Dispersed camping is available throughout Croatan National Forest with the Great Lake Dispersed Site located 13 miles southwest of Havelock. The forest contains distinctive terrain with pocosins (wetlands with deep peat soil) and diverse wildlife. Camping conditions vary by season with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity from June through September, while winter temperatures typically range from 35-55°F.
What to do
Waterfront exploration: At Oyster Point Campground, campers can access the water directly from certain sites. "There's like a 20 ft path directly from my campsite to the river, which is nice," notes Jenna L. Sites #9 and #11 have small private beaches accessible by pathway.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several campgrounds offer water access for paddling. "We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11," explains Laura F. The White Oak River is accessible from Cedar Point campground via a boat launch about a quarter-mile from the camping area.
Hiking: Croatan National Forest features multiple trail systems. The Cedar Point Tideland Trail loops for approximately 2 miles through marsh ecosystems. "The hiking path was not well maintained so we chose not to use it," notes Jody B. about trails at Oyster Point, suggesting hikers should check trail conditions before venturing out.
Fishing: Goose Creek Campground provides fishing access along the waterfront. "There is a lake in the middle" mentions Caralee B., while Dixon Landing features both riverfront fishing and "a fishing pond for kids (C&R)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural buffers. At Oyster Point Camp, "foliage provided privacy between sites" and "campsites are large and spread out," according to Jody B. and Tracy R. respectively.
Clean facilities: Cedar Point Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Bathhouse was clean with large, individual showers," reports Rick S. New Bern KOA Holiday takes cleanliness seriously with "very clean" bathrooms and "all very new due to a recent hurricane" according to Jen B.
Budget-friendly options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Havelock offer economical rates. "At only $10 per night, the price is unbeatable for the area," states Alexandria F. about Oyster Point Camp. With an Access Pass, some campers pay even less: "Thanks to my Access pass camping here is just $5/night," reports Mambo M.
Wildlife viewing: Dixon Landing RV Resort offers excellent wildlife opportunities. Visitors enjoy "waking up to sunrise glinting off the wide river in every window, fishing from the banks, land and sea wildlife, gorgeous sunsets over the river, and hearing whip-or-wills serenade after sunset," according to Sara M.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer camping requires preparation for insects. "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," shares Hannah F. about Oyster Point. Another camper warns "bugs are bad in June and bug spray didn't really help."
Water quality varies: Well water at some locations may be discolored. At Dogwood Family Campground, "the campground is on well water and very brown in color so I would not drink or cook with it," cautions Phillip Y. Bringing drinking water is recommended at several locations.
Accessibility issues: Some forest roads remain damaged from past hurricanes. In Croatan National Forest, "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," reports Carina F.
Shower temperatures: Comfort varies at different facilities. At Cedar Point Campground, "the water was warm, but not hot... you'll take a very short and quick shower under these conditions," notes Robert D., explaining that shower buildings are unheated in winter.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: New Bern KOA Holiday offers numerous options for children. "The pool is amazing! The slide is so fun! It has 3ft all the way to 6ft roped off sections in the pool!" exclaims Caralee B. They also provide "gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store."
Pet accommodations: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Havelock maintain varying rules. Dogwood enforces "a very strict leash law here but offer no dog run/park area for your K-9 to play. They claim a dog park is on the list of things to come," according to Phillip Y.
Primitive experiences: For families wanting to introduce children to more rustic camping, Oyster Point provides a middle ground. "Fantastic experience. I am a seasoned back woods camper, and brought along two first timers. This was the perfect middle ground. Beautiful views with an isolated area. Rustic feel, but still had the comfort of bathrooms, running water, fire pits," explains Youssef S.
Local attractions: Families can explore historical sites nearby. "When you are this close to New Bern, there are better things to photograph. There's Tryon Palace, Union Point Park, the historic Confederate cemetery, the fireman's museum, the Pepsi Cola museum (New Bern is where Pepsi was born)," suggests Myron C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cedar Point, "sites on the southeast side seemed to have more shade than those on the northwest side," advises Steve V. At Waters Edge RV Park, "most of the sites are occupied by full-timers" so advance planning is essential.
Leveling requirements: Most campgrounds have reasonably level sites. Dixon Landing sites are "long, very wide and mostly level side-to-side. Front-to-back was easily compensated with blocks," according to Sara M. Cedar Point features "all sites are paved; minimal leveling required," shares Rick S.
Power considerations: Electrical reliability varies between campgrounds. "There are serious issues with the electric connections, which you have no choice but to pay for. We were only able to occasionally have reliable electricity, resulting in even small 5V items not charging," reports Mambo M. about Cedar Point Campground.
Solar options: For boondocking or supplemental power, site selection affects solar performance. "It was shady for the later part of the day (which wasn't great for our solar panels). Most sites had shade for either the early or late part of the day," notes Jody B. about Oyster Point.
