Best Campgrounds near Beaufort, NC
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.