RV camping near Kinston, North Carolina provides access to coastal plain terrain with an average elevation of 43 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters and humid summers, with the Neuse River watershed creating opportunities for waterfront camping experiences. Several campgrounds within driving distance of Kinston offer varied environments from riverfront settings to wooded retreats.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Twin Lakes Resort in Chocowinity, campers can enjoy freshwater fishing in the small lakes and canals that connect to the bay. "Big lake that runs to the ocean" is available for fishing enthusiasts, according to Riley, while another camper noted the abundance of "tons of turtles" visible during the off-season.
Water recreation: Kayaking is popular at Dixon Landing RV Resort, where you can launch directly from the campground into Goose Creek and the Neuse River. A camper shared that "you can put your kayaks in and paddle the creek," making it convenient for water enthusiasts. The resort also offers kayak rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
Family activities: Campgrounds near Kinston often feature scheduled events and recreational facilities. At Twin Lakes Resort, visitors enjoy "campground activities such as a live band, DJ, and movie night" throughout the season. The resort also maintains a "great size pool" and offers ice cream treats, perfect for hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing: Nature observation is rewarding at waterfront locations like Dixon Landing, where visitors report "land and sea wildlife" and hearing "whip-or-wills serenade after sunset." The natural setting allows for bird watching and wildlife spotting right from your campsite.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campers consistently praise the waterfront locations available near Kinston. One visitor at Dixon Landing RV Resort appreciated "waking up to sunrise glinting off the wide river in every window" and enjoying "gorgeous sunsets over the river." These water views create a peaceful backdrop for camping experiences.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generously sized camping spots. At White Oak Shores, a camper highlighted that their spot "had a beautiful view of the water and plenty of space to stretch out behind the RV." Dixon Landing features sites described as "long, very wide (you have to actually walk over to talk to neighbors)."
Peace and quiet: The tranquil atmosphere draws many visitors to Kinston-area campgrounds. One camper at Dixon Landing valued "the absolute quiet" of the location. Another visitor described the campground as "just far enough away from the noise but close enough to be convenient to everything."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. One Dixon Landing camper noted "very clean bathrooms with showers" while another visitor to The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort simply stated they "enjoyed every moment" of their stay while highlighting the overall cleanliness and maintenance.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds near Kinston fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Raleigh Oaks RV Resort, about an hour from Kinston, visitors note it stays busy with one camper describing it as "immaculately clean and well maintained" but cautioning that reservations should be made early.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions, with some campgrounds experiencing seasonal impacts. Dixon Landing visitors mentioned that sites feature "a combination of compacted sand and grass that drained well after a storm," which is valuable information for planning trips during rainy seasons.
Development stages: Several campgrounds in the region are relatively new or expanding their amenities. Dixon Landing was described by one visitor as being "in their initial opening phase" with "basic services" and additional features "in the planning or permitting stage."
Road noise: Location relative to highways can impact the camping experience. At North Pointe RV Resort, a camper warned of "a constant drone from the nearby highway that never lets up" and was "loud all night as well." This information helps visitors select sites farther from main roads.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For summer camping with children, locations with swimming pools provide essential recreation. A camper at The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort mentioned they "enjoyed the pool" during their weekend stay, which offered relief from summer heat for adults and children alike.
Kid-friendly fishing: Many campgrounds cater to young anglers with designated fishing areas. Dixon Landing features "a fishing pond for kids (C&R)" where catch-and-release practices allow children to experience fishing in a controlled environment.
Playground facilities: When traveling with children, playgrounds offer important activity spaces. One visitor to Raleigh Oaks noted the "playground, volleyball, playground, putt putt and more" available for families, providing multiple recreation options for different age groups.
Game rooms: Indoor recreation spaces prove valuable during inclement weather. A visitor to North Pointe mentioned "a great arcade room with fun free games" where "the kids and adults all loved it," offering entertainment options regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should prepare for varied site conditions. At Dixon Landing, a camper noted that sites were "mostly level side-to-side" but "front-to-back was easily compensated with blocks," suggesting leveling equipment should be packed.
Hookup quality: The condition of electrical connections affects RV camping comfort. Dixon Landing was praised for electrical pedestals that were "new and tall, making it easy to connect the surge protector, and topped with a solar light" – details important for safe power connections.
Cellular connectivity: Working from the road requires reliable internet access. At Dixon Landing, "Verizon, ATT and Sprint service are known to be good" according to visitor reports, while another camper mentioned they "were amazed at how many TV channels we picked up just on antennae."
Pull-through accessibility: RVers appreciate easy-access sites without complicated backing. North Pointe features sites where "the majority of the spots are pull thrus" according to a visitor, making arrival and departure simpler for less experienced RV drivers.
