Tent camping Gloucester, North Carolina offers coastal experiences across a range of environments from river frontage to vineyard settings. The area sits at the confluence of multiple waterways including the White Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, with most camping options located within a 30-minute drive of Gloucester proper. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Kayaking access: Haywood Landing Recreation Site provides a boat ramp for kayakers accessing the White Oak River. "You can be away from people, but be cognitive of the wildlife here. Keep food locked inside. The mosquitos are horrible so bring bug spray," notes one camper at Haywood Landing Recreation Site.
Beach activities: Camp Lejeune's Onslow Beach offers camping with direct ocean access. "This is absolutely one of my favorite places to stay! It is right on the beach, a little store is right there for your convenience and there is plenty of space for walking, riding bikes, etc," reports Megan A. at Onslow Beach Campsites.
Shark tooth hunting: Military ID holders can access Onslow Beach where fossil hunting is productive. "We have found many shark teeth on the beach and made great memories wake boarding and relaxing," writes Paul R. about his family's experiences at Onslow Beach.
What campers like
Military training observation: From Onslow Beach, visitors can watch military exercises. "You have to have been in the Military to get on base! Awesome place, love watching our Marines training & seeing the Osprey flyin," notes Jon S. at Onslow Beach Campsites.
Private vineyard setting: Phoenix Farms offers camping on former agricultural land. "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," reports Michelle L. at Phoenix Farms Vineyard.
Sheltered beach sites: The Bear Island sites provide protection from coastal elements. "Our campsite was tucked behind the first dunes, which we thought would keep us out of the wind... until the wind changed direction. Lots of blowing sand, a gritty dinner, but I still loved camping here," shares Holly L. about Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites.
What you should know
Ferry schedule limitations: Bear Island campers must plan around transportation constraints. "You do have to be comfortable being left on the island between 6pm-9am every night unless you kayak in. The ferry only runs during the day between 9ish-6pm," warns Lauren at Hammocks Beach State Park.
Site spacing considerations: White Oak River Campground has limited spaces for tent campers. "Great for a weekend tent trip, most RV spots are used by permanent users. Small camping area not a whole lot of acres. MY PERSONAL OPINION, may not affect others but I like to camp under trees or close to. Most of the tent sites are out in the open," explains Mathew G. at White Oak River Campground.
No bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer beautiful settings but minimal amenities. Phoenix Farms Vineyard does not have toilet facilities on site, requiring campers to come prepared with portable options.
Tips for camping with families
Lightweight packing strategy: Bear Island requires carrying all gear from the ferry. "Be prepared to backpack in all your supplies a minimum of a mile from the ferry drop to your campsite. Other campsites are a farther trek. Lightweight gear is a must," advises Lauren at Hammocks Beach State Park.
Bring shade solutions: The exposed beach locations offer little natural shade. "There is very little shade at the primitive site areas, so hot, sunny days can be challenging. Carrying a pop-up shelter would be grueling. A light sunshade would be good," suggests Kent F. at Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites.
Plan for isolation: Some sites require families to be self-sufficient. "The only other people on the island are interns studying the sea turtles and other campers. Day visitors come to the beach too. It takes planning to go with kids but it's totally doable. We had a 2 and 9 year old and they did great," shares Lauren about Bear Island.
Tips from RVers
Access requirements: Military campgrounds require proper identification. "You must have a DOD ID for access. Right on the beach and a C store right there. Nice showers and bathrooms. No service for AT&T or WiFi. Nice and quiet," notes Howard B. about Onslow Beach Campsites.
Connectivity challenges: Cell reception varies widely across coastal campgrounds. "The location is good, close enough to the walk to the beach every day. Cell service (Verizon) varied from none to 5G UW! Came and went inexplicably, but mostly there," reports Kent F. about Bear Island.
Weather considerations: Heat impacts camping experiences significantly. "We were in the center section, no tree coverage, so it was really hot and there was no breeze. Our tarp and awning really helped. Would stay here again, but only during the cooler months," advises Joe B. about summer camping at Onslow Beach.
