Camping spots near Goldsboro, North Carolina typically have sandy soil that makes tent setup easier but can create tracking issues around campsites. The area experiences high humidity during summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F. Eastern North Carolina's flat terrain means most campgrounds have minimal elevation changes, though several offer water-based recreation on rivers and lakes as alternatives to hiking.
What to do
Kayak on the Neuse River: Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers scenic paddling opportunities with equipment rentals available seasonally. "There is a small nature center that describes the history and geographical features of the area. During the summer, you can swim or rent canoes and paddle boats. You can fish at the river or in the lake," notes one Cliffs of the Neuse visitor.
Fish without a license: Hidden Haven RV Park provides on-site fishing access. "There are plans for more amenities so be patient. I have Verizon and at my site I had 3 bars and 5G. They do have free wifi and it was good at my site," reports a recent Hidden Haven camper who enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Explore local museums: When staying at Neuseway Park Campground, visitors can access nearby cultural attractions. "This campground is right across the river from Herritage Street, which has a nationally known restaurant (The Chef and the Farmer), the only full size Civil War ironclad replica in the world, a successful brewery (Mother Earth Brewery), and many other eclectic shops and parks," states a Neuseway Nature Park reviewer.
What campers like
Sandy camping surfaces: The natural terrain makes for comfortable tent camping. "The soil is sandy, and the ground is usually covered with pine straw. When I wanted to build a campfire, there were plenty of sticks and limbs to start and build a campfire," explains a visitor to Cabin Lake County Park.
Affordable military camping: Service members have dedicated options in Goldsboro. "Stayed the weekend of the airshow, quiet and accessible to the BX/Commissary but CAC ID required for campground and other base amenities. We also enjoy the gym and bowling alley, planning to come back to see movies at the base theatre," comments a camper from Seymour Johnson AFB FamCamp.
Shopping convenience: Campgrounds near I-95 offer easy access to retail outlets. "This area between Selma and Smithfield is a mecca for shoppers, especially during November and December. There are dozens and dozens of outlets, and people from hundreds of miles stop at them," notes a visitor to RVacation Campground.
What you should know
Fire ant precautions: Eastern North Carolina campgrounds often have fire ant colonies. "One thing you have to be aware of is that in eastern North Carolina, fire ants can be a huge problem. Some of the trails are easy, but the Spanish Moss Trail is quite steep in some places," warns a camper from Cliffs of the Neuse.
Flooding potential: River campgrounds experience regular high-water events. "The waters from the Neuse River have covered the entire campground and Nature Center complex more than once and almost every year. With that said, you will want to make sure the river has not flooded before you decide to go," advises a Neuseway Nature Park visitor.
Highway noise levels: Interstate-adjacent campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The worst part about this campground, for me, was the noise from the Interstate. I thought it would die down during the night, but I was wrong. There was also the sound of trains—at least seven or eight times during the night," reports an RVacation Campground guest.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Several Goldsboro area campgrounds offer swimming facilities. "Two pools, one Jacuzzi, 3 Dog parks. Volley ball, playground, putt putt and more. Every Friday, Saturday and Sundays they have free waffles for small donation. They also have organized activities," shares a Raleigh Oaks RV Resort guest.
Seasonal Halloween activities: October brings special events at certain campgrounds. "We visited during Halloween and joined in the campgrounds holiday fun. They have a haunted hey ride, a costume parade, site decorating, and trick or treating through the canpground," explains a North Pointe RV Resort visitor.
Budget-friendly water recreation: Several campgrounds offer affordable lake activities. "With a 8 month pregnant wife and 2 one years olds, we were able to let the little ones roam while mom and dad walked close behind. Overall, i loved my visit. We grabbed two electric sites side by side with a family of 15 and had a great time!" shares a Cabin Lake County Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Heated water lines: Winter campers benefit from infrastructure at some parks. "We stayed for several months while waiting for a house to be built...in freeeezing cold weather! We were impressed that the water lines are heated, so we didn't have to disconnect our water for the unusually cold 2 degree weather," notes an RVacation Campground visitor.
Private bath suites: Several campgrounds offer individual bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms immaculately kept. Even the trash disposal is out of site and super clean. Great stop," remarks a Raleigh Oaks visitor about the 18 private bath suites available.
Site selection strategy: Choosing sites away from highways improves experience. "It's close to I-95 but far enough away you don't hear the traffic. The latrines and showers are nice, large stalls and were clean," advises a Hidden Haven RV Park visitor who selected a tree-line site to enhance privacy.
