Best Tent Camping near Kinston, NC
Tent campsites near Kinston, North Carolina offer a mix of established campgrounds and primitive options within driving distance of the coastal plains. White Oak River Campground provides tent sites with basic amenities, while Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers a more secluded camping experience on a former tobacco farm. Haywood Landing Recreation Site, located about 15 miles southeast of Kinston, provides free primitive tent camping with boat-in access options.
Tent sites at Haywood Landing feature minimal amenities but provide picnic tables and vault toilets for campers. No drinking water is available, so campers must bring their own supplies. White Oak River Campground allows alcohol and campfires, with firewood available on-site. The campground includes showers and toilet facilities, making it suitable for longer stays. Mosquitoes can be problematic in this coastal region, particularly at Haywood Landing. According to one visitor, "The mosquitos are horrible so bring bug spray." Wildlife encounters are common, so proper food storage is essential at primitive tent sites.
Most tent areas provide access to outdoor exploration opportunities adjacent to the campgrounds. Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers private tent camping with scenic views of historic fields and farmland. The five designated tent sites can be accessed via drive-in or walk-in routes. White Oak River Campground features multiple ponds and a frisbee golf course near the tent camping area. A camper noted that "most of the tent sites are out in the open," though some sites with tree cover are available. Haywood Landing provides a more remote experience for primitive tent camping enthusiasts seeking solitude, with options to arrive by boat, car, or on foot. The surrounding natural areas allow campers to distance themselves from others while enjoying the coastal North Carolina landscape.