Looking for the best options for tent camping near Gatesville? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Gatesville. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.
$11 - $42 / night
Guide
North Landing has had quite the facelift since our first visit in 2015. Tons of cottages have replaced the coveted waterfront tent sites. Several configurations are offered including studio, one and two-bedroom. RV sites range include water, electric, pull-through and full amenities. There is a large outdoor entertaining pavilion as well as a smaller, indoor event space with full kitchen. There Is a very nice workout room and a bIllIards room adjacent. A decent-sized pool with outdoor shower, a newly-constructed hot tub, miniature golf, basketball, horseshoes, pickle ball, and playground round off the outdoor fun. Unfortunately, as of this writing, they have decided to eliminate tent camping, which will deter quite a few campers.
Traveler
Kids had a blast playing in the water and taking the paddle boats out. Campground was clean, quiet and spacious! We camped in a tent not far from the beach area. The water park/pool wasn’t open due to COVID-19 but the kids were happy with the beach. There was a dance party with yogi and his friends and our kids enjoyed that. We also painted some figurines in the arts and crafts area. Overall great experience!
Traveler
I went tent camping and fishing in the sound they have much to offer. Enjoyed a nice night with a buddy. Polite people and not loud.
Scout
Its nothing fancy. Good place for a natture hike, campfire amd one night tent camping. Plan on bringing your own water as there isn’t always running water (not sure why).
Scout
Great campground. Very quiet and each tent site is very far from one another. You could have music or a generator going and not disturb your neighbor
Guide
Went to VA Beach on a whim with no lodging reserved, and saw the sign for this campground on our way out to Sandbridge Beach. We were able to get a campsite here, at a good price, very last minute on a Friday night in June. Check in was quick, friendly, and we were escorted to our site (how nice!). The tent sites are along a waterway to a boat ramp so in the morning boats will go by, otherwise very peaceful and quiet all night. There's a cool little pavilion close to the tent sites with picnic tables. All in all a very good experience!
Legend
Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites
4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in. It is a short hike along the lake and placed a short distance from the trail so hikers will not be hiking through the sites. You have a sand bottom tent site, picnic table, fire ring/grill and trash. This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved. This really is a great site. There is an amazing nature center that overlooks Sandy Bottom Lake. Hiking, and biking trails, fishing, boating with boat rentals or bring your own, birding and wildlife viewing. 757-825-4657
LNT
Travel safe
Traveler
There were a lot of child friendly activities to do here. It’s about 40 mins from the beach. We tent camped and had a blast. The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The camp store is great. It has ice cream, which my kids loved. Would definitely go again
Traveler
The camp grounds have RV sites and cabins but no tent camping. We have stayed several times as my son and his family live in the area. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. There are no amenities in the fall and winter but in the summer there is a lake with a swimming area and a snack bar. The fishing is year round.
Scout
We camped in the State campground at Pettigrew State Park. It is a small campground with just a few camp sites. We usually overnight there on the way to the NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, though it is nice enough to justify a stay if you find yourself in the area. We visited in March, so insects were not a problem, though your experience may be different if you visit during the warmer months, as much of the area surrounding Lake Phelps is cypress swamp.
I little about the campground amenities: it is modest and good for tent camping. Though there is room for RVs, there aren't electrical and water hookups, though most who were there were in RVs. Each site has a fire ring with a grill and firewood is available for a nominal fee. There is a bathhouse with toilet and shower facilities.
The natural beauty is worth the visit. From the campground it is an easy walk to the lake. We were able to see an impressive sunset from the lake shore. There is an out and back 1.5 mile trail, for a total of 3 miles, that follows the lake, taking you through the Somerset Place State Historic Site. The walk passes through the swamp with many large cypress and sycamore trees. At the end of the trail is a walkway to the lake along an irrigation canal.
Guide
We have been here a couple of times. Love the fact that they just let you choose your area. They have two tent sites that have power the rest are premiative. The bath house is always clean. The staff is always nice, they do whatever it takes to keep you happy. The little store has a good variety of things that are priced pretty good. This is our go to for local camping.
Traveler
This campground is in an okay location. There is not much to do in the surrounding area and the only thing that I remember them really having to offer is a swimming pool. They had little paddle boats and stuff on the water but I’m not sure if they get used. You can’t swim in the water because it is just too nasty. The tent site we were given was awful. It is very stumpy and bumpy throughout the entire campground. Lots of roots and tree limbs. May have been the worst camping experience of my life.
TravelerThis is a really nice campground. They have on-site bathrooms/showers as well as laundry. It's mostly RV spots but they also allow tent camping and have a couple cabins available for rent. They have a dog park area, playground and pool. The store has items for purchase and a gathering room. They do potlucks and get togethers often for the campers. The staff is very friendly and super helpful. You can purchase firewood and propane on-site. Each spot has a concrete padded area with a picnic table and fire pit. It is a little ways out of town in any direction bit it's very nice and quiet out here as you're surrounded by woods. They also have a fishing pond and trails on-site. This really is one of the best campgrounds I've ever been to! Definitely recommend.
GuideThe 12 trips in 12 months’ progress well. February’s outing was Merchants Mill Pond. What a great place. It probably helps that the bath house had just been redone with fresh paint. But that wasn’t the only thing. The park staff was friendly and the camp sites are nice and spaced well apart. Each site had a fire pit, tent site and picnic table. I am not sure that all the tent spaces were leveled, but if you pay attention when you set your tent up you should be fine.
I happened to be a glorious weekend in February and the temperatures were good enough for a hike in shorts and tee shirts. The trails were well maintained and it was a day well spent on the Lassiter Trail. The park also rents kayaks and there are marked water trails as well. Next trip will include a boat ride and a search for alligators (from a safe distance).
Good hikes, good campground and evenings by the campfire. Definitely on the places to return to list.
GuideThis is a small family oriented campground close to Sandbridge beach. They are located on a small waterway that leads to Back Bay. Good fishing and wonderful area to kayak or paddle board. You can even bring a boat. The bathhouse is clean, climate controlled , and never too busy. There’s a game room for relaxing or playing air hockey, pool, and fussball. The owners have corn hole available as well. There’s a small swimming pool in case you want to take a dip although due to excessive rain the week before our trip it was closed for cleanup. There’s a basketball court and small playground. This is a low lying area and standing water at some sites after heavy rains can be an issue. There are a few cabins to rent, pop ups and a bunkhouse camper as well as full and water/elec. hookup RV sites, waterfront sites and tent sites. We’ve stayed here several times and the owners and employees are always very welcoming and accommodating. Pets are allowed on leash and our dogs love it!
Legend
Coming to North Carolina, coastal camping is something which has to be on your bucket list. I traveled down the highway looking to get closer to Kitty Hawk where I wanted to see some of the many first in flight stops and this place jumped out at me and welcomed me in from the highway.
I stopped and. a local store and they raved about its location and proximity to the water so I simply had to stop and see for myself. I was not disappointed.
If you are looking for waterfront camping and activities I cannot see any location being more serene especially around sunrise and sunset. The water front stretches for miles and is so peaceful. Despite being located near the town of Bells itself you feel removed from civilization and next to your new close friend at the campground, where everyone seemed very nice.
As a tent camper I found the only downfall to be that the facility only had one shower area for the entire camp, and on a busy weekend like when I was there on a holiday that could be a bit of a juggling act for everyone. The bathrooms themselves were nice, though a bit dated and the entire camp was quaint.
They had a dock and launch which made for perfect water activities and when I was there they had many outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.
When you think of one of those cute communities nestled right on the east coast you see in your mind something that looks just like this place. It was ideal!
TIPS:
ScoutThe pricing is incorrect on The Dyrt and their website. The Dirt states $20-$60 then I went to their business website and the cheapest (tent no hookup) was $40. So I called to find out what was correct. The young girl on the phone stated that the cheapest price was $45 (again tent and no hookup). The girl was very rude. Be aware of the pricing issue. I will not visit.
GuideWent here with our camping and hiking group and also have been here for 2 different festivals with camping - looove it! You walk into the woods which is kept neat and pick a spot to set up your tent - I looove that! Fishing on the lake was a blast! Family owned and operated so they take great pride in making sure you are having a great tie and have all ya need! Camp store, pool, rvs, tents, lake and fishing - everything ya need for a great weekend! and CHEAP to boot! This place is fantastic and just can't be beat!
ScoutThe sites are on the small side, especially the tent pad. The sites have good separation between them and don't feel crowded at all. Very well maintained. Very helpful rangers that stopped by daily to welcome us and to collect trash.
LegendIn the middle of nowhere, but it was peaceful and everyone was friendly. The trail system was magical. We hiked early in the am and it was such a therapeutic hike through the forest and swamp. Stayed in our Tepui tent and had a great time.
Scout
We loved staying here for the weekend! We were the only ones in the tent area underneath beautiful trees. We kayaked in their creek that goes out directly to the Chowan River. Large fishing pond, firewood available, clean shower house, game room and tidy clean sites. Will return!
Guidewe crashed out at the spot just to get away for a couple dates and it fit the bill. We pitched a tent and let a campfire and had a good weekend
GuideWe tented here and really liked the campground. We stayed in the family campground since we had a vehicle. There are float-in and hike in spots we did not investigate. Our site was clean and separated well. The bathhouse was nice and warm and clean. The rangers were very nice. This has a much better swamp experience than the Great Dismal Swamp.
TravelerWanted to try out a new tent in the snow, was the only camper, and had a huge plot to myself. All RVers were polite and kept to themselves and were quiet. Very clean bathrooms (2) with showers in each. Gaming room available, although it seemed 'closed' for the off-season. Staff is great and very accommodating! $5 wood bundles! Will definitely be staying here again! Can't wait to see this place alive and in action come summer time!
GuideStayed here overnight and spent my days at Sandbridge Beach and the Outer Banks. Friendly staff, and nice tent spots along the canal. Only downfall was the boat launch was next to my sight, and I was woken up at 6:30 every morning with guys launching their bass boats.
GuideStayed a few nights leading up to Memorial day. Our site was a good size, and tent pad was nice. Lovely shaded site, and large picnic table. Did not have to use our popup shade. Downside were the large gravel throughout the site - tough for small dogs and crawlers. 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. If you canoe long enough, you'll come across two alligators who live in the pond.
Guide
Site was shaded, private, and right next to the river, so we had our own private access for swimming and bathing. Plenty of room for several tents and lots of parking space. Plenty of land to walk around and check out the farm.
Bathrooms were very clean and just a short walk from the site. Hosts are friendly and generous, especially with the use of the kayaks. We took kayaks out on the pond and the river and caught lots of fish!
They're building a farm store and allowed us to shop during our stay.
Tent camping near Gatesville, North Carolina offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed options nearby, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gatesville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gatesville, NC is Sandy Bottom Nature Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
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