Castle Hayne, North Carolina sits within a coastal plain ecosystem marked by sandy soil and mild year-round temperatures. The region experiences hot summers with regular afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters, making camping possible in all seasons. Waterways including the Northeast Cape Fear River create numerous opportunities for water-based recreation at nearby campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Carolina Beach State Park Campground provides access to multiple fishing locations. "Within the park, there are tons of hiking trails through a really beautiful area. I hear the fishing is also really good within the park, but I've never done it myself," notes one camper who regularly visits.
Beach exploration: Drive-on beach access is available at several areas near glamping accommodations close to Castle Hayne. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" explains a visitor to Carolina Beach State Park, highlighting this convenient option for beachgoers with gear.
Hiking through unique ecosystems: The region offers trails with distinctive plant life. "There are lots of short trails to hike on where you can enjoy bird watching and viewing the Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants native to the area," reports a camper who visits Carolina Beach State Park regularly.
Vineyard visit: CarrollWoods RV Park at Grapefull Sisters Vineyard combines camping with wine tasting. "I visited the winery and the two women who own it are helpful and lively. If you visit, you must get one of their wine floats," recommends a camper who stayed for a week.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "The bath house is always clean and stocked even in the winter. The bathhouse is also heated during the winter months and there are quit a few outlets available which we used to charge our phones," notes a frequent visitor to Carolina Beach State Park.
Privacy between sites: Wilmington KOA offers good site separation according to visitors. "We loved it here, it was right off a main road but quiet. The deluxe tent sites were very nice with a covered sitting area and soft pads for our tent. The sites were well spaced as well," reports one camper.
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance glamping experiences near Castle Hayne. "I have camped at Carolina Beach State Park 1-2 times a year for the past five years. The campsites at this park are some of the cleanest sites I have camped at. We never see any trash on the ground or out on the trails," shares a regular visitor.
Access to urban amenities: Campers appreciate proximity to shopping and services. "The 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 a Wilmington KOA visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping locations book quickly in warm months. "This campground is packed on holiday weekends. There were only 2 campsites available when we visited for memorial day weekend," cautions a camper about Carolina Beach State Park.
Site terrain: Holden Beach RV Campground provides improved sites with specific features. "We stayed in the new section with great, full hook up, level, gravel pads and some new grass and landscaping, large new picnic table and fire pit. And a decent amount of space from next door neighbor at an angle," describes one visitor.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers a different 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," shares a Carolina Beach State Park camper.
Swimming limitations: Some waterfront campgrounds have restrictions. "The only downside is you can't swim within the park, because the currents can get dangerous. The beach is only like 5 minutes away though, so not really a big deal," explains a Carolina Beach State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach transportation options: Holden Beach RV Campground offers shuttle service to nearby beaches. "A free trolly takes you to the beach and some restaurants," explains a camper who stayed at the facility.
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and recreational facilities keep children engaged. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" shares a Wilmington KOA visitor who camped there during a trip for a 5k race.
Swimming alternatives: Pool facilities provide family-friendly water activities. "The KOA was kept up to good KOA standards. The pool was big and warm, easy for swimming while maintaining social distancing. Our girls also enjoyed the smooth roads for skateboarding," notes a family that stayed at Wilmington KOA.
Accessible nature viewing: Wildlife watching opportunities abound for children. "This is a really beautiful area. I hear the fishing is also really good within the park, but I've never done it myself. The only downside is you can't swim within the park, because the currents can get dangerous," explains a visitor about Carolina Beach State Park.
Tips from RVers
Off-season camping: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provides year-round options. "It would be a nice, private place to camp in colder months, but not much to do. The sunset on the lake was absolutely gorgeous and we had it to ourselves on the first night," reports an RV camper.
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "This campground is very beautiful - clean amenities, and only a few well-kept campsites with fire rings, grills and several picnic benches. The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night," notes a Lake Waccamaw camper.
Internet connectivity: Working remotely is possible at certain locations. "My family and I stayed here for a week in November. My wife worked from the road while I taught school. The WiFi was strong and the employees were helpful and informative," shares a visitor who stayed at Wilmington KOA.
Extended stay options: Some locations accommodate longer visits. "We decided to rent a permanent spot but aren't putting a deck on or anything like others as we plan to pull the camper out from time to time to travel. Yes, there are some rundown campers and lots of permanent residence but overall it's a great little place," explains a White Lake Motel & Campground visitor.
