Gloucester, North Carolina sits along the Newport River, surrounded by pine forests and coastal wetlands. Located in Carteret County, this area offers primitive to full-hookup campsites with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Fall camping provides fewer insects and milder temperatures, while summer campers should prepare for higher humidity and coastal bugs.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cape Lookout National Seashore offers excellent fishing access with multiple waterfront sites. According to one visitor, "There's like a 20 ft path directly from my campsite to the river, which is nice." Sites near the water provide convenient spots to cast a line without traveling far from camp.
Kayaking excursions: Launch directly from waterfront sites at several campgrounds in the area. At Oyster Point Campground, campers report easy water access. "It's a nice little campsite by the river, the campsite was very clean, and there are a few trees providing cover, but still enough sun to get some solar," notes one reviewer.
Lighthouse exploration: Visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse when camping at South Core Banks -- Beach Camping. "We found a site with a beautiful view of Cape Lookout lighthouse. We had three young male horses that were always roaming within sight," reports a camper. The lighthouse offers historic perspectives and coastal views.
What campers like
Rustic camping atmosphere: Primitive sites provide a back-to-basics experience. One camper at Oyster Point notes, "Nice quiet rustic with lots of privacy if you choose. Very friendly onsite host." This setting appeals to those seeking a more natural camping experience without crowds.
Beach camping options: Cape Point Campground offers proximity to ocean beaches. A visitor mentions, "Wildlife, privacy, boon docking with cold showers and flush toilets. The best of simplicity. Take bikes and enjoy riding to the beach!" The campground provides a base for Atlantic beach access.
Waterfront views: Many campsites feature direct water views. At Rivers Edge Family Campground, visitors appreciate the waterfront location: "Really beautiful location on river with very nice peer and green space. Extremely nice and helpful owners. Full hookups and a cement pad for picnic table."
What you should know
Seasonal bug conditions: Prepare for insects, particularly in summer months. One camper at Oyster Point notes, "The flys are insane but you'll quickly learn to ignore them - aside from a few bites here and there. We smoked them out and it was fine for the most part." Fall and winter camping typically means fewer insects.
Ferry requirements: For island camping at South Core Banks, transportation logistics require planning. "Only accessible by ferry/boat, call a few weeks ahead to reserve a spot on the ferry cause they fill up quickly," advises one visitor. Ferry fees add to trip costs - approximately $135+ for vehicles plus $20 per person roundtrip.
Limited amenities: Many sites offer basic facilities. At Oyster Point, a camper reports: "Primitive campground with no frills. Dirt road in and gravel on site drives. Water spigots spread out between the campsites. Vaulted toilets were clean." Come prepared with supplies as stores may be distant.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Goose Creek Campground provides family-friendly swimming options. "The pool is awesome! Great family atmosphere and clean facilities," notes one visitor. These facilities offer children recreation when not exploring beaches or trails.
Beach exploration: Schedule time for coastal activities like shell collecting. "We enjoyed our stay at Goose Creek! Beautiful area, great family atmosphere and clean facilities," shares a camper. Beaches provide natural entertainment for children of all ages.
Yurt camping options: For families seeking shelter beyond tents, yurt camping near Gloucester, North Carolina provides comfortable alternatives. White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort offers yurt accommodations with family amenities. "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area. The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained," reports one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Many campgrounds feature varying site configurations. At Hawkins Creek Campground, a long-term RVer explains, "We spent 11 months at this campground when we needed to live on the coast. It fit our needs as it was safe and reasonably priced for the amenities included (water, sewage, electric, internet, and cable)."
Solar considerations: Check tree coverage if relying on solar power. An Oyster Point camper notes, "We had site 11 which was on the water side with a path to the water. It was shady for the later part of the day (which wasn't great for our solar panels)." Water-adjacent sites often trade solar exposure for shade and views.
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Oyster Point, one visitor reports, "Verizon service was good," while others note varying signal strength depending on specific location. Service may improve at higher elevation points within campgrounds.
