RV sites near Columbia, North Carolina range from waterfront properties to state parks within a 30-mile radius. The coastal plains surrounding Columbia sit at just 10 feet above sea level, creating unique wetland camping environments. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing, allowing for year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Water activities at Goose Creek State Park: Located about 30 miles from Columbia, the park offers excellent kayaking and fishing opportunities. "The campgound has really neat hiking trails and a swimming beach. The park ranger told us about a neat program at the park, where they will loan out fishing poles for free, they are great poles and we ended up catching over 20 fish!" reports Maureen C. at Goose Creek State Park Campground.
Beach access in Kill Devil Hills: Though not directly on the beach, OBX Campground provides a convenient base for exploring nearby shores. "This was a very nice campground. Small, privately owned. Very spacious lots, especially considering it's in OBX... This campground is located in a great spot, on Colington Island technically still Kill Devil Hills. We adventured to many local attractions easily from the campground," notes Amy E.
Explore local waterways: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for boating and fishing. "We kayaked in their creek that goes out directly to the Chowan River. Large fishing pond, firewood available, clean shower house, game room and tidy clean sites," shares Kathleen from Rocky Hock Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Many RV travelers appreciate the well-designed campsites in the region. "The grounds are immaculate, sites are level and very well designed for optimal privacy," writes Barbara W. about Rocky Hock Campground. This sentiment is echoed at other parks, with consistent mentions of well-maintained grounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural environment provides excellent wildlife spotting. "Site Privacy: Open grass park well kept... Setting: Along coastal waterway... There are two areas. The area near the water is a good location. Water sites, 10-14, look splendid," notes Roger W. about OBX Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom and shower facilities. "We loved this no-frills campground. Upon arrival, we were greates by the camp host, Glenn who was incredibly helpful throughout our stay... The bathrooms, showers and pool were pristine. We saw a staff member cleaning them every day at 9am," reports Marina R. about Beechland Campground.
What you should know
Advance reservations essential: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on waterfront sites. "Paid for a water view spot, got a spot obscured by trees. Internet kept cutting out TV last night," reports Tom P. about Outer Banks West KOA, highlighting the importance of specific site requests.
Bug considerations: Being in a coastal area means insects can be prevalent. "When we were there the midgets were so bad our RV was covered in them at night. Check your site carefully in you pay for a water site, some have trees covering the view and a lot have a big marsh area," warns Michelle C. about Outer Banks West KOA.
Distance to beaches varies significantly: While many campgrounds advertise beach proximity, actual distances can vary. "We didn't realize how far away from the beach area this was. We only had bikes so we were limited as the road was narrow and not bike friendly," explains Holly O. about Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with planned activities: Some parks organize special events for children. "So many amenities and fun things planned for Easter weekend. Staff is super friendly and welcoming. The site is very clean and quiet. Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," shares Robin B. about Camp Hatteras.
Consider water access options: Sites with direct water access provide built-in entertainment. "Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night. Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground," notes Stephen B. at Outer Banks West KOA.
Check for playground facilities: Many campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "Campground is well taken care of with wildlife all around. Level parking and full hookups made it a comfortable stay. Small playground and waterfront picnic area for the kids to play," writes Patrick about OBX Campground.
Tips from RVers
Big-rig access considerations: Some campgrounds better accommodate large RVs than others. "We stayed at site 19 for 7 days. The sites are fairly quiet, fairly nicely spaced, particularly for a private RV park. The sites are FHU with 50A service," reports Ray & Terri F. about OBX Campground.
Power and hookup reliability: Full hookup quality varies between campgrounds. "The hook ups all looked new and this may have been the cleanest camp ground I've ever stayed at," writes Marina R. about Beechland Campground, highlighting the importance of modern infrastructure.
Weather considerations: The region's coastal weather patterns can affect camping comfort. "Stayed at spot 4. Across from the clean pit toilet. They do have water. The area for rvs were packed and it wasn't as appealing as the primitive. Follow the signs to primitive tent camping," suggests Evelyn O. about North Landing Beach, noting site selection based on weather conditions.
