Best Tent Camping near Hampstead, NC

Tent camping near Hampstead, North Carolina provides access to coastal wilderness experiences with several tent-friendly options within driving distance. Freeman Park in Carolina Beach offers primitive tent camping directly on the beach with designated sites for tents. Hammocks Beach State Park's Bear Island, accessible by ferry or kayak, features secluded walk-in tent sites positioned behind the dunes. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, located about 45 miles west of Hampstead, provides tent-only sites with more distance between campers and a lakeside setting. Black River Camping Ventures offers riverside primitive tent camping with basic amenities.

Most tent campgrounds in the area require preparation for coastal conditions. Freeman Park permits tent camping from Labor Day through Memorial Day, with permits required during peak seasons. Campers must secure tents in sand using bags filled with sand rather than traditional stakes. At Hammocks Beach State Park, campers need to carry all gear approximately one mile from the ferry landing to their site, and no campfires are allowed on the island. Lake Waccamaw's tent sites are spread out, with some located a quarter-mile from parking areas and bathrooms. Most primitive tent camping areas have limited shade, so tarps or shade structures are recommended during summer months.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this region is defined by coastal environments. According to reviews, Freeman Park offers the unique experience of "falling asleep to the sound of crashing ocean waves," though campers must be vigilant about tide schedules as high tides can occasionally reach camping areas. At Hammocks Beach, one visitor noted the sites are "well-spaced and you won't feel on top of one another," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Lake Waccamaw campers report hearing "bullfrogs, peepers, and owls" throughout the night. Mosquitoes and biting insects are prevalent at most locations, particularly at Black River Camping Ventures, where campers should bring ample insect repellent. Haywood Landing Recreation Site offers free dispersed tent camping with basic toilets but requires careful food storage due to wildlife.

Best Tent Sites Near Hampstead, North Carolina (9)

    1. Freeman Park

    9 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-4614

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Freeman Park is a beach area located in Carolina Beach. It's the place to take your 4x4 vehicle, your friends, kids, and dogs, and have some fun in the sand, wind, and waves."

    "Winds can be high and tents are a challenge to secure in loose sand. Also CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit."

    2. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Kure Beach, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 500-6465

    "No shade in this campground, but the location is everything! Basically a manicured field with cement pads and hookup poles."

    "Nice tent sites. Very close to the beach. Great view of the river. Has shop, rental center, and fishing pier within walking distance of the camping area."

    3. Onslow Beach Campsites

    15 Reviews
    Hubert, NC
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 440-7502

    "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. Virginia Creek Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Holly Ridge, NC
    10 miles
    +1 (910) 329-4648

    5. Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites — Hammocks Beach State Park

    9 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 326-4881

    $17 - $72 / night

    "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."

    6. Black River Camping Ventures

    2 Reviews
    Ivanhoe, NC
    33 miles
    +1 (910) 669-2392

    $45 / night

    "This campground is situated right along the Black River in Bladen County NC. Approximately 1 hour from Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville."

    7. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lake Waccamaw, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 646-4915

    $17 / night

    "This campground is very beautiful - clean amenities, and only a few well-kept campsites with fire rings, grills and several picnic benches."

    "The Yurt had been removed but the platform stayed. We were able to get up our large tent on the platform and have enough space for our chairs. The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow."

    9. White Oak River Campground

    1 Review
    Maysville, NC
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 743-3051
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Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hampstead, NC

279 Reviews of 9 Hampstead Campgrounds



Guide to Hampstead

Tent camping near Hampstead, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for tent camping near Hampstead

  • Freeman Park provides a stunning oceanfront experience where you can wake up to breathtaking sunrises and enjoy the sound of crashing waves.
  • Onslow Beach Campsites is a well-reviewed spot that allows for easy access to the beach, making it ideal for families looking to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Hammocks Beach State Park Campground requires a bit of effort to reach, but the remote setting and beautiful beach make it worth the trek.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Freeman Park, you can enjoy fishing, beachcombing, and exploring the sandy shores with your pets, as the park is pet-friendly.
  • Virginia Creek Campground offers a peaceful environment for kayaking and fishing, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.
  • Black River Camping Ventures features a shallow river ideal for swimming and fishing, providing a fun spot for families and pets alike.

Specific local attractions

  • Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area is conveniently located near Kure Beach, offering easy access to local attractions like the aquarium and historical sites.
  • Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground is a great choice for those who enjoy kayaking and fishing in a serene lake setting, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
  • White Oak River Campground provides opportunities for outdoor exploration, including frisbee golf and fishing, making it a fun destination for active campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hampstead, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hampstead, NC is Freeman Park with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hampstead, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Hampstead, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.