Best Campgrounds near Beaufort, NC

The Beaufort, North Carolina area has several good camping spots within easy driving distance. Oyster Point Campground sits by the river with clean bathrooms and boat ramps for water access. In Croatan National Forest, Cedar Point Campground has a quieter setting with basic bathhouses and shower buildings separated from the toilet facilities. Heading to the coast, Ocracoke Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore puts you right near beach access with different types of sites depending on your needs. Campers who like hiking should check out Goose Creek State Park Campground, where trails cut through woods and along the water. If you're into kayaking, Hammocks Beach State Park Campground works well as a base camp for paddling trips and beach days. Teeter's Campground tends to have a laid-back, friendly vibe and isn't far from town attractions. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather around Beaufort, as summers get hot and sticky while winter can be cool with some campgrounds closing seasonally. From here, you can take day trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, or sections of the Appalachian Trail if you want some mountain hiking. Most sites come with the standard picnic table and fire ring setup, and you'll find trails at most campgrounds. Beaufort's camping areas work for both quiet campers and those wanting more activity-focused trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Beaufort, North Carolina (62)

    1. Oyster Point Campground

    23 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

    8 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

    28 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. 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!"

    9. 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."

    10. Whispering Pines Campground

    4 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477
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Showing results 1-10 of 62 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Beaufort, NC

268 Reviews of 62 Beaufort Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Beaufort, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Beaufort, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Beaufort, NC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Beaufort, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Beaufort, NC is Oyster Point Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Beaufort, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Beaufort, NC.

What parks are near Beaufort, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Beaufort, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.