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Best Campgrounds near New Bern, NC

323 Reviews

New Bern, North Carolina is easy to reach from major highways and has many camping spots nearby. Goose Creek State Park Campground is well-liked for its primitive and RV sites, with hiking trails and water activities available. Cedar Point Campground near Swansboro has shady sites and sits close to the Croatan National Forest. Hammocks Beach State Park Campground connects to Bear Island by ferry, where you can camp near clean beaches. Campgrounds in the New Bern area typically have basic facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, and fire rings. Families with kids will find plenty to do, including nature programs and playgrounds at many locations. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains are a drive away but make a good side trip for mountain hiking. The Appalachian Trail is also within reach if you want more difficult hiking paths. Weather is something to plan for - summers get hot and humid while winters stay relatively mild. Bug spray is a must, especially in summer months. Both tent and RV campers can find good spots with varying amounts of privacy and tree cover. It's worth checking if your vehicle can handle the roads to some camping areas, as a few might need higher clearance.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Bern, North Carolina (83)

    1. New Bern KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Bridgeton, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-2556

    "It’s not that the campground was not“pretty,” but when you are this close to New Bern, there are better things to photograph."

    "We used New Bern KOA for our shakedown trip with our new RV. Easy in, full service, lots to do. A great first experience with KOA"

    2. Dixon Landing RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeton, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 617-1010

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Just far enough away from the noise but close enough to be convenient to everything. Groceries and restaurants, gas and history all within a short drive."

    "This is a very secluded campground right on the wide Goose Creek/Neuse River, with access to the ocean varying from 25-50 miles. "

    3. Croatan National Forest Neuse River Campground

    1 Review
    Cherry Point, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    4. Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Havelock, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "This is about as close to nature as it gets! All primitive camping, no amenities at all. Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators!"

    "The path is blocked at about halfway down by concrete barriers and downed trees. So I pulled my Ford Ranger in the pines beside the path and slept there."

    5. Cedar Point Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $27 - $54 / night

    "Plenty of hiking trails, boat access and woods all right here in this park. The boat access and pier are just a brief walk away from the campground."

    "The one redeeming factor was that it was close to the bath house. The facilities were fairly new. For example, the bath house looked as if it had been built recently, and the concrete looked fresh."

    6. Goose Creek State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Bath, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 923-2191

    $17 - $75 / night

    "Goose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites."

    "This campground is nestled in the tall North Carolina pines. There isn’t much shade though because the branches are mainly at the top."

    7. Oyster Point Campground

    23 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap."

    "We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well."

    8. Military Park Cherry Point MCCS - Pelican Point RV Park

    1 Review
    Cherry Point, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 466-2762

    "There are several different camping locations available throughout the base, all of which are free but must be reserved ahead of time. Base access required! They are all on the water, very peaceful."

    9. Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm / RV site at Wallace Meadows Farm

    3 Reviews
    Pollocksville, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 840-6106

    $45 - $50 / night

    "The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil. There's even a guesthouse which could possibly accommodate fellow travelers who may not have an RV."

    "Easy entrance and exit from main highway to site area. Trees are well maintained to prevent brushing RV upon entrance and exit. Accommodates easy access to 2 pull through and 2 back in camp sites."

    10. The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort

    1 Review
    Maysville, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 595-4112

    $49 - $99 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near New Bern, NC

98 Photos of 83 New Bern Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Bern, NC

323 Reviews of 83 New Bern Campgrounds

Guide to New Bern

Camping near New Bern, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: There are numerous trails to explore, like those at Goose Creek State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "A ton of trails with trail heads everywhere," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Many campgrounds, such as Cedar Point Campground, offer access to water for fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Great place to throw a line into the water and relax!"
  • Beach Access: If you’re up for a beach day, Onslow Beach Campsites is just a short walk from the shore. One visitor shared, "The beach was clean and we had fun hunting for shark teeth."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, like Pettigrew State Park Campground, offer large, private sites. A camper mentioned, "Very private with full shade (bring plenty of bug spray)."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for New Bern KOA highlighted, "The staff is exceptional. Pat signed us in and led us to our site."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "There are NO trash cans or trash collecting points, so you have to pack trash out."
  • Access Challenges: Certain sites, such as those at South Core Banks, require a boat or ferry to reach. One camper advised, "You need 4WD to get around the island but most of the ferry places have ATV rentals."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Pettigrew State Park Campground. A camper shared, "I pulled in here for a night and got the chance to see bears running around on the way in."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Cabin Lake County Park. A review mentioned, "We all had fun fishing, swimming, paddle boating, and family time."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some sites have limited access to stores. A camper at Onslow Beach Campsites noted, "The location is good, close enough to walk to the beach every day."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Goose Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds, like Cedar Point Campground, offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. A reviewer said, "38 paved, level sites with 20/30/50A electric."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Pettigrew State Park Campground warned, "Bring plenty of bug spray."
  • Know Your Vehicle Size: Some campgrounds have tight spots for larger RVs. A review for Goose Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "If navigating the tent spot, the road may be tight for larger trucks."

Exploring the new bern, NC campgrounds can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near New Bern, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, New Bern, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near New Bern, NC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near New Bern, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Bern, NC is New Bern KOA Holiday with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Bern, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near New Bern, NC.

What parks are near New Bern, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near New Bern, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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