Carolina Beach State Park offers primitive and platform campsites 4 miles from the ocean shores with easy access to local attractions. Located in coastal North Carolina, the park sits on a peninsula bordered by the Cape Fear River, Snow's Cut, and the Atlantic Ocean. Winter camping provides milder temperatures with fewer crowds at most locations in the region.
What to do
Water activities at the lake: Lake Waccamaw State Park features shallow waters extending hundreds of yards from shore, making it ideal for family swimming. "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters," notes a camper at Lake Waccamaw State Park.
Beach driving: Some beaches in the Wilmington area allow four-wheel drive access directly onto the sand. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" reports a visitor at Carolina Beach State Park. This feature simplifies transportation of gear and coolers.
Local wine tasting: Several campgrounds near Wilmington offer on-site wine experiences. CarrollWoods RV Park includes vineyard access with regular tastings. "If you visit, you must get one of their wine floats," suggests a guest who enjoyed the winery's specialties.
Off-season exploration: Winter months provide unique camping experiences with fewer crowds. "I've been here at different times of the year. I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," mentions a Carolina Beach State Park camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Wilmington offer well-spaced accommodations. At Wilmington KOA, "The deluxe tent sites were very nice with a covered sitting area and soft pads for our tent. The sites were well spaced as well," according to a camper.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the maintenance standards at local parks. "The bath house is always clean and stocked even in the winter. The bathhouse is also heated during the winter months and there are quit a few outlets available which we used to charge our phones," notes a Carolina Beach visitor.
Beach proximity: Most campers appreciate the quick access to shorelines. At Holden Beach RV Campground, "We are only a few miles from the beach. The sites have full hook-up, fire pits, and picnic tables." Some locations even offer transport: "A free trolly takes you to the beach and some restaurants."
Urban convenience: Despite natural settings, many campsites maintain proximity to services. "This campground is convenient to downtown Wilmington and a short drive to Wrightsville Beach. Plenty of shopping and other entertainment nearby if the weather doesn't cooperate," explains a Wilmington KOA reviewer.
What you should know
Winter amenities: Cold-weather campers benefit from heated facilities at several locations. "The bathhouse is also heated during the winter months and there are quit a few outlets available which we used to charge our phones," notes a Carolina Beach State Park camper.
Site size variations: Space between accommodations varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Our first time here. The campground is very rustic, but it's clean, well kept, adequate space to maneuver and campers are considerate and quiet," explains a visitor at S & W RV Park.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet connectivity fluctuates across the region. Some campgrounds advertise Wi-Fi but deliver inconsistent service. "WiFi is strong," reports one Wilmington KOA camper, while other locations may have limited connectivity.
Walking distances: Some campgrounds require significant walking between facilities. "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area," warns a Lake Waccamaw visitor. "Don't forget anything in the car."
Tips for camping with families
Beach alternatives: When weather prevents ocean swimming, look for campgrounds with pools. At CarrollWoods RV Park, "There's a pool, the winery, a couple of trips to the beach and surrounding area. We were well received. We are new to camping and a family of color. We highly recommend."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities for children. "They had arts and crafts and the kids enjoyed the train ride," shares a Wilmington KOA visitor about the scheduled programs.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. "It has one of the best dog parks that I have ever been to. It is very spacious, fully shaded by lots of trees and even has a few man-made hills for the pooches to climb," reports a CarrollWoods RV Park camper.
Bike-friendly paths: For active families, consider campgrounds with safe cycling areas. "We could see our kids riding their bikes around with no issues at all," notes a Holden Beach RV Campground visitor about the layout.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many campgrounds provide staff assistance with parking. At Holden Beach RV Campground, "The lady at check-in led me to my site and even helped direct me backing in."
Winter camping benefits: Cold-weather RVing offers advantages in the Wilmington area. "I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," mentions a Cypress Ranch Glamping visitor about off-season stays.
Hook-up quality: Electrical and water service varies between locations. "30/50 is solid, sewer easy access and water pressure is good," confirms a Holden Beach RV Campground camper regarding utilities.
Group camping options: For RVers traveling with mixed accommodation needs, consider parks with multiple options. "You can rent some cabins and/or rent RV spots so if you have a mixed camping family, some can come in their RVs/trailers and others can rent a cabin and y'all will still be next to each other," explains a visitor to a local group camp.
