Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Columbia? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Columbia, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your North Carolina tent camping excursion.
Guide
Such a nice and clean campground! The sites are pretty big so you can move around easily and there are tons of trails you can check out as well and water access. Campground host was very nice too!
Scout
All the amenities at the price of privacy. Stray cats, fed by campers drove our dog crazy.
Traveler
Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks. Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic.
TravelerWonderful campground! Clean, lots of amenities and super friendly staff. Great access to the beach and a great camping section across the street on the sound. Definitely recommend!
Scout
Excellent place all the way around, just make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously, even their website says so. We used 40% deet, bug zappers and I even took a powerful fogger (I used to own a pest control company). Then and only then was it manageable.
Traveler
We stayed here for two nights during our trip along the Outer Banks. We had a great time and enjoyed our stop here. 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. It seemed like they are working to add more amenities and upgrades so I’d stay again next time we make it that way. Also, Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks.
ScoutWe stayed here for four days, and while the location is decent, the sites are terrible—no shade at all. The only good part about this place is the clean bathrooms and hot showers. The campground hosts are a nightmare. They've invented their own rules outside the official ones, and while some people get away with breaking rules, we were singled out. They became angry, rude, and defensive when we questioned them, even threatening to call the police on us because our son was flying a kite! As we waited for the police, we reread the rules for the fourth time and found no issue. The police never showed up, and now the campground host refuses to assist us or provide any information, ice, or anything else we need. They even spoke directly to our child instead of us, being incredibly rude to him. These hosts should be removed immediately—they've made our stay absolutely miserable. We will never return. This campground is not child-friendly, and the hosts clearly do not like children. Ocracoke Campground is way better—the hosts there are nice, informative, and genuinely helpful.
Legend
We have family in Edenton and have stayed at Ricky Hock many times. It is just north of town and has large mostly pull through sites with full hookups.
Traveler
That was a great experience! Go there only if Greg says it's ok. He knows how demanding it can be to get to his ground if you're not used to driving off-road. You need a 4x4 car. Wonderful five star primitive campground. No water, no toilet. Bring your own. Explore the property, the sound and the sea. We saw deer, wild horses, coyotes, eagles, turtles, dolphins but also mosquitos and ticks. Bring repellent. I will never forget the two days camping. Greg is a great host! Thank you for this incredible experience!
ScoutI am so thankful to Greg and Mary for humbly allowing me to stay on their beautiful property. What a unique and incredible place. The wild horses came to visit me daily, bald eagles, osprey...kayaked on the calm waters of the sound..hiked the beach and biked the trails up through false cape state park. Just an incredible opportunity I am so thankful that I was given, and by the nicest of people you can find. And I'll be back one day for those tires Dave! Haha, thanks to everyone that showed me around, a memory to be cherished.
Guide
Great KOA park with one row of dunes to cross to the ocean beach that depending on your site is only about 5 min walk. The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers. The have laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries, camping essentials and gifts. Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well. Wifi is marginal but they reported they have equipment on order to improve. We had spot along the dunes with covered patio with picnic table and a fire ring (no barbeques). The beach is wonderful. Great restful destination. We will definitely return.
TravelerI had the privilege of getting to stay on this property for a week while camping and exploring the outdoors in the obx. It was not only beautiful, but felt very safe as well! Greg and his wife Mary were extremely kind! They made an effort to help familiarize myself with the area while checking in and giving tips! I was also lucky enough to see the wild horses at camp & at the beach 3 out of 4 days i was there. This was truly one of the best camping experiences i’ve ever had. If you are ever in the area and craving a unique experience, I recommend reaching out to Greg and considering staying here.
TravelerFirst, Greg is an amazing communicator. He gave great instructions for finding the camp site. Plus, checked in to make sure everything was going ok and gave tips.
It was such a peaceful location and I even had the privilege of seeing a horse on the grounds on 2 different nights.
I’m so glad I had a chance to stay here and hope to have the opportunity to visit in warmer weather.
Ranger
We went for Valentine's Day weekend. Only a couple of other people were there, and we hardly saw them. We used site 11. I still think it's the best one, it's the largest, right next to the main trail head, & bath house trail right ahead of the site. The bath house was real nice. They had heaters running and they were so toasty, also very clean. Trails were nice too, we used our ebikes on the bike trail.
LegendCool campground within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore, beachy vibe, sites are open and no privacy whatsoever, and you’re pretty close to your neighbor, but it is what we expect from most beach campgrounds.
Watch out for spiny sand spurs(?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas.
Bathrooms are nice, flush toilets. Showers are available for free, but they are a bit exposed, like an outhouse type set up and the doors are short. We didn’t take showers here but another camper told us the water is warm.
Beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites. Wifi is available per sign on office door, but you probably need to be at the office to use it, as we didn’t see it pop us as an available wifi source. Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.
All reservations must be made via recreation.gov. We came in without reservations, drove through the loops, picked an open site, and made our reservation. Recreation.gov is nice in that there are no processing fees.
Campground was about 1/2 full on a Sunday in early November. We paid $28 for a no-hookup site, water/power sites are available for a bit more. There’s a dump station available across the street but we didn’t use it since we were just heading south to the next campground with a dump and fill station there as well.
TravelerOverall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night.
LegendKOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks Campground (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Road Noise: For sites near the highway 12 Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Some full hookups Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): 3 - 4 bars Setting: Open park area between highway and the dunes Weather: 60s during our visit Bugs: Gone for the winter Host: Yes Rig size: Big rigs Sites: Those in the back along the dunes would be nice to have. See pics.
Legend
Camp Hatteras Campground : Clean and on the water . This campgrounds on both sides of the highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Overall Rating: 3.5 Usage during visit: Almost empty Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close, see pics Site surface: Concrete Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Campground is a bit off Hwy 12, so there is road noise Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Most or all are back in Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars Setting: Sound side Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Sites: Water side sites are super. See pics and ocean side.
LegendOregon Inlet in Hatteras NSS, NC.:
Great beach and Kitty Hawk nearby.
We like this campground even though sites are pretty tight. We have been here later in November in the past. The weather was much cooler, but this campground is pretty empty then.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy.
Overall Rating: 3.5
Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass for non electric sites
Usage during visit: 95% full.
Site Privacy: Not good
Site Spacing: Sites along the dunes are pretty close.
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Required
Campground Noise: Quiet
Road Noise: Noticeable throughout B and C loops. I’ll leave Loop A to be evaluated by tent campers. Homey, I will say to choose a site away from Hwy 12.
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: Some sites. See my map in pictures
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: Yes. It is across the highway to the south of the campground.
Potable Water Available: At the dump station and near the restrooms.
Generators: Allowed.
Bathroom: Clean flush toilets.
Showers: Yes, but a gap between the roof and walls makes for a cold experience this time of year with the wind.
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars.
Setting: A pretty area between Highway 12 and the dunes.
Weather: Highs in upper 60s. Lows are in mid 50s
Bugs: A couple mosquitoes. Wind has probably kept them at bay.
Solar: Great when not too cloudy.
Host: They are super.
Rig size: Large rigs can fit in many spots.
Sites: See my map in my attached pictures: Circled sites B2 - 20 back right up to the dunes. C1 -21 have a broader view of the beautiful dunes with 5 - 21 in this group a bit larger sites. B 22 and24 are getting closer to the dunes. I like all these sites in comparison to the others. However, I appreciate being backed right up to the dunes. Site B4 is the best site, in my opinion. Rig size is limited for this site. It’s not deep, Punic table is near campground road, but isolated from B2 on the picnic side by a dune . B2 is a good site. Picnic area is private from adjacent site, but not from vehicles driving by.
TravelerThis is a must see spot. It is located right on the sound and the beach. It is located on private property that requires 4 wheel drive capable vehicle to access. You have to drive down the beach to reach this spot. Greg and his wife were extremely friendly and wanted to share the amazing property that they own. They have a dock with access to the sound which I used to explore the sound on my kayak. I recommend giving Greg a call if you want to experience a very unique and amazing camping experience.
GuideWhere else can you watch the sunrise AND the sunset from the same campground? Wow. I give this place an 11 out of 10
ScoutStayed on Friday and Sat nights at family campground. Bathrooms ok but in need of maintenance. Park clean and well maintained. Biggest issue is the noise. Neighbors played music and were loud until well after midnight. Other neighbor had dog barking all night. Not a great campground for people with young kids like we have. We will be looking for campgrounds with onsite hosts in the future.
ScoutWe loved staying here for the weekend! We were the only ones in the tent area underneath beautiful trees. 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. Will return!
GuideCamped at Oregon Inlet for its location near Alligator River NWR, and Bodies Lighthouse.
The PROS:
The CONS:
Scout
Wooded location with Kayak access to the low country. Water service is inadequate, it’s a water meter box that is in the ground under water itself. Quiet place with clean restrooms.
GuideWe got in during a tight time of year in the most sought after spot…and we understand why it is!!! Right on the sand just yards away from the water on the sound side. Sunset in your backyard. Was definitely breezy but perfect to bring the heat down a little. Super chill campground with amenities nearby. The internet is terrible so if you’re working from home, have a hotspot. AT&T does much better in this area. We have Verizon and it was spotty. No streaming capability, but that makes for a tech free in the moment experience! You are right on top of your neighbor, but it still feels private, especially if you get the end unit. However, if you don’t want the entire campground of people near your site at sunset, don’t ask for a sound site on the end :)
Guide
We had an amazing time! The view of the Sound is incredible, particularly during sunset. You can watch kite surfers during the day. They have their own access point for the Sound. They have bathrooms, laundry machines. My site did not have dumping connections but they do have an On-Site dumping station you can use. It was quiet and peaceful. Would definitely stay again.
