Best Tent Camping near Sunset Beach, NC

Tent camping near Sunset Beach, North Carolina provides several options within driving distance of the coastal community. Freeman Park offers tent-only camping directly on the beach with designated sites approximately 50 feet from the ocean. River Island Adventures, located just south in South Carolina, features six tent sites with boat-in and walk-in access options. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, situated about 45 minutes north, provides more secluded tent campsites with walk-in and hike-in options for those seeking a quieter backcountry tent camping experience.

Most primitive tent camping in the area requires preparation for varying conditions. Freeman Park permits require advance planning, with camping allowed from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Sites have pit toilets and limited trash facilities but no running water. At Lake Waccamaw, tent sites are spaced far apart for privacy, but campers should note that sites 2-5 are a quarter-mile walk from parking areas and even farther from bathroom facilities. Black River Camping Ventures offers riverside tent sites with portable toilets, non-potable water pumps, and fire pits, though no showers are available. Insect protection is essential at all locations, particularly during warmer months.

The tent camping experience near Sunset Beach varies dramatically by location. Freeman Park provides a rare opportunity to camp directly on the beach, though securing tents in sand requires special techniques rather than traditional stakes. According to reviews, high winds and tides can create challenging conditions for tent campers, with one visitor noting that "tents are a challenge to secure in loose sand" and warning about tides that occasionally cover campsites. Lake Waccamaw offers a more traditional forest setting with sites that provide excellent stargazing and wildlife viewing. Campers report hearing bullfrogs, barred owls, and other wildlife throughout the night. The shallow lake allows for swimming and fishing directly from the campground, with water that remains warm through much of the camping season.

Best Tent Sites Near Sunset Beach, North Carolina (8)

    1. Whispering Pines Nudist Resort

    1 Review
    Sunset Beach, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 287-6404

    2. Cypress Ranch Glamping

    1 Review
    Sunset Beach, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 880-2256

    3. River Island Adventures

    3 Reviews
    North Myrtle Beach, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 882-7487

    $40 - $65 / night

    "The workers were a joy to be around and very attentive. Our campsite was amazing"

    4. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lake Waccamaw, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 646-4915

    $17 / night

    "This campground is very beautiful - clean amenities, and only a few well-kept campsites with fire rings, grills and several picnic benches."

    "The Yurt had been removed but the platform stayed. We were able to get up our large tent on the platform and have enough space for our chairs. The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow."

    5. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Kure Beach, NC
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 500-6465

    "No shade in this campground, but the location is everything! Basically a manicured field with cement pads and hookup poles."

    "Nice tent sites. Very close to the beach. Great view of the river. Has shop, rental center, and fishing pier within walking distance of the camping area."

    6. Freeman Park

    9 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-4614

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Freeman Park is a beach area located in Carolina Beach. It's the place to take your 4x4 vehicle, your friends, kids, and dogs, and have some fun in the sand, wind, and waves."

    "Winds can be high and tents are a challenge to secure in loose sand. Also CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit."

    7. Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park

    4 Reviews
    Orrum, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 628-4564

    $17 - $47 / night

    "We used this campground as a stopping point after a trip to Fantasy Lake Water Park.  It's secluded, small, cute, and located right on the Lumber River. "

    "We also had the privelidge of having the park COMPLETELY to ourselves...the ranger confirmed that we were the only campers that night!

    A beautiful site, we only wished that we could stay longer."

    8. Black River Camping Ventures

    2 Reviews
    Ivanhoe, NC
    49 miles
    +1 (910) 669-2392

    $45 / night

    "This campground is situated right along the Black River in Bladen County NC. Approximately 1 hour from Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Sunset Beach, NC

547 Reviews of 8 Sunset Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Sunset Beach

Discover the charm of tent camping near Sunset Beach, North Carolina, where nature meets adventure in a serene coastal setting.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Engage in thrilling water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding at River Island Adventures, where adventure awaits just outside your tent.
  • Explore the scenic trails and fishing opportunities at Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Black River while swimming or fishing at Black River Camping Ventures, a hidden gem for those seeking peace and quiet.

Local attractions for tent campers

  • Visit the historic Fort Fisher Civil War Museum, located near Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, where you can learn about local history while enjoying the beach.
  • Take a short drive to the picturesque Carolina Beach, accessible from Freeman Park, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy beach activities.
  • Discover the natural beauty of the surrounding area with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities at Whispering Pines Nudist Resort, offering a unique experience for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sunset Beach, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sunset Beach, NC is Whispering Pines Nudist Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sunset Beach, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Sunset Beach, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.