Currie, North Carolina sits near several tea-colored rivers and lakes formed by Carolina Bays, a unique geological feature in this coastal plain region. The area maintains a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Camping options range from primitive riverside sites to full-hookup RV parks within 30-40 miles of Currie.
What to do
Swimming in shallow lakes: Lake Waccamaw State Park offers swimming in exceptionally shallow water. "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters," notes Kathryn W. about Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground.
Beach driving and camping: During off-season months, Freeman Park permits beach camping with proper vehicles. "Freeman Park is a beach area located in Carolina Beach. It's the place to take your 4x4 vehicle, your friends, kids, and dogs, and have some fun in the sand, wind, and waves," writes Katy S. about Freeman Park. Beach camping requires preparation for tides and wind.
Visiting downtown Wilmington: Several campgrounds offer access to urban attractions. "This 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," explains Robert T. about Wilmington KOA.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for privacy. "Campsites were great and the price was the best around. Great showers and clean campgrounds," shares Amanda S. about Carolina Beach State Park Campground. Sites are typically set up with basic amenities and some level of separation from neighbors.
Hiking trails through pine forests: Several parks feature flat walking paths through distinctive coastal forests. "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," explains Caroline G. about Carolina Beach State Park Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: Multiple water bodies support paddling activities. "We kayaked and fished while we were here. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty," mentions Sara H. about Lake Waccamaw State Park. Some campgrounds offer rentals while others require bringing your own equipment.
What you should know
Insects can be problematic: Bugs are a significant consideration when camping in this area. "This was not our ideal spot because it was very close spots to other campers. And so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible," warns Kelsey K. about Black River Camping Ventures.
Weather considerations: Storms and seasonal conditions affect camping experiences. "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," reports Ms P. about Carolina Beach State Park Campground. Spring and fall typically offer more moderate temperatures.
Tide awareness for beach camping: Tidal patterns impact beach access and safety. "CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit. A high Queen tide came near the camp spots at night while a super high king tide COMPLETELY COVERED the camp sites in the morning," cautions a Wanderer review from Freeman Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer dedicated kids' facilities. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" shares Bridget H. about Wilmington KOA. Several pet-friendly campsites near Currie include play areas for children.
Consider lake swimming safety: Shallow lake areas provide safer swimming for children. "The swimming dock is a short walk from campsite 1, but quite a hike from the other primitive group sites," explains Kathryn W. about Lake Waccamaw. Water depths vary significantly between locations.
Choose campsites with bathroom proximity: For families with young children, bathroom access matters. "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night... But just a heads up, especially sites 4 and 5 (we were in 4) are very far from the bathroom," advises Kristin T. about Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site lengths carefully: Some campgrounds have size limitations. "Our back-in was a little challenging with our 39' 5th wheel due to brush across the road, but very doable," reports MickandKarla W. about Jones Lake State Park Campground. Call ahead to confirm measurements for larger rigs.
Consider seasonal availability: RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "This campground is packed on holiday weekends. There were only 2 campsites available when we visited for memorial day weekend," notes Caroline G. about Carolina Beach State Park. Reservations should be made well in advance.
Hookup options vary significantly: Review utility access before booking. "Six of the CG's back-in sites are FHUs with both 30 & 50 AMP. However, there are very spacious pull thru sites, but no hook ups, not even electric," explains MickandKarla W. about Jones Lake State Park. Some parks lack dump stations, requiring advance planning.