Best Tent Camping near Emerald Isle, NC

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Emerald Isle? Find the best tent camping sites near Emerald Isle. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your North Carolina tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Emerald Isle, NC (8)

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Recent Tent Reviews in Emerald Isle

186 Reviews of 8 Emerald Isle Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nick’s Nook Family Campground
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Nick’s Nook Family Campground

    Gut feeling !

    I had made a reservation. I showed up on the day and time I had planned. Nobody was there. I called and texted. I finally left after about 15 minutes of waiting. This campground is off a side road. When I pulled into the camp area, I had a funny feeling. I decided not to stay there between the no-show of the staff and the funny feeling my gut was telling me. I hope your experience would be better than mine.

  • Youssef S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground

    Will be back!

    Fantastic experience. I am a seasoned back woods camper, and brought along two first timers. This was the perfect middle ground. Beautiful views with an isolated area. Rustic feel, but still had the comfort of bathrooms, running water, fire pits, and nearby cities.

  • Mambo M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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-bodied 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.

  • 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.

  • Tiffini S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerald Isle RV Resort
    Feb. 7, 2024

    Emerald Isle RV Resort

    This place has lost its touch!

    We have stayed at this campground many times since 2016 and always loved it. The location is awesome, the owner, and the staff were so nice and friendly. Its not that way anymore. There are no longer loyalty programs for repeat customers and they dont care if you stay there or not. When this new company bought this campground they decided $55 to $80 a night was not enough, they want to charge $155 and up depending on when you are staying. This is insane! There are other campgrounds we stay at that have a lot of stuff to offer and they are no where near this expensive, you hardly have anything to offer at this campground. You are giving the customer a place to park, water, sewer and electricity for $155 and up a night, and thats it! There is no security at this place anymore so you better change your storage locks on your camper because most are keyed alike, dont leave anything outside like bikes, grills, shoes, clothes, etc... because they will disappear. This never happened before, makes you wonder who is wondering around stealing. I won't be back until the prices come down and improvements are made. I wish everyone would find other places to go for the next few years and these owners would be forced to sell and maybe we could have our campground back.

  • 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!

  • Shela C.
    Camper-submitted photo from JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
    Nov. 21, 2023

    JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

    1st camping trip

    My husband and I recently purchased a small RV and decided to do a short trip close to home. This campground is amazing. Beautiful views fishing is good and the hosts are very nice and informative. Will be returning to this gem of a campground!

  • 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 Campground
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Flanners Beach Campground

    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 JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
    Sep. 12, 2023

    JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

    Check out this spread out campground!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! JCO Campground has some amazing sunset views and tons of space to explore around the pond!  Check them out and share some pics from your stay!

  • 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


Drive Time


Guide to Emerald Isle

Tent camping near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, offers a blend of beautiful coastal scenery and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers.

Tips for tent camping near Emerald Isle

  • Onslow Beach Campsites provides a family-friendly atmosphere with picnic tables and electric hookups, perfect for a comfortable stay.
  • Hammocks Beach State Park Campground is accessible by ferry, offering a unique experience for those willing to pack in their gear for a secluded beach camping adventure.
  • White Oak River Campground features a small camping area with nearby ponds and a frisbee golf course, ideal for those looking to explore the outdoors.

Local activities for tent campers

  • At Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy shelling on the pristine beaches and exploring the beautiful swamp areas nearby.
  • Onslow Beach Campsites allows easy access to the beach for swimming and shark tooth hunting, making it a fun spot for families.
  • Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers a unique camping experience with views of historic fields and opportunities to see farm animals, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby features

  • Onslow Beach Campsites is well-equipped with amenities like showers and trash disposal, ensuring a convenient camping experience.
  • Hammocks Beach State Park Campground has clean facilities and outdoor showers, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • Coastal Riverside Campground provides a peaceful setting with access to nature trails, perfect for those looking to unwind in a serene environment.

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.