Best Campgrounds near Elizabeth City, NC

Elizabeth City in North Carolina has several camping options for visitors. The City Park Campground puts you close to town while still giving you a quiet place to set up camp. If you want something more basic, check out the North Carolina National Forest Sites where you can find spots away from crowds in the woods. The Elizabeth City Area State Park has good camping spots near trails and places to fish. You can also drive to the Blue Ridge or Great Smoky Mountains for different camping experiences. Kids might enjoy the Elizabeth City Recreation Area with its playgrounds and picnic spots. Elizabeth City County Park Campground has big sites with trees for shade. The Appalachian Trail isn't far if you want to take a day hike. Remember that summers can get hot and winters cool, so pack accordingly. Always look up the rules and check if sites are open before you head out. There are both developed and primitive camping areas around Elizabeth City to match what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina (40)

    1. Elizabeth City Lodging

    2 Reviews
    Elizabeth City, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 335-6482

    "I love this little place in Elizabeth City. There is a little tiny beach nearby & it provides a beautiful view in during sunrise/sunset."

    2. North River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 336-4414

    "We spent 2 night at North River in August to attend Coast Guard Day in Elizabeth City.  I was pleasantly surprised how nice and clean the facility was.  "

    "Well cared for landscaping, nice lake, level parking spot with concrete patio. WiFi is fast and cable tv is available. I would recommend this camp ground."

    3. North Landing Beach

    15 Reviews
    Knotts Island, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 426-6241

    "This location was PERFECT! It warmed up enough to enjoy the beach which was a 5 minute walk from cabin."

    "There Is a very nice workout room and a bIllIards room adjacent."

    4. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    12 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 453-2732

    "It’s not close to anything or any lighthouses. They do have a boat ramp so if you plan to camp and fish this would be a great spot."

    "The view was beautiful and the weather was great at night to just sit outside and enjoy the view. It was a very quiet camp with a great dog park. I look forward to visiting again soon."

    5. First Landing State Park Campground

    116 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Very clean facilities and close by. Easy access to water. Close proximity to beach and hiking. 120 - was able to get two RTT on one site.

    Bad: close proximity to other sites."

    "There are also about 20 cabins on the Trail side. The only sewer hookups are for the three Camp Host sites located throughout the Park. There are nice clean showers located around the campground."

    6. Northwest River Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Moyock, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 421-7151

    "The only thing I have a problem with here, is that there are no garbage cans or dumpsters near the campsites."

    "Bath houses were clean & the trails were awesome!"

    7. Bells Island Campground

    6 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 232-2590

    "Coming to North Carolina, coastal camping is something which has to be on your bucket list."

    "Walk to dock overlooking the bay waterfront. Easy drive to the outerbanks and activities. The manager is always available by phone and in person in the late afternoon."

    8. Merchants Millpond State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Sunbury, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 357-1191

    $12 - $62 / night

    "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."

    "Nice 0.7 walk from the campsite to the visitor center to rent canoes! Just a short drive to some other trails. Enjoyed the Cyprus Point trail which you access at the boat ramp section of the park."

    9. Sandy Point Resort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 429-3094

    $20 - $60 / night

    "This location is great for that."

    10. Northwest River Park and Campground

    5 Reviews
    Moyock, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 421-7151

    "Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."

    "Nice trails and fishing. Will be visiting again."

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Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elizabeth City, NC

391 Reviews of 40 Elizabeth City Campgrounds



Guide to Elizabeth City

Camping near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Beach: Many campers enjoy the nearby beaches. At Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one visitor said, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Kayaking and Wildlife Watching: Camp Hatteras is a great spot for kayaking. A reviewer mentioned, "We enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground."
  • Hiking Trails: Merchants Millpond State Park has beautiful trails. One camper shared, "The trail system was magical. We hiked early in the am and it was such a therapeutic hike through the forest and swamp."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for First Landing State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms were well maintained and cleaned twice a day when we were there."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer fun activities. At North Landing Beach, a visitor said, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights, pizza and ice cream shop."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. One reviewer at Camp Hatteras said, "Location location location. Depends on what site you are in but the ocean is super close."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned, "If you want quiet and peaceful, stick to the spots on the beach side."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA warned, "I have never been to a resort where they just like refuse to spray for bugs like this one it is disgusting."
  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have close sites. A review for Holiday Trav-L-Park noted, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Virginia Beach KOA said, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: If you have young kids, find sites with shade. One camper at Merchants Millpond State Park mentioned, "Lovely shaded site, and large picnic table."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Be ready for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Pettigrew State Park Campground advised, "Bring plenty of bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned, "The sites are pretty tight."
  • Use Reservations: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at North Landing Beach noted, "All reservations must be made via recreation.gov."
  • Be Ready for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA said, "Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway."

Camping around Elizabeth City, NC, has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and noise, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elizabeth City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elizabeth City, NC is Elizabeth City Lodging with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What parks are near Elizabeth City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Elizabeth City, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.