in our VW Vanagon, and highly recommend this destination if you have the means! The ferry is $135+ for vehicles, plus $20 per person roundtrip. The beach driving permit is $75 unless you buy it by March (I think). We lucked out with our dates just preceding a big fishing competition, and there was a LOT of open beach space. Almost everyone is there to fish. We took bikes and enjoyed cycling around at low tide. Be sure to camp above the high tide zone, which is black sand. There are narrow/impassable points on the beach at high tide, but there are ramps to the back road every mile. Some ramps are very deep sand, others flat and packed. We got by without 4wd, but we didn’t explore beyond finding a spot not too far from the ferry drop off. We befriended our neighbors who took us to the lighthouse at the southern end of the island, which was beautiful! Currently closed for renovations, and the lightkeeper’s house was closed due to the government shutdown. Overall, south core banks is absolutely worth the effort!

  • Richard P.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Cedar Point Campground

    Cedar Point Campground

    Love this campground. Clean bathrooms and showers. Very nice host.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Oyster Point Campground

    Primitive, Quite Campground

    Primitive campground with no frills. Dirt road in and gravel on site drives. Water spigots spread out between the campsites. Vaulted toilets were clean. Camp host was nice and liked to talk. We stayed 2 weeks. Others came in for a night or two and then would leave. All types of campers used the campground: 5th wheel, schoolie, tent campers, hammock campers, truck and car campers. 

    We had site 11 which was on the water side with a path to the water. It was shady for the later part of the day (which wasn't great for our solar panels). Most sites had shade for either the early or late part of the day. Site was fairly level. Foliage provided privacy between sites.

    The hiking path was not well maintained so we chose not to use it.

    Not a lot in the immediate area. Town was 25-30 minutes away, but had all the types of stores.

    Verizon service was good.

  • David B.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cedar Creek Campground & Marina

    Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

    Loved this place. Great-sized RV site with plenty of additional parking. The boat launch went smoothly. Miles of pristine coast. Fish were hitting 2 Klicks north of the marina.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Everything was great!

    No complaints! Nice & quiet after dark, clean showers & laundry room, nice view of the Nuese River, with a peir for fishing & a fish cleaning station as well! Nice pool & playground with a bouncy blowup trampoline for kids.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Turkey Quarter Campground

    Turkey Quarter

    Large gravel sites with full hookups in the North Carolina woods. 15 miles NW of New Bern NC. Fire wood included.

  • C
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Black Barn Farm

    A Perfect Getaway

    If you haven't camped at Black Barn Farm in Newport, you are missing out! One of our party needed lodging while we wanted to tent camp, they put us up in a perfect spot so we could be near her in one of their sweet little cabins right on the water. There were beautiful lights and trails throughout, animals, ziplines and playgrounds , plus the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I've ever camped with.

Guide to Beaufort

Camping near Beaufort, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, provide easy access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Goose Creek State Park Campground, you can launch kayaks and enjoy fishing. A reviewer noted, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park... A place to launch Kayaks as well."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Cedar Point Campground. One visitor shared, "The nature trail has nice walkways over the marsh."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at places like Oyster Point Campground. A review stated, "Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as New Bern KOA, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean and each had a shower sink and toilet all to yourself."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. At Teeter's Campground, a reviewer said, "The staff is great. $60 for peak season. Hook ups are well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Required: Many campgrounds, like Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore, require reservations. A visitor noted, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper shared, "There are NO trash cans or trash collecting points."
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds may have limited access during off-peak seasons. A review for Onslow Beach Campsites mentioned, "The bridge that is right behind camp... Construction noise started a little before 0700 each day."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, especially food and water. A camper at Goose Creek State Park Campground advised, "Firewood is $8.00 a bundle."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites, like Cedar Point Campground, where one reviewer said, "Lots of space and shade."
  • Plan Activities: Keep kids entertained with nearby activities. A visitor at Ocracoke Campground mentioned, "Easy bike to town. Great access to beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Teeter's Campground noted, "Full Hookup: Yes."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for larger rigs. A review for Cedar Point Campground mentioned, "The road back to the tents is dirt but very well kept."
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. A visitor at New Bern KOA shared, "WiFi isn’t great but that doesn’t bother us; cell signal is decent."

Camping near Beaufort, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Beaufort, NC?

The Beaufort area offers excellent camping options for every preference. Ocracoke Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore features paved, level sites nestled between dunes with convenient access to beautiful beaches. Though it lacks hookups, water and dump stations are available nearby. For a unique experience, Long Point Cabin Camp at Cape Lookout National Seashore offers less crowded beaches and a more remote feeling. Other notable options include Oyster Point Campground near Newport with full amenities, Goose Creek Campground with boat access, and Waters Edge RV Park. For those seeking a farm setting with excellent facilities, Wallace Meadows Farm provides well-maintained RV sites with easy highway access and clean bathhouses.

How much does camping cost in Beaufort, NC?

Camping costs near Beaufort, NC vary by amenities and location. Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm offers RV sites with 50-amp service and water for a reasonable fee, with additional charges for amenities like shower access. National Park Service campgrounds like Cedar Point Campground typically range from $20-30 per night for basic sites. For budget options, overnight parking at rest areas like New Bern can provide free stopping points. Most campgrounds in the region have dump stations available either included or for an additional fee. Prices generally increase during peak summer season (June-August), so booking in advance is recommended to secure the best rates.

Is tent camping available in Beaufort, NC?

Yes, tent camping is readily available near Beaufort, NC. Camp Ocean Forest offers tent sites with stunning water views within walking distance of the pier, though spaces are somewhat compact. For a more natural experience, South Core Banks -- Beach Camping at Cape Lookout National Seashore provides pristine beachfront tent camping. Croatan National Forest's Oyster Point Campground accommodates tent campers with water and toilet facilities. Tent campers particularly enjoy section D at Ocracoke Campground, where sites are tucked between dunes with direct beach access. Most campgrounds in the area welcome tent campers, though availability can be limited during peak summer months, so advance reservations are recommended.

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