Camping near Emerald Isle, North Carolina offers dispersed sites in the Croatan National Forest that provide alternatives to beachfront accommodations. The region experiences summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 65-75°F. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering direct paths to rivers and sounds while others require short drives to reach beaches.
What to do
Fishing and water access: Cedar Point Campground provides a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campsites for access to the White Oak River. "The campground sits along a body of water, but no water access from any sites. At the entrance to campground there are hiking trails," notes a visitor to Oyster Point Campground.
Photography opportunities: The Cedar Point Tideland Trail offers unique nature photography settings. "This area is a photographer's dream, especially if you like photographing the native habitat and creatures. I was able to get photos of birds, soft shell crabs, and closeup photos of dragonflies," shares one camper about Cedar Point Campground.
Beach activities: Many campsites serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby beaches. "While in the area we enjoyed the public beach on Emerald Isle, which is only 15 minutes from campground. There are lots of water sport rentals nearby and restaurants," notes a Cedar Point visitor.
What campers like
Military-only beaches: Military members have access to exclusive camping with fewer crowds. "This is a great place for any military or retired military member to go. The beach is amazing and the sights are nice too," says a visitor at Onslow Beach Campsites.
Secluded tent platforms: Some campgrounds offer remote, primitive camping opportunities. "Bear Island's seclusion and minimalist amenities are what make this place a hidden gem," writes a camper about Hammocks Beach State Park, adding "you do have to be comfortable being left on the island between 6pm-9am every night unless you kayak in."
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "Bathhouse was clean with large, individual showers," notes one Cedar Point visitor, while another camper at Goose Creek Campground states, "Beautiful area, great family atmosphere and clean facilities. The pool is awesome!"
What you should know
Access limitations: Some campgrounds require military IDs or have limited transportation options. "You have to have been in the Military to get on base!" reminds an Onslow Beach visitor, while at Hammocks Beach State Park, "The ferry only runs during the day between 9ish-6pm."
Weather challenges: The region's climate creates specific camping conditions. "The showers are separate from the bathroom and half were out of order on this stay. Additionally, in typical National Forest fashion, there is no heat or air or even a fan in the bathroom or showers, so again, pretty miserable on this stay as the area had heat advisories every day," reports a Cedar Point visitor.
Winter camping conditions: Off-season camping offers different experiences. "I camped for 14 days at this location in January. The bathrooms are separate from the showers. The bathrooms were slightly heated. The showers, on the other hand, were not heated. The water was warm, but not hot," shares a Cedar Point camper.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Some areas are particularly well-suited for children. "This was our first camping trip with our boy, Cooper. This was a great spot for him to explore and get used to the idea of spending a few nights under the stars," shares a visitor to Cedar Point Campground.
Pool amenities: Certain campgrounds offer swimming alternatives to the beach. "The pool is amazing! The slide is so fun! It has 3ft all the way to 6ft roped off sections in the pool!" exclaims a visitor at Goose Creek Campground.
Nature exploration: Wildlife viewing opportunities engage children. "We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well," notes a visitor to Oyster Point Camp.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should consider seasonal factors when booking. "The sites on the southeast side seemed to have more shade than those on the northwest side," advises a Cedar Point visitor, adding, "Lots of sun throughout the day until late evening, so a little miserable on this stay as the area had heat advisories every day."
Utilities and hookups: Service quality varies between campgrounds. "There are serious issues with the electric connections, which you have no choice but to pay for. We were only able to occasionally have reliable electricity," warns a Cedar Point visitor.
Spacing considerations: Site layout affects camping comfort. "The sites are large and separated by space, not trees, for privacy," notes a Cedar Point camper, while an RVer at Whispering Pines reports, "Un-level gravel camper parking areas made it hard to get our camper level."
