Top Tent Camping near Emerald Isle, NC

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Emerald Isle? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Emerald Isle with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Emerald Isle, North Carolina's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Emerald Isle, NC (8)


Recent Tent Reviews In Emerald Isle

177 Reviews of 8 Emerald Isle Campgrounds


  • Mambo M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point Campground
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Cedar Point Campground

    HOSTS DO NOT FOLLOW RULES

    Do NOT stay here!! The hosts do not follow the published USFS/recreation.gov rules, oe even their own posted rules. FFS sites are in fact booked IN ADVANCE. You can book them for days at a time, anytime. The app is INACCURATE. The hosts simply do whatever they want, then argue when presented with published rules and policies. Additionally, no handicapped placard or other disability proof is required to rent the wheelchair accesssible sites across from the bath house and all were filled with able-bodies persons in huge RVs. Horrible experience and OUTRAGEOUS $8 reservation fee and $10-$18 cancellation fee. Furthermore, 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, resulting in even small 5V items not charging. The biggest issue was inconsistent/incomplete charging of wheelchair batteries. We had to rely on vehicle power charging for most things. The campsites are also poorly arranged, forcing tents to be placed within 2-3’ of fire rings, which is ridiculously unsafe. The sites are also full of fire ant beds - including on the tent/table pad itself. One of the poorest managed campgrounds I have ever stayed in.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Nick’s Nook Family Campground
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Nick’s Nook Family Campground

    Small quiet Campground A++

    Small quiet campground that has some adorable amenities. Pet and child friendly. Nick (the owner) is super helpful and they even have item you may have forgotten they will lend out. Firewood is provided. We stayed I. Their little cabin on a whim. Cozy but small. AC and heat both worked well. Their camp store has very affordable gifts and some supplies one might need. We came to this area to try some unique restaurants. The cabin allowed us to stay and try all of them. We went to the Mad Boar on Friday night for some amazing prime rib and unique appetizer. We went to The Country Squire and enjoyed a wine tasting before a dreamy colonial meal. The atmosphere here was so realistic. They even have an inn. And of course we had to go to the Duplin Winery. Next time we will bring the kids to enjoy the craft hour and playground.

  • Michelle L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Phoenix Farms Vineyard
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Phoenix Farms Vineyard

    Beautiful

    The hosts are friendly, and the fire is warm. It's so fun to see all of the animals. The property is beautiful, and the camp spot is private. We have plenty of space for our RV. Feeling thankful!

  • Thunderroad 5.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Cedar Point Campground

    Enjoyed our stay

    Stayed 3 nights here. Nice quiet federal campground. Quiet and maintained. Definitely need water at sites. Can't adjust water temp in showers here. Fortunately not freezing water and one night had hot water. With these improvements, would give 5 stars. Can't beat price. Would definitely stay again. Close enough to beach and things we like to do. Had a great breakfast at Angie's Diner near by.

  • Christine The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Surf City Family Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Surf City Family Campground

    Located right on the beach

    The spots are very close together. There is no shade, but a constant beach breeze.

    You can not see ocean from the campground due to the dunes, but it is about 300 feet to the water.

    The owners are very nice. He will even help park your rv with his tractor.

    Same price for full hookups verses no sewer. You will have to go across the street to their other campground to dump and there is no water for rinsing, only a sewer drain.

    The public bathroom stalls only go as high as shoulder level.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Surf City Family Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Surf City Family Campground

    Right on the Beach!

    A gem of a place! Call to reserve a spot. The staff is super helpful and friendly. We loved being right by the beach. There are spots for RVs and tents. You could still hear the waves even with RVs running air conditioners.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Campground & Marina
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Cedar Creek Campground & Marina

    Great Campground ⛺️

    Quiet campground, great views of the ocean and Marsh. 

    Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm / RV site at Wallace Meadows Farm
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm / RV site at Wallace Meadows Farm

    Lovely place to camp!

    We recently stayed overnight at Wallace Meadows and it was one of the most lovely places we've ever been to! Rich was very friendly and welcoming and the hookup & amenities they offered for a fee were excellent. The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower! The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil. There's even a guesthouse which could possibly accommodate fellow travelers who may not have an RV. There's also a laundry room but we didn't use it. They have a background in hospitality and it really shows. Before we left, we purchased some fresh eggs from their farm, beautifully packaged and delicious! We will return to North Carolina. There's so much to see here and we'll definitely return to Wallace Meadows Farm.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point Campground
    Feb. 11, 2024

    Cedar Point Campground

    Great place with a great host!

    Camping in the winter and a newbie, but this place was great. Showers and bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Dog friendly, electric and good clean drinking water on site. Can only stay 14 days at a time.

  • terri L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Island Ranch
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Cedar Island Ranch

    Beautiful Area

    This campground was great. They have horseback riding on grounds and the ferry to Ocracoke is literally right there. Bath house older but clean. There’s a small beach and store. Staff was outstanding. Only complaint were the ruts in the dirt roads. They need filling in. And don’t stay near trees because the mosquitoes were awful.

  • Timothy M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Closed permanently
    Nov. 24, 2023

    Closed permanently

    Safe and spacious

    Talk about Southern hospitality, the hosts were amazing and the campsite was a safe place for Luna and I to spend the night!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oyster Point Campground
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Oyster Point Campground

    Water Views and Spacious Sites

    Oyster Point: Great sites. Sites w water view are best.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2023: $ 5 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light Site Privacy: Underbrush has been trimmed it looks like. So, there is not as much privacy between sites. Site Spacing: Very wide sites .
    Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet during our stay.
    Road Noise: Secluded. No public roads nearby. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. One or two spigots. Generators:Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilet is clean and well stocked. Showers: No Pull Throughs: Site 13 is a pull through Cell Service (AT&T): 2 - 4 bars Setting: Pine forest with a more of Newport River Weather: 72 fall day high. Bugs: No mosquitoes. Must be gone for the year Solar: Maybe too forested in some spots. In site # 5 at 9:00 AM we had some solar charge happening Host: Tonia is a delightful host Rig size: Our site would fit a large rig. Sites: I took pictures of the sites on the shore side of the campground. They are the best, but all sites here I would be happy with. Sites #9 and #11 have pathways to a very small private beach. Site 1 is close to a pit toilet. Maybe a smell issue now and then.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area - CLOSED
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area - CLOSED

    Great Private Sites

    Neuse River Flanners Beach Campground: Most sites have visual privacy (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $ $10 + $5 per night for electricity w interagency pass Usage during visit: Pretty full. Unable to obtain a reservation for an extended period.
    Site Privacy: Almost all sites has a nice degree of privacy with trailer in site.
    Site Spacing: Very good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes. You better. Campground Noise: Quiet. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Available Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. At entrance. Potable Water Available: Scattered spigots Generators:
    Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Not that I saw.
    Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Deciduous forest. Weather: 70 degrees today. Bugs: Not noticeable. Solar: Too much tree cover Host: Yes Rig size: Some sites will fit large rigs. A careful drive in Campground will surely be required. Sites: Almost all sites are good. Some of the least private sites are: 13,20,27,29

  • James R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point Campground
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cedar Point Campground

    GREAT HANGOUT

    Great place to hangout and it’s near Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast. Nice place to throw a line into the water and relax!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Haven
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Happy Haven

    Stay in an onsite camper or bring your own RV/Tent

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Your host Kathrine is an experienced host and is ready to make your next camping trip a memorable one!  There's a spot for everyone, from the onsite camper, to bring your own tent/RV sites, check them out and share some pics from your stay on the Dyrt!

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Creek Campground
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Goose Creek Campground

    Nice river HOT campground

    Nice overnight stay RV Campground new with no shade Very clean Beautiful river but not walking distance from campground Staff friendly I’d say much better in the early spring or fall

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm / RV site at Wallace Meadows Farm
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm / RV site at Wallace Meadows Farm

    Camping with cows

    Small overnight stop but the owners were very nice The bathrooms and laundry very clean They sell their own beef and I will have to say the best beef hot dogs I’ve ever had . My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice Very hot on the site but refreshing shade by the river

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Onslow Beach Campsites
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Onslow Beach Campsites

    Glad it was cheap!

    Campground was within close walking proximity to the beach. Beach was clean and we had fun hunting for shark teeth. Water was fairly clear and nice temperature.

    Camping sites are close together but fairly level. Lots of barking dogs, even in their units. Shower/bath house was DISGUSTING!! Showers were full of sand, hair stuck to the walls, torn and stained curtains. Water was hot though. By the end of the week it was out of hand soap.

    The bridge that is right behind camp about 60 feet was under a full rebuild. Construction noise started a little before 0700 each day. Dump trucks and heavy machinery while drinking your coffee. A warning before arrival from the reservation office would have been nice. I understand the bridge needs work but warn people.

    Glad we got to visit with friends on the base but we won’t be back.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Closed permanently
    Jul. 10, 2023

    Closed permanently

    Kid Friendly Spot to Camp

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Home on the Range is new to the Dyrt but they have a great escape for the family to enjoy playing around the playset or socializing around the communal patio!  Check them out and share some pics of your stay!

  • Jennifer  M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oyster Point Campground
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Oyster Point Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene. Campsites are relatively close but fat enough to feel like there's some privacy. Close to the water and a lovely 21 mile trail. Potable water available along with raised bathrooms and trash receptacles. It's a solid 9/10. Drawbacks are the biting flies and tough ground if you're tenting.



Guide to Emerald Isle

Camping near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore nature trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For instance, at Goose Creek State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a ton of trails with trailheads everywhere. One camper mentioned, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park."
  • Kayaking and fishing: If you love water activities, check out Cedar Point Campground. One reviewer said, "The nature trail has nice walkways over the marsh. You can walk from the campground to the boat launch, picnic area, and nature trail."
  • Beach access: Campgrounds like Onslow Beach Campsites are close to the beach. A camper noted, "Campground was within close walking proximity to the beach. Beach was clean and we had fun hunting for shark teeth."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Wilmington KOA, one visitor said, "The bathrooms were very clean and each had a shower sink and toilet all to yourself."
  • Friendly hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A reviewer at Oyster Point Campground mentioned, "Tonia is a delightful host."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One camper at Hammocks Beach State Park Campground said, "The site was well-kept, and the bathhouse was warm."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oyster Point Campground, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No showers, or electricity hookups, and toilets are pretty primitive."
  • Crowded during peak season: Campgrounds near the beach can get busy. A visitor at Onslow Beach Campsites mentioned, "The bridge that is right behind camp about 60 feet was under a full rebuild. Construction noise started a little before 0700 each day."
  • Pack out your trash: Many sites, like Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, require you to take your trash with you. One camper said, "There are NO trash cans or trash collecting points."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring bug spray: Some campgrounds can have biting bugs. A camper at Oyster Point Campground advised, "Just get enough mosquito repellent and you’ll be fine."
  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. One visitor at Cedar Point Campground said, "Lots of space and shade."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have games or activities for kids. A reviewer at New Bern KOA mentioned, "There were activities and a well-stocked store."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Goose Creek State Park Campground noted, "If navigating the tent spot, the road may be tight for larger trucks."
  • Look for electric hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be helpful. A visitor at Wilmington KOA said, "Level spots. Convenient to everything."
  • Be prepared for weather: Bring gear for rain or heat. A camper at Hammocks Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "There is very little shade at the primitive site areas, so hot, sunny days can be challenging."

Camping near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences, from serene beachside spots to family-friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Emerald Isle, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Emerald Isle, NC is Onslow Beach Campsites with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Emerald Isle, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Emerald Isle, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.