Camping options near Newport, North Carolina offer diverse experiences from riverside retreats to farm settings. The coastal region sits at low elevation, averaging just 20 feet above sea level, with humid summers where temperatures typically reach 88°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Coastal breezes provide relief during summer camping, though bug protection is essential from April through October.
What to do
Water activities on the Newport River: At Oyster Point Campground, access to the river makes for excellent paddling. "We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11," notes Laura F., who adds that the "metal fire ring/grill, picnic tables, and lots of lantern hooks" make for a comfortable base camp.
Hiking forest trails: Oyster Point offers hiking paths at the campground entrance, while Goose Creek State Park Campground features multiple easy-rated trails. "The park has really neat hiking trails and a swimming beach," mentions Maureen C., who also discovered the park's fishing pole loan program: "They will loan out fishing poles for free, they are great poles and we ended up catching over 20 fish!"
Farm experiences: Visitors can interact with livestock at Wallace Meadows Farm. "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice," shares Faith W., who also enjoyed the farm's culinary offerings: "They sell their own beef and I will have to say the best beef hot dogs I've ever had."
What campers like
Private beach access: Several sites at Oyster Point offer small private beaches. Roger W. notes, "Sites #9 and #11 have pathways to a very small private beach." He adds, "Sites on the shore side of the campground are the best, but all sites here I would be happy with."
Waterfront views: Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort offers prime water views. Michael M. shares, "Our site was right on water with a great view of the sunset. The barrier Island's are only 5 minute ride over the bridge." This location combines waterfront glamping with easy access to coastal attractions.
Clean facilities: Cleanliness stands out across several properties. At Wallace Meadows Farm, Tracy K. reports, "The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower!" Similarly, at Goose Creek State Park, Deanna G. emphasizes that "not only is this campground surrounded by tall pines and beautiful lakes it is spotless."
What you should know
Bugs can be intense: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity, especially in warmer months. Hannah F. warns about Oyster Point: "The flys are insane but you'll quickly learn to ignore them. We smoked them out and it was fine for the most part."
Limited services at primitive sites: While glamping in Newport, North Carolina offers luxury options, primitive sites have basic amenities. Laura B. describes Goose Creek State Park's primitive camping: "Great primitive camping, tent only. There are water spigots, no electricity, and very clean, non-smelly vault toilets."
Varying site layouts: Rivers Edge Family Campground offers waterfront sites but with trade-offs. Mary F. notes: "Really beautiful location on river with very nice peer and green space... But campsites are very tight with no landscaping for aesthetics. Just a big gravel lot."
Tips for camping with families
Supervised water activities: The swimming beach at Goose Creek State Park provides a designated area for families. Tim H. confirms, "Swim area was a little rough but the hiking trails and access to the river for kayaks and fishing was nice!"
Pool amenities: White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort offers well-maintained swimming facilities. Huggins G. reports, "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area."
Educational opportunities: Goose Creek State Park offers nature programs. Maureen C. shares her family's experience with the park's fishing program: "The park ranger told us about a neat program at the park, where they will loan out fishing poles for free."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Oyster Point, Roger W. advises: "Our site would fit a large rig. I took pictures of the sites on the shore side of the campground. They are the best, but all sites here I would be happy with."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense at non-shaded sites. Faith W. notes about Goose Creek RV Campground: "Nice overnight stay RV Campground new with no shade. Very clean. Beautiful river but not walking distance from campground. I'd say much better in the early spring or fall."
Concrete pads: Rivers Edge Family Campground provides solid foundations for RVs. Stephanie R. mentions that the park "comes with a wooden picnic table" and has "very big open land that is well maintained," though she notes most residents are permanent.
