The Maysville camping area sits at the eastern edge of the Croatan National Forest, which covers nearly 160,000 acres of coastal plain between the Neuse and White Oak Rivers. Campsites near Maysville, North Carolina provide access to unique coastal ecosystems including pocosin wetlands and longleaf pine savannas. Temperatures typically range from 32°F in winter to over 90°F during summer months, with high humidity throughout the warmer seasons.
What to do
Kayaking and boating access: At Cedar Point Campground, campers can enjoy water activities on the White Oak River. "There is a boat ramp about a ¼ of a mile down the road and a hiking trail that loops for about 2 miles along the marshy shore line," notes a reviewer who stayed at site 24.
Beach exploration: Hammocks Beach State Park offers a unique beach camping experience on Bear Island. "Be sure to spend some time walking up and down the beach as the tide is going out," recommends one camper who found the shoreline "beautiful and teeming with life." The island is only accessible by boat, with a state ferry available during operating hours.
Wildlife photography: The estuaries and wetlands around Maysville create excellent conditions for wildlife observation. "This area is a photographer's dream, especially if you like photographing the native habitat and creatures. I was able to get photos of birds, soft shell crabs, and closeup photos of dragonflies," shares a visitor who explored the Cedar Point Tideland Trail.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and water access points provide fishing options throughout the camping areas. At White Oak River Campground, campers mention "multiple ponds" for fishing, and other nearby campgrounds offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing access within short distances of campsites.
What campers like
Private beach access: Onslow Beach Campsites receives high ratings for its proximity to the shoreline. "It is right on the beach, a little store is right there for your convenience and there is plenty of space for walking, riding bikes, etc," explains one reviewer who particularly enjoyed the isolation from more crowded areas.
Spacious, level sites: Many campers highlight the quality of camping spots at campgrounds near Maysville. "The sites are large and separated by space, not trees, for privacy. The sites on the southeast side seemed to have more shade than those on the northwest side," notes a Cedar Point Campground visitor, indicating the importance of site selection.
Clean facilities: White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort maintains high standards throughout their property. "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area. The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained," reports one satisfied camper.
Natural surroundings: The diverse ecosystems near camping sites around Maysville provide unique outdoor experiences. "Lots of trails and beautiful pines. Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, Camp any where you want," explains a visitor to the dispersed camping areas within Croatan National Forest.
What you should know
Weather and seasonal impacts: Summer heat combined with coastal humidity creates challenging camping conditions. "The heat in the bathrooms and showers had to be over 100 degrees," reports one camper during a heat advisory at Cedar Point. Winter brings cooler temperatures but potentially less comfortable shower facilities, with one January camper noting: "The showers, on the other hand, were not heated. All the shower glass units were missing. The water was warm, but not hot."
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas in Croatan National Forest require complete self-sufficiency. "This is not a 'campground' per se, but rather a large area of national forest where dispersed camping is allowed. This is about as close to nature as it gets! All primitive camping, no amenities at all," clarifies a visitor who enjoyed the undeveloped camping experience.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas may be difficult following storms. "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," warns a camper who visited the forest's dispersed camping areas.
Wildlife cautions: The coastal and forest ecosystems host various wildlife that campers should be prepared for. "There are alligators, bears, way too many ticks, mosquitos and a ridiculous amount of shotgun shells," notes one forest camper, emphasizing the need for proper supplies and precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Check shade availability: Several campgrounds near Maysville feature limited natural shade. "The campsites are long and have plenty of room between camp sites," notes a Cedar Point visitor, but many mention that tree cover may not provide adequate shade during hot months. Consider bringing shade structures for summer visits.
Ferry logistics: When planning a trip to Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park, prepare for transportation logistics with children. "You have to hike with all your camping gear less than a mile to the beach. There is not much shade on the hike there but it wasn't bad on a hot summer day," explains a family who camped there over Labor Day weekend.
Pack for insects: Mosquitoes are consistently mentioned in reviews, particularly in forested and wetland areas. "Lots of mosquitoes," warns a Croatan National Forest camper succinctly. Insect repellent is essential, especially during warmer months when insect activity increases.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds provide water-based recreation options for children. "The pool was nice on a hot humid day. They have gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store," reports a family who stayed at New Bern KOA with children, noting the combination of swimming and activity options.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups only: Some campgrounds provide electricity but no water connections. "The sites do not have water hook ups so make sure your RV fresh water tanks are topped off, or there are plenty of potable water points throughout the campground to fill up you jugs," advises a Cedar Point camper, highlighting the need for preparation before arrival.
Site size verification: RVers should confirm that their vehicles fit the available spaces. "New Bern KOA is perfect in every way. The sites are large with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, etc. It has all the amenities of a top notch campground that you would expect from KOA," shares an experienced camper who found the facilities exceeded expectations.
Seasonal variations: Temperature fluctuations affect RV camping comfort throughout the year. "We stayed for 14 days at this location in January... There is no public Wi-Fi. The showers, on the other hand, were not heated. All the shower glass units were missing," notes a winter visitor to Cedar Point Campground who still rated the experience positively despite seasonal limitations.
Leveling requirements: Most sites near Maysville require minimal adjustments for RVs. "All sites are paved; minimal leveling required. Lots of trees and shade -- plenty of room for the hamock and screenhouse," explains a camper who appreciated the well-maintained sites at Cedar Point Campground.
