Glamping near Creswell, North Carolina offers a mix of coastal wilderness and river access opportunities. Located in the Inner Banks region where the Scuppernong River flows toward the Albemarle Sound, this area sits at approximately 10 feet above sea level with humid subtropical conditions. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations, with late spring and early fall providing the most comfortable temperatures and fewer biting insects.
What to do
Fishing from campground docks: Tranter's Creek Resort provides fishing amenities including a dedicated pier and fish cleaning sink. "There is a fish cleaning sink and a pier to fish from also. Very well kept bathroom facilities with a laundromat as well," notes Cannon W.
Kayaking in Goose Creek: Goose Creek State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities with convenient water access. "Our campsite was right on the Pamlico river. Close to our campsite was a dock to fish off of or to launch a kayak," shares Maureen C., who also mentioned the park's free fishing pole loan program.
Explore hiking trails: The park features multiple nature paths through pine forests and coastal areas. "There are plenty of good hiking trails as well," notes Chip G. about the trail system at Goose Creek, while Laura B. adds they are "several short hiking trails that I would rate easy."
Swimming at designated areas: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas for cooling off during hot months. "There is also a swimming area that is free," mentions Laura B. about Goose Creek, while Rocky Hock offers "Large fishing pond, firewood available, clean shower house, game room and tidy clean sites."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Rocky Hock Campground offers waterway access that campers appreciate. "We kayaked in their creek that goes out directly to the Chowan River," shares Kathleen, who also enjoyed staying "in the tent area underneath beautiful trees."
Private, spacious sites: Goose Creek State Park earns praise for its well-designed sites. "The sites are spacious, well equipped and well spaced (private)," writes Chip G. Benjamin C. similarly described sites as "private. large. wooded."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently mention animal sightings around their sites. "On our walk with the dogs seen deer and a raccoon visited us during the night," notes Evelyn O. at Goose Creek. Charles G. shared a similar experience: "Wildlife walks right by, several deer on our trip."
Clean facilities: Tranter's Creek Resort maintains excellent amenities. "This facility has one of the cleanest pools I have ever been in. Very well kept bathroom facilities with a laundromat as well," reports Cannon W., while Wanda B. confirms "all the sites were clean and had excellent shower facilities."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings higher insect activity. "We did have a run in with fire ants at our campsite," cautions Laura B. about Goose Creek State Park primitive camping areas.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more natural experience, Goose Creek State Park Campground offers tent-only areas with minimal amenities. "Great primitive camping, tent only. There are water spigots, no electricity, and very clean, non smelly vault toilets," explains Laura B.
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom amenities differ between campgrounds. Green Acres Family Campground has "Showers are nice and hot, nothing fancy," according to Emma, who noted "Babe said the men's room was ehhh but ok."
Site selection matters: At Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA, water view sites vary in quality. "Check your site carefully if you pay for a water site, some have trees covering the view and a lot have a big marsh area," advises Michelle C.
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Green Acres Family Campground offers numerous recreational options. "They have two swimming pools, golf, put put, nature trails, pavilions, Church on Sunday, nice pull through shaded sites, pond for fishing or paddle boats," notes Sara O.
Kid-friendly fishing program: Goose Creek State Park offers a unique fishing program perfect for children. "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!" shares Maureen C.
Group camping for special occasions: The spacious sites work well for youth gatherings. Charles G. reports, "I had several 13 year olds for a birthday trip and they had fun. A separate beach area if you like for swimming."
Weekend activities: Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA organizes special events for children. "Plenty of kid activities. The sound was fun to float in," reports Mary G., while another visitor, Brandon C., noted "Lexi did a amazing job with the kids keeping them busy."
Tips from RVers
Quiet camping options: For RVers seeking peace and quiet, Riverside Campground offers a secluded setting. "Very helpful and friendly owners that live just off the camp grounds if you need anything. I stayed in a spot nestled in the woods. Very quiet," notes Sheldon N.
Speed limit enforcement: Several campgrounds strictly monitor vehicle speeds. Ryan D. warns about Tranter's Creek: "Don't go over 7.5 mph the golf cart police will scold you," and Jerry W. similarly cautions: "Make sure you adhere to the speed limit!"
Full hookup availability: Most campgrounds in the area provide comprehensive RV connections. "We were right on the water and loved our view of Currituck Sound!" shares Renee M. about her site at Outer Banks West KOA, which offers electric, water and sewer hookups.
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have occasional site assignment issues. Caroline B. notes at Outer Banks West KOA: "We pulled up to the site to find someone else on the site. Was told by an employee checking us in that they change peoples site and forget to put it in the computer."
