Best Campgrounds near Havelock, NC

Camping options near Havelock, North Carolina range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across the Croatan National Forest. Several well-maintained facilities cater to various camping styles, including Cedar Point Campground with boat and drive-in access, and the Neuse River Campground offering electrical hookups and shower facilities. Military personnel can access Pelican Point RV Park at Cherry Point MCCS, which provides waterfront sites exclusively for those with base access. The Great Lake Dispersed Site in Croatan National Forest offers free primitive camping for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations should factor into planning, with some forest areas having limited access due to hurricane damage. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. "Lots of roads closed from hurricane damage, so don't trust Google maps. The dirt roads were not maintained and ridiculously bumpy and unmanageable for smaller cars," noted one visitor about the dispersed sites in Croatan National Forest. Many established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and summer months. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited coverage in more remote forest areas.

Campers frequently mention the natural surroundings as a highlight, with several campgrounds offering water access. Flanners Beach Campground receives positive reviews for its privacy and amenities. "Nice little campground with trees and bushes between each site that make it feel private," wrote one camper about this location. Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators and various bird species in the wetland areas of Croatan National Forest. While most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, dispersed camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. Noise levels vary by location, with sites closer to Cherry Point Marine Base experiencing occasional aircraft noise, while forest sites offer more solitude despite sometimes attracting recreational shooters on weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Havelock, North Carolina (76)

    1. Oyster Point Campground

    23 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap."

    "We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well."

    2. Cedar Point Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $27 - $54 / night

    "Plenty of hiking trails, boat access and woods all right here in this park. The boat access and pier are just a brief walk away from the campground."

    "The one redeeming factor was that it was close to the bath house. The facilities were fairly new. For example, the bath house looked as if it had been built recently, and the concrete looked fresh."

    3. Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    "The 24 hour campground park ranger stays on the first site of the right side entrance. There is a oyster fishery nearby."

    "Great location off the beaten path on a dirt road. Campsite 9 backs up to the marsh andhas a great area for watching the sunset. You can also kayak or canoe here."

    4. Dogwood Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 777-4343

    $66 - $80 / night

    "This spot is close to everything without being on top of it all! Kid friendly, pet friendly, and very clean! All of the lots are level making for an easy setup!"

    5. Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Havelock, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "This is about as close to nature as it gets! All primitive camping, no amenities at all. Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators!"

    "The path is blocked at about halfway down by concrete barriers and downed trees. So I pulled my Ford Ranger in the pines beside the path and slept there."

    6. New Bern KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Bridgeton, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-2556

    "Bathrooms: 5/5

    Sites: 4/5 upgrades are nice but really expensive for just a concrete pad next to someone else

    Pools: 3/5 they have one but it's pretty meh. Like a 70s motel 8 pool."

    "Gets 4 stars primarily for the staff and the location. Standard sites are crammed together making privacy an issue."

    7. Military Park Cherry Point MCCS - Pelican Point RV Park

    1 Review
    Cherry Point, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 466-2762

    "There are several different camping locations available throughout the base, all of which are free but must be reserved ahead of time. Base access required! They are all on the water, very peaceful."

    8. Goose Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Emerald Isle, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great location, can’t wait to come back!"

    "My wife and I spent a few days here while searching the area for potential retirement location. It's also a seasonal campground."

    10. Dixon Landing RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeton, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 617-1010

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Just far enough away from the noise but close enough to be convenient to everything. Groceries and restaurants, gas and history all within a short drive."

    "This is a very secluded campground right on the wide Goose Creek/Neuse River, with access to the ocean varying from 25-50 miles. "

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Recent Reviews near Havelock, NC

277 Reviews of 76 Havelock Campgrounds



Guide to Havelock

Camping near Havelock, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, provide easy access to stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Goose Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park. A ton of trails with trail heads everywhere."
  • Fishing Opportunities: Campgrounds like Cedar Point Campground are near great fishing spots. One reviewer noted, "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!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A camper at Oyster Point Campground remarked, "Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground staff often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at New Bern KOA mentioned, "The staff is exceptional. Pat signed us in and led us to our site."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds, like Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore, require reservations. A visitor noted, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov. It was easy to pull up with no reservation, pick a site, then reserve and pay online."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities. A camper at Hammocks Beach State Park Campground pointed out, "There are NO trash cans or trash collecting points, so you have to pack trash out."
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground, are only open from April to November. A visitor mentioned, "We stayed here during off season in early November so I’d imagine it’s probably a completely different vibe in the summer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Pack Light: If you're heading to Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, be prepared to carry your gear. One camper advised, "Lightweight gear is a must. Bring shade with you."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. A family at Goose Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the nature center and trails, saying, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Ocracoke Campground noted, "Mosquitoes are bad but this is Ocracoke!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cedar Point Campground mentioned, "Some sites are really huge!"
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A visitor at New Bern KOA appreciated the amenities, saying, "Nice spacious site near the water."
  • Dump Stations Available: Many campgrounds, like Goose Creek State Park Campground, have dump stations. A camper noted, "There are some cabins as well with a bath house."

Camping near Havelock, NC, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Havelock, NC?

Several quality campgrounds surround Havelock. Flanners Beach Campground is conveniently located between Havelock and New Bern with clean facilities, updated picnic tables, and fire pits. Military families can access Military Park Cherry Point MCCS - Pelican Point RV Park right in Havelock. For those willing to travel a short distance, Croatan National Forest Neuse River Campground offers beautiful riverside sites. Other options include Wallace Meadows Farm for RV camping and the New Bern area provides additional choices like New Bern KOA Holiday and the Rest Area for overnight parking.

What amenities are offered at camping sites around Havelock?

Camping sites around Havelock offer a range of amenities to suit different preferences. Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm provides excellent 50-amp RV sites with water service, a convenient dump station, and spotless bath houses with hot showers. The farm features both pull-through and back-in sites with easy highway access. Goose Creek State Park Campground offers spacious RV sites with full hookups, large patio/picnic areas, and rental cabins. The park also features beautiful boardwalks and sound access. Most campgrounds in the area provide clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits, while some include additional amenities like showers, dump stations, and water/electric hookups.

What is the best time of year to camp in the Havelock area?

The best time to camp in the Havelock area is spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower. These shoulder seasons offer comfortable camping conditions without summer's intense heat and crowds. Long Point Cabin Camp at Cape Lookout National Seashore is particularly pleasant during these periods, offering uncrowded beaches and comfortable weather. Mid-September can be especially ideal, as noted by campers at Camp Ocean Forest who enjoy the coastal views with fewer visitors. Summer camping is possible but prepare for heat, humidity, and more crowds. Winter camping is available year-round at most sites but expect cooler temperatures requiring appropriate gear.