Best Campgrounds near New Bern, NC
The coastal region surrounding New Bern, North Carolina features a diverse range of camping options along the Neuse and Trent Rivers. New Bern KOA Holiday stands as one of the area's most developed campgrounds with 91 sites offering full hookups, cabin accommodations, and resort-style amenities including swimming pools and fishing piers. Within Croatan National Forest, campers find more rustic options at Flanners Beach Campground (Neuse River Campground) where electric sites and basic facilities provide a more natural setting. The forest also offers dispersed camping at Great Lake for those seeking primitive experiences. Small, highly-rated private options like Wallace Meadows Farm provide intimate camping with just a handful of well-maintained sites, while Cedar Point Campground offers year-round access with boat launch facilities for water recreation.
Hurricane impacts remain a consideration for coastal camping in this region, with some beach areas still showing damage from past storms. As one camper noted, "Beach remains closed due to hurricane damage, just FYI. Many sites have electric hookup available. Great hiking/walking trails!" Most campgrounds in the New Bern area feature level sites with varying degrees of privacy. Summer humidity and insects present challenges, particularly in wooded areas near water. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering Wi-Fi while others provide a more disconnected experience. Reservations are essential during peak season (April through October) when the historic downtown of New Bern draws significant tourism traffic.
Waterfront access represents a primary attraction for many campgrounds in the region. According to one visitor, "Flanners Beach is tucked away just off of Hwy 70 outside historic New Bern NC. It's a small campground overlooking the mighty Neuse River." Sites with river views tend to book quickly, especially at state park facilities like Goose Creek State Park where campers praise the spacious layouts and water proximity. Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some offering well-separated sites while others place campers in closer proximity. Tent campers report finding fewer dedicated spaces compared to RV sites, though most campgrounds accommodate both. The region's mild climate supports year-round camping, with many facilities remaining open through winter months when temperatures rarely drop below freezing and crowds thin considerably.
