Tent camping near Currie, North Carolina offers access to both coastal and inland waterways within a 30-mile radius. The region includes the Black River basin and Lake Waccamaw, one of North Carolina's largest natural lakes formed as part of the unique Carolina Bay geological formations. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring more moderate conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Black River Camping Ventures, the tea-colored water provides excellent fishing. One camper noted the river itself "should be the center of your attention while you enjoy your stay," with many visitors bringing fishing gear to try their luck.
Beach recreation: Beach camping at Freeman Park provides direct ocean access. Campers report waking up "to the sunrise over the ocean" and enjoying various beach activities. A visitor mentioned, "We were almost alone, only one other vehicle. Two nice guys just there to night fish."
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Black River offers multiple waterway exploration options. A reviewer highlighted that at Black River Camping Ventures the river is perfect for "exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole." Miles downriver, adventurous paddlers can find "the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront camping: The Black River area provides peaceful riverside sites. One camper described it as "peaceful, quiet and tucked away" and stated "you cannot understand how peaceful, quiet and tucked away this campground is until you arrive."
Beach camping experience: At Freeman Park, campers enjoy falling asleep to ocean sounds. A reviewer shared their experience: "Very nice to fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves and to wake up to the same. The sites were actually a bit larger than they sound online."
Military recreation areas: Onslow Beach Campsites offers beachfront camping for military ID holders. A camper praised it as "absolutely one of my favorite places to stay! It is right on the beach, a little store is right there for your convenience and there is plenty of space for walking, riding bikes, etc."
What you should know
Tent setup on sand: For beach camping at Freeman Park, traditional staking methods won't work. A camper advises: "When camping on sand, you don't need stakes. Instead you bring 4 plastic bags, fill them with sand, tie the tent corners to the bags and bury them in the sand."
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential at all sites. A camper at Black River Camping Ventures warned of "so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Weather considerations: Beach camping requires monitoring conditions. At Freeman Park, a camper cautioned about tides: "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!"
Campsite access: At Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, sites can be far from parking. A visitor warned that "sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area" and advised "don't forget anything in the car."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Lake Waccamaw offers kid-friendly swimming areas. According to one camper, "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock," making it ideal for families with young children.
Local attractions: The region has educational opportunities nearby. At Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, campers appreciate being "less than a mile from the Aquarium and fort fisher civil war museum," providing rainy day options for families.
Bathroom access: Family campers should consider bathroom proximity when selecting sites. At Lake Waccamaw, a camper noted sites are "very far from the bathroom," suggesting families "don't forget anything in the car."
Beach safety: For beach camping with kids, be prepared for tides and vehicle traffic. A Freeman Park visitor cautioned about "lots of young kids running around, not paying attention to their surroundings, people walking on the dunes" during busy periods.
Tips from RVers
Military facilities: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area offers RV camping for military ID holders with full hookups. A camper advised: "Recommend parking at your site, then going to check in. Not much space to turn around at the office."
Beach driving precautions: RVers considering beach camping should prepare for sand driving. A Freeman Park visitor emphasized: "First and foremost, make sure you know how to drive in the sand and what to do when your car gets stuck. It happened to us, as well as to many vehicles on the beach."
Hookup locations: Check site specifications carefully before booking. At Fort Fisher, a camper noted that "the sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length."
