Camping spots near New Bern, North Carolina offer diverse experiences from riverfront settings to farm stays, with camping options alongside both the Neuse and Newport Rivers. The region's mild coastal climate supports camping year-round, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F even in January and February. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense from June through September, particularly near marshy areas and water access points.
What to do
Kayaking on river systems: At Wallace Meadows Farm, campers can launch kayaks directly from a wooden dock behind the RV and tent areas. According to Richard W., "Kayaks available to enjoy the small river behind RV & Tent area. Easy access via wooden dock for boarding or unloading kayaks."
Beach access and swimming: Cedar Point Campground provides access to nearby Emerald Isle beaches. One camper noted, "While in the area we enjoyed the public beach on Emerald Isle, which is only 15 minutes from campground. There are lots of water sport rentals nearby and restaurants."
Fishing opportunities: Oyster Point Campground offers direct water access from some sites. Laura F. mentions, "We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11," making it convenient for anglers to reach fishing spots.
Historical exploration: New Bern's history draws many campers. Julie L. described her experience: "New Bern is a really wonderful little town on the coast of NC and this KOA is close to all the action. I really enjoyed our stay and the local town."
What campers like
Water views: Dixon Landing RV Resort offers spectacular waterfront camping. Sara M. reports, "We found Dixon Landing in their initial opening phase... This is a very secluded campground right on the wide Goose Creek/Neuse River, with access to the ocean varying from 25-50 miles."
Privacy between sites: Oyster Point provides well-spaced sites. Tracy R. states, "Campsites are large and spread out. Logs were at each campsite when we arrived, great for firewood or for seating around the campfire."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards. At Goose Creek State Park Campground, Wayne T. found "Such a nice and clean campground! The sites are pretty big so you can move around easily and there are tons of trails you can check out as well and water access."
Unique camping experiences: Wallace Meadows Farm offers camping alongside agricultural operations. Faith W. shared, "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice. Very hot on the site but refreshing shade by the river."
What you should know
Road conditions in dispersed areas: The Croatan National Forest dispersed camping areas have access issues. Carina F. warns, "The dirt roads were not maintained and ridiculously bumpy and unmanageable for smaller cars... It definitely felt dangerous. Would not recommend tent camping, but great for an RV if you can figure out where to park."
Seasonal pest considerations: Biting insects are prevalent in warmer months. At Oyster Point, Laura F. cautions, "The bugs are bad in June and bug spray didn't really help."
Services and amenities: Cedar Point offers basic facilities with some limitations. Roger W. notes, "Pit toilet is clean and well stocked... No mosquitoes. Must be gone for the year."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water issues. One camper at the New Bern KOA rated water quality as "1/5" noting it was "potable but tastes gross."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest offers unique natural experiences despite access challenges. A visitor mentioned, "Dispersed camping deep in the national forest. A native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer animal encounters. At Goose Creek State Park, Charles G. shared, "Wildlife walks right by, several deer on our trip. Took kayaks and paddle boards with us and put right in at the dock."
Swimming areas: Goose Creek State Park has dedicated swimming facilities. Maureen C. mentions, "The campgound has really neat hiking trails and a swimming beach. The park ranger told us about a neat program at the park, where they will loan out fishing poles for free."
Farm experiences: Wallace Meadows Farm provides children with agricultural interactions. Faith W. shares, "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice," making it educational for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site specifics: Dixon Landing has thoughtful RV site design. Sara M. explains, "Site layout is long, very wide(you have to actually walk over to talk to neighbors) and mostly level side-to-side. Front-to-back was easily compensated with blocks."
Cell service information: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Oyster Point, Roger W. reports, "Cell Service (AT&T): 2-4 bars," while noting, "Maybe too forested in some spots. In site #5 at 9:00 AM we had some solar charge happening."
Ease of access: Cedar Point accommodates larger vehicles. Steve V. notes, "The sites on the southeast side seemed to have more shade than those on the northwest side... There is a dump station and trash dumpster behind the camp hosts location."
Tent vs. RV camping: Some areas better suit RVs than tents. Oyster Point has varied site types. Laura F. described, "Tent pads are big enough for 1 large tent or 2 small tents... The gravel road had a lot of ruts in it so getting my trailer with kayaks in and out was a lot of trouble."
