Richard P.
Traveler
TravelerNorth Core Banks Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
Okracoke campground on Hwy 12. Excellent place to camp. Next to the beach, with beach paths. Long ferry ride over but well worth the trip.
Tent Camping near Harkers Island, NC
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Harkers Island, North Carolina offer several options for beachfront and coastal camping experiences. Notable options include Hammocks Beach State Park on Bear Island, which provides primitive tent camping accessible by ferry or private boat, and Haywood Landing Recreation Site with free, basic tent sites. Coastal camping in this region generally requires advance planning due to limited facilities and the logistics of reaching island-based campsites.
Most tent campgrounds in the Harkers Island area have minimal amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Hammocks Beach Bear Island campsites feature picnic tables, restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking water, but no campfires are permitted on the island. Sites are typically set directly behind beach dunes or in small clearings with little natural shade. Campers must pack out all trash as there are no collection points on Bear Island. Tent sites at Haywood Landing are more rustic with basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, though mosquitoes can be problematic.
Beach tent camping in this coastal region offers unique experiences with direct access to both sound and ocean waters. Sites on Bear Island provide immediate access to excellent shelling opportunities, swimming, and wildlife viewing, though they require transporting all gear from the ferry landing to campsites, sometimes up to a mile away. A visitor commented, "Bear Island's seclusion and minimalist amenities are what make this place a hidden gem." Many tent campers bring portable shade structures due to limited natural shade. The military campground at Onslow Beach provides tent sites with convenient beach access, though military ID is required for entry. Camping in this region typically involves careful planning for weather conditions, tide schedules, and ferry logistics.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Harkers Island (6)
1. Coastal Riverside Campground
2. Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites — Hammocks Beach State Park
"It’s a long walk! We took a private ferry (Pogie’s in Swansboro 5/5 stars) so we could bring what we wanted. We took a lot!"
"Also, 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. Bring shade with you."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $17 - $72 / night
3. Onslow Beach Campsites
"We set up, after about an hour a guy came by on a riding mower and mowed around the area. Leaving a lot of grass near our area."
"Full hook ups, very clean, friendly staff, and many sites have a shelter area for the picnic table (all sites have a table). WiFi isn’t great but that doesn’t bother us; cell signal is decent."
4. Haywood Landing Recreation Site
5. Phoenix Farms Vineyard
"We have plenty of space for our RV. Feeling thankful!"
"Phoenix Farms is now offering camping at this former tobacco farm near the coast. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
6. White Oak River Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 1 hr 59 min from Greenville, NC
- 2 hrs 4 min from Goldsboro, NC
- 2 hrs 20 min from Wilmington, NC
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Harkers Island, NC
5 Photos of 6 Harkers Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Harkers Island, NC
276 Reviews of 6 Harkers Island Campgrounds
Anne K.
ScoutMagnolia Lane Campground
We absolutely loved Magnolia Lane Campground! It’s a small, quiet, and exceptionally clean campground that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway. The private bathhouse facilities are amazing and definitely a standout feature! There’s also a beautiful stocked fishing pond with paddle boats and canoes to enjoy. It’s conveniently located close to New Bern while still offering a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. Such a hidden gem! We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it!
- mmari S.
GuideCroatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground
Crotan NF Oyster Point Cg
Difficult to find( use SR1154 rt to 181 follow brown sign for campground 1 mi down dirt rd Rec.gov instructions wrong This is reservation or FF no scan to pay you have to go to host to scanQR but then pull out this orange ticket hidden in a green metal stand No Instructions! Then tear off back and put it back in this covered silver slot on stand. Before that you have to go to rec.gov, scan the qr code the host has get the confirmation no and put on the orange ticket you fill out and put in the mystery slot. Only the host knows what is available cant go by reserved on the site posts
Phillip L.TravelerMagnolia Lane Campground
Peaceful and relaxing
Me and my family love camping, we try to go 15 to 20 times a year, we have been patronizing a very reputable campground for the last 15 years, due to management issues, we decided to seek out other campgrounds. We found magnolia lane and tried it for one weekend. Fell in love with it. Very peaceful. Very friendly and everything in the campground is what met our standards, we have now made magnolia Lanes are permanent campsite. We try to come here every chance we get! We enjoy the natural scenery, swim in the lake, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of campers and management. We don't slander this campground due to the extent of they are a family-owned campground. They are small but they do everything they possibly can to make you feel at home. The rates are amazing compared to other campgrounds, the only thing that I wish for is that I was retired and can come every single weekend. Other than that, there's nothing else I could ask for and everything is spot on. Thank you magnolia campgrounds for what you do for us as a family, and what you put forth to make us feel at home!
David V.TravelerJerniman's Campground
Ocracoke Camping
We continue to book here for the convenience of being near all that the island offers. Full hook up sites are available and being here for more than 3 days is always a great idea. No honey wagon needed.
- JJoshua M.Traveler
Rivers Edge Family Campground
Amazing Hidden gem
Great fishing spot we really enjoyed our stay the management team went out of there way to help us even in the late hours as we spur of the moment rented a spot here.
Michael C.GuideGreat Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest
Definitely off the beaten path
So the spot for the actual coordinates, you will need a 4x4 to get to. I do so it was no problem getting there. The vegetation on the trail is pretty tall so take your time and there are about 5 muddy spots you will go through apparently even when it is dry everywhere else. The “recreation area” is a joke. It’s pretty much completely overgrown except a spot just big enough to drop your boat in. Overall for those of us that like out of the way places it’s pretty good here though. I’m not sure if you can camp in the rec area. I don’t see any signs but there’s a boat ramp here and usually you can’t camp next to those. Oh and my video is of me coming back out of the woods to the rec area. The road getting to there is actually gravel.
Sandra H.ScoutMagnolia Lane Campground
Quiet Campgound
Clean and well-maintained. It has a small lake with a swimming beach and some nice walking trails. Great for the crowd that is interested in the more natural style of camping as opposed to places like KOA.
- RRenee L.Scout
Magnolia Lane Campground
Great little get away
We have been several times last year and once this year. Definitely intend to go back. We love the shade and the lake for swimming and kayaking. Last time we went, the kayaks had been left in the lake and were upside down. After speaking with the owners, they came within an hour or two and use their boat to pull the kayaks and paddle boats back to shore. Love the fact I can do laundry before I leave so I don’t have that to do once I get back home. It is Coin operated. Family oriented and quiet.
Guide to Harkers Island
Tent camping near Harkers Island, North Carolina offers options beyond the immediate coastline with access points up to 25 miles inland. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions in the 60-75°F range. Coastal breezes can make beach camping comfortable, but inland sites often lack natural airflow during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking to remote sites: Access the paddle-in only sites at Hammocks Beach State Park for a more secluded experience. "We kayaked from the park office and boat launch. The route was difficult for me, the tide was coming in plus a strong wind, it took us about an hour to get to the island," notes Katy S. about the Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites.
Early morning shelling: The beaches near Harkers Island are known for exceptional shell collecting, especially at dawn. "Get up EARLY for shelling, as professional shelters get there early to find good specimens," advises Kent F., who visited Bear Island in April 2023.
Wildlife viewing: Coastal camping provides opportunities to observe local ecosystems. At Phoenix Farms Vineyard, campers can interact with farm animals on a former tobacco plantation. "It's so fun to see all of the animals. The property is beautiful, and the camp spot is private," shares Michelle L.
What campers like
Ferry logistics: The ferry service to Bear Island adds to the camping experience. "Sites are reasonably priced and include one ferry round trip per day as part of your camping fee," explains Sarah C. who appreciates the value of the Hammocks Beach State Park transportation.
Military beach access: Service members appreciate dedicated camping facilities at Onslow Beach Campsites. "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," says Megan A., noting the convenience despite the remote location.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping is available at certain locations. "Great spot for camping. You can be away from people, but be cognitive of the wildlife here," shares Vegan T. about Haywood Landing Recreation Site, adding, "The mosquitos are horrible so bring bug spray."
What you should know
Limited shade coverage: Most coastal sites have minimal natural shade. "Bring shade with you. It's hot between 12-3 and there's no natural shade," cautions Lauren about camping at Bear Island, suggesting taking the ferry to the mainland during peak sun hours.
Beach camping challenges: Sand management becomes essential. "Sand in your pants and tent, but worth it! Ferry out, and hike down a mile or so, and sleep on the beach," describes Chris B. about the unique experience at Hammocks Beach State Park.
Gear transport considerations: Plan carefully for carrying equipment to island sites. "Access will be a challenge for some. There is a state ferry that runs through the day (in season), but does not allow a cart to carry stuff. It's a long walk!" warns Kent F., who recommends bringing a utility cart if using private ferry services.
Tips for camping with families
Planning for supplies: When camping with children, prepare for limited access to stores. "It takes planning to go with kids but it's totally doable. We had a 2 and 9 year old and they did great. We plan on returning next year," shares Lauren about their Bear Island experience.
Alternative inland options: For families seeking more amenities, White Oak River Campground offers accessible recreation. "Multiple ponds and frisbee golf course," notes Mathew G., though he cautions, "most of the tent sites are out in the open."
Beach proximity considerations: Evaluate walking distances for young children. At Onslow Beach, Paula B. appreciates that "we were so close to the beach. The bathrooms were clean and the common areas were very clean as well. If you love fishing and the beach, look no further!"
Tips from RVers
Military ID requirements: RV campers should be aware of access restrictions at some locations. "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," explains Howard B. about Onslow Beach Campsites.
Limited RV availability: Most beach camping in the region caters to tent campers. At White Oak River Campground, Mathew G. observed that "most RV spots are used by permanent users" with limited availability for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Harkers Island, NC?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Harkers Island, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Harkers Island, NC is Coastal Riverside Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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Harkers Island, NC?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Harkers Island, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Harkers Island, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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