Carolina Beach State Park offers primitive and upgraded camping options situated within its 761-acre coastal property. Located on a peninsula between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, the park experiences mild temperatures year-round with hot, humid summers and moderate winters. Camping areas are positioned within a maritime forest habitat featuring distinctive longleaf pines and live oaks, which provide natural shade and windbreaks for most sites.
What to do
Beach access for vehicles: Carolina Beach State Park provides convenient beach access options for campers with four-wheel drive vehicles. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" notes Kimberly S. at Carolina Beach State Park Campground. This feature allows easy transport of camping and beach equipment.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Waccamaw State Park offers excellent fishing conditions with its shallow, warm lake environment. A visitor reports, "We kayaked and fished while we were here. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty" (Sara H. at Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground).
Vineyard exploration: Campers seeking glamping close to Carolina Beach, North Carolina can combine wine tasting with their outdoor experience. "The grounds before you enter the campground area are beautiful and well kept... Their nightly rates were very reasonable," shares Jen B. from CarrollWoods RV Park, which features an on-site vineyard and wine tasting room.
What campers like
Proximity to beaches: Campsites near Carolina Beach provide easy access to multiple beach options. "Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to," writes Sam M. about Carolina Beach State Park Campground.
Off-season camping: Winter camping offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. "I've been here at different times of the year. I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," says Ms P. about her winter visits to Carolina Beach State Park Campground.
Beach town amenities: The location provides easy access to local food options. "This campground is convenient to downtown Wilmington and a short drive to Wrightsville Beach. Plenty of shopping and other entertainment nearby if the weather doesn't cooperate," notes Robert T. about Wilmington KOA.
What you should know
Beach parking options: Several campgrounds offer transportation services to nearby beaches. At Holden Beach RV Campground, "a free trolly takes you to the beach and some restaurants," according to Taissa K. at Holden Beach RV Campground, eliminating parking concerns during peak season.
Distance to shoreline: Most campgrounds require a short drive to reach the beach. "Its a 5 because the only thing I don't like is out of the staffs control and that is location to the beach, its not far, too far to walk 5 minutes drive to the coast line," explains El Rhino C. about Holden Beach RV Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The bath house has a private toilet, sink and shower- beautifully tiled and maintained," reports Taissa K. about Holden Beach RV Campground, while at Lake Waccamaw, visitors note "you are a long walk to the toilets. This is primitive so no power or water at the site."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For families seeking luxury glamping close to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, campgrounds with pools offer alternative swimming options. "Beautiful campground. There is a large lake great for swimming and fishing!" shares Małgorzata R. about Willow Tree RV Resort, which maintains both lake access and pool facilities.
Playgrounds and games: Family-friendly campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond beach access. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" reports Bridget H. about Wilmington KOA, which maintains child-friendly facilities.
Nature programming: Several parks offer educational activities. "Love visiting this park. The rangers do such a great job with the sites! And the location is awesomeness. Tons to do! I try to get back as often as possible!" shares Frankie M. about Carolina Beach State Park, which offers ranger-led programs during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy: RV sites with natural separation provide more enjoyable stays. "The sites are large and the campground isn't so big you have to drive everywhere," notes Caleb S. from Holden Beach RV Campground, adding "the sites are far enough apart you don't get interrupted by the neighboring campsites."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers advantages for RVers seeking quieter stays. "Spent the week before Memorial Day and Memorial Weekend at Carrollwoods. This is really a nice campground. The sites are well-spaced with a picnic table, fire pit and grill at each site," reports Nancy C., noting fewer campers until the holiday weekend.
Full hookup quality: Power reliability varies between parks. "30/50 is solid, sewer easy access and water pressure is good. Didn't use cable, so can't speak to that. WiFi is also pretty solid, even at the back of campground," comments Robert H. about Holden Beach RV Campground's utility reliability.
