Best Dispersed Camping near Maysville, NC

The coastal region surrounding Maysville, North Carolina features primitive camping options primarily focused on dispersed sites within Croatan National Forest and beach camping along Cape Lookout National Seashore. Great Lake Dispersed Site in Croatan National Forest provides free primitive camping with minimal facilities, while South Core Banks offers unique beach camping accessible only by ferry or private boat. Dixon Landing and Long Point Boat Launch serve as additional dispersed camping areas near Maysville, with most sites lacking developed amenities but providing direct access to natural surroundings. The camping landscape ranges from inland forest settings with longleaf pines to coastal barrier islands with expansive beaches.

Road conditions throughout Croatan National Forest present significant challenges, with many access routes damaged by hurricanes and requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. "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," notes one camper. Wildlife considerations include alligators, bears, ticks, and mosquitoes, particularly in warmer months. South Core Banks requires advance ferry reservations and specific camping protocols, including a $25 permit for beach driving. Weather patterns can change rapidly on the barrier islands, with strong winds affecting tent stability and requiring proper equipment.

Natural features draw consistent praise from visitors to both forest and beach sites. Croatan National Forest campers highlight unique vegetation including pitcher plants and Venus flytraps amid the pocosins and wetlands. "Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators!" advises one forest camper. Cape Lookout National Seashore receives particularly high ratings for its pristine beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Short ferry ride from Harker's Island. Prettiest water I've seen in NC," reports one visitor. Seasonal highlights include bioluminescent plankton in spring and sea turtle hatching in October. The constant ocean breeze at South Core Banks helps mitigate insects that can be problematic in more sheltered mainland locations, though proper preparation remains essential for all camping experiences in the region.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Maysville, North Carolina (4)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Maysville, NC

15 Reviews of 4 Maysville Campgrounds


  • Virginia W.
    Jun. 21, 2020

    Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    Not a “campground”, dispersed camping areas

    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. Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators!

  • Carina F.
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    Primitive

    Dispersed camping deep in the national forest. A native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes. 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. There are alligators, bears, way too many ticks, mosquitos and a ridiculous amount of shotgun shells. It definitely felt dangerous. Would not recommend tent camping, but great for an RV if you can figure out where to park.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    Mostly pocosin and wet lands

    Lots of trails and beautiful pines. Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, Camp any where you want, Bring everything because it is not a campground as such. Wilderness area Lots of mosquitoes

  • C
    Aug. 27, 2018

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    State park, clean and in the ocean

    No power, water or hookups. Bath house decent, and on the ocean. Take plenty of bug spray. View is stunning. Just be sure you know it’s on an island, and read the tide tables so you aren’t surprised. Enjoy!

  • r
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

    Camp area unacceptable

    We tried to camp here but all the access roads were closed due to hurricane damage. They looked have been closed for a long time. In a pinch we found a camp spot nearby at Catfish Lake. The road in was easy but it was extremely trashy with lots of shotgun shells on the ground. Lots of people showed up to trap shoot nearby so we had to keep going over to let them know we were there.

  • Jason D.
    May. 23, 2021

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Primitive Beach Camping

    Love this island! No crowds, lots of open beach, and plenty of fish! If you’re looking to camp on the beach and escape the crowds, you’ve found your spot. You need 4WD to get around the island but most of the ferry places have atv rentals. Only accessible by ferry/boat, call a few weeks ahead to reserve a spot on the ferry cause they fill up quickly.

  • T
    Jun. 26, 2018

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Nothing short of AMAZING

    Short ferry ride from Harker’s Island. Prettiest water I’ve seen in NC, can be compared to the Caribbean! Fresh water and restrooms on island. Camp anywhere 100ft from buildings. Trees for shade, privacy, protection from wind more central on the island. The light house is beautiful! Wild horses just across the water on Shackleford Banks, which can also be camped- minus all the amenities.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Very Special Place

    We spent 3 nights beach camping in our VW Vanagon, and highly recommend this destination if you have the means! The ferry is $135+ for vehicles, plus $20 per person roundtrip. The beach driving permit is $75 unless you buy it by March (I think). We lucked out with our dates just preceding a big fishing competition, and there was a LOT of open beach space. Almost everyone is there to fish. We took bikes and enjoyed cycling around at low tide. Be sure to camp above the high tide zone, which is black sand. There are narrow/impassable points on the beach at high tide, but there are ramps to the back road every mile. Some ramps are very deep sand, others flat and packed. We got by without 4wd, but we didn’t explore beyond finding a spot not too far from the ferry drop off. We befriended our neighbors who took us to the lighthouse at the southern end of the island, which was beautiful! Currently closed for renovations, and the lightkeeper’s house was closed due to the government shutdown. Overall, south core banks is absolutely worth the effort!

  • V
    May. 1, 2021

    South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Camp on the sand - ORV Permit Required!

    Yea, there's definitely no better way to camp. Start your adventure on a ferry, cross an inlet watching all the wildlife play right in front of you, then get off and drive immediately to endless stretches of white sandy beaches. See someone nearby, cool, whatever. Drive somewhere else and set camp. Just don't forget to pack it in, AND pack it out. While i'm at it, you should also prepare everything in advance - food, water, essentials. There ain't no corner market here. That includes 4x4 AND recovery equipment. Tow service ain't nowhere to be found. So, sorry 2WD Chevy Tahoe with aggressive tires - stay home.  

    The South Core banks are the only location in NC where you're allowed (with a $25 permit - 2021 rules) to drive right on the beach and camp overnight without the caveat of having the be actively fishing. Just make sure to stay off the dunes and keep fires below the high tide line. Other than that, don't litter, don't break glass and definitely don't burn pallets with nails. This is a gem that's been used by fisher-people for decades, so don't be that guy who forces the state to tighten restrictions. 

    Other than that, enjoy!


Guide to Maysville

Dispersed camping near Maysville, North Carolina concentrates primarily within Croatan National Forest and along Cape Lookout National Seashore. The region experiences moderate climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, with annual rainfall averaging 54 inches. Camping opportunities range from inland forest settings to coastal beach locations with varying accessibility challenges depending on season and recent storm activity.

What to do

Explore undisturbed lakes: Great Lake in Croatan National Forest offers secluded water access for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. "You can access Great lake with an Atv or SXS. There are passable trails past the barricades but you will need a capable 4x4 to get thru. The lake is virtually untouched and the roads were still in good shape," reports one camper at Great Lake Dispersed Site.

Lighthouse tours: Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands as a prominent landmark accessible from beach camping areas. "We befriended our neighbors who took us to the lighthouse at the southern end of the island, which was beautiful! Currently closed for renovations, and the lightkeeper's house was closed due to the government shutdown," notes a visitor to South Core Banks Beach Camping.

Wildlife observation: Multiple ecosystems support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. "We had three young male horses that were always roaming within sight. They even walked close by our campsite," describes one camper who spotted the wild horses on Shackleford Island.

What campers like

Beach solitude: The remote nature of South Core Banks provides unparalleled privacy for beach camping. "Camping on the beach? What could be better! From driving up and down the beach to just parking and relaxing. This place is amazing," shares a camper at South Core Banks.

Unique plant life: Croatan National Forest harbors distinctive vegetation found in few other places. "Lots of trails and beautiful pines. Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, Camp any where you want," notes a forest visitor to Great Lake Dispersed Site.

Spectacular sunsets: Coastal locations offer remarkable evening views. "The last night had the most amazing sunset that lit up the lighthouse and the clouds above with beautiful pinks, purple and blues," reports a camper who stayed on Shackleford Island near Cape Lookout.

What you should know

Access challenges: Many forest roads remain damaged from past hurricanes, requiring alternative transportation methods. "The path is blocked at about halfway down by concrete barriers and downed trees. So I pulled my Ford Ranger in the pines beside the path and slept there," explains a camper at Great Lake Dispersed Site.

Seasonal phenomena: Timing your visit can provide unique natural experiences. "Show up late in April, early May and you will get to see the bioluminescent plankton wash up sound side, and a hike will leave glow in the dark footprints," advises an experienced Cape Lookout visitor.

Free camping limitations: While free camping near Maysville, North Carolina exists in Croatan National Forest, beach camping requires permits and fees. "Only accessible by ferry/boat, call a few weeks ahead to reserve a spot on the ferry cause they fill up quickly," recommends a South Core Banks camper.

Tips for camping with families

Transportation planning: Families require careful logistical preparation when visiting barrier islands. "The ferry is $135+ for vehicles, plus $20 per person roundtrip. The beach driving permit is $75 unless you buy it by March (I think)," notes a visitor to South Core Banks Beach Camping.

Alternative exploration methods: Consider bicycles for easier navigation. "We took bikes and enjoyed cycling around at low tide. Be sure to camp above the high tide zone, which is black sand," advises a family who camped at Cape Lookout.

Water safety awareness: Families should monitor tide tables when camping on barrier islands. "Just be sure you know it's on an island, and read the tide tables so you aren't surprised," warns a Cape Lookout camper.

Tips from RVers

Recovery preparation: RV campers must bring recovery equipment for beach driving. "You should also prepare everything in advance - food, water, essentials. There ain't no corner market here. That includes 4x4 AND recovery equipment. Tow service ain't nowhere to be found," cautions an RV owner at Dixon Landing.

Campsite selection: Choose camping locations based on wind conditions to minimize insect exposure. "The constant breeze on the beach side keeps the mosquitos at bay, and you will get eaten alive on the sound side," explains a South Core Banks camper with extensive experience.

Self-sufficiency requirements: RVers must bring all necessary supplies. "No power, water or hookups. Bath house decent, and on the ocean. Take plenty of bug spray," recommends a Cape Lookout visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Maysville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Maysville, NC is Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest with a 3.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Maysville, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Maysville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.