Best Campgrounds near Morehead City, NC

The coastal region surrounding Morehead City, North Carolina features a diverse range of camping options spanning from mainland forests to barrier islands. Croatan National Forest offers several established campgrounds, including Oyster Point and Cedar Point, which provide access to both forest and water activities. Cedar Point Campground sits at the confluence of the White Oak River and Bogue Sound, offering hiking trails through coastal wetlands and estuaries. For those seeking more remote experiences, Cape Lookout National Seashore provides primitive beach camping accessible only by ferry or private boat. Private campgrounds like Goose Creek, Waters Edge RV Park, and Dogwood Family Campground offer additional amenities for RV travelers within 20-30 minutes of Morehead City.

Weather conditions significantly impact camping experiences in this coastal region. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring sudden evacuations and campground closures, while summer months often feature high humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s°F. Many barrier island sites require careful planning as one camper noted: "You have to bring all of your necessities and recreational gear with you on the ferry. With an off-road vehicle, this will be no big deal. But if you don't have that luxury, you will be carrying your stuff back and forth." Campgrounds in Croatan National Forest typically remain open year-round, though some amenities may be limited during winter. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary attraction in the area. Cedar Point Campground receives praise for its Tideland Trail, which one visitor described as "a photographer's dream, especially if you like photographing the native habitat and creatures." Sites on barrier islands offer unparalleled solitude and stargazing opportunities but require self-sufficiency. Many mainland campgrounds feature limited privacy between sites, with reviewers noting they are "close together but fairly level." Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region, with both freshwater and saltwater options available. Several campgrounds report hurricane damage to facilities in recent years, so calling ahead to verify current conditions is advisable. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions with fewer crowds and moderate temperatures.

Best Camping Sites Near Morehead City, North Carolina (64)

    1. Oyster Point Campground

    23 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap."

    "We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well."

    2. Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    "The 24 hour campground park ranger stays on the first site of the right side entrance. There is a oyster fishery nearby."

    "Great location off the beaten path on a dirt road. Campsite 9 backs up to the marsh andhas a great area for watching the sunset. You can also kayak or canoe here."

    3. Cedar Point Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $27 - $54 / night

    "Plenty of hiking trails, boat access and woods all right here in this park. The boat access and pier are just a brief walk away from the campground."

    "The one redeeming factor was that it was close to the bath house. The facilities were fairly new. For example, the bath house looked as if it had been built recently, and the concrete looked fresh."

    4. Goose Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Emerald Isle, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great location, can’t wait to come back!"

    "My wife and I spent a few days here while searching the area for potential retirement location. It's also a seasonal campground."

    5. Waters Edge RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 247-0494

    "Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, small and quiet location that’s close to many activities and restaurants. The water front is very nice as well. I’ll definitely be back."

    "We loved walking to the dock on the property where you could see the sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed visiting Fort Macon, Patsys pond national Forest, Shackleford Banks and the beach."

    6. Dogwood Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 777-4343

    $66 - $80 / night

    "This spot is close to everything without being on top of it all! Kid friendly, pet friendly, and very clean! All of the lots are level making for an easy setup!"

    7. Whispering Pines Campground

    4 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

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

    8 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    19 miles
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    "They even walked close by our campsite. The last night had the most amazing sunset that lit up the lighthouse and the clouds above with beautiful pinks, purple and blues."

    "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."

    9. Emerald Isle RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Emerald Isle, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 570-2267

    "Steps to the beach. Could watch dolphins from the overlook. Super clean and staff were always so friendly. Pool was super nice. I always recommend that friends stay here when traveling."

    "It's clean, close to the beach, has a little pool and they do fun family activities, too (like outdoor movies and Christmas in July!)."

    10. Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    5 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    $80 - $180 / night

    "But they are situated directly behind the dunes from miles and miles of totally prestine beaches. The only on-island supplies are ice and gasoline, so you must pack in everything."

    "There are several boardwalks that meander around the island and numerous sandy paths connecting the sound side to the ocean side."

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Recent Reviews near Morehead City, NC

211 Reviews of 64 Morehead City Campgrounds



Guide to Morehead City

Camping near Morehead City, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, serene forests, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, provide easy access to stunning beaches. One visitor mentioned, “We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach.”
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Goose Creek State Park Campground, you can launch kayaks and enjoy fishing. A reviewer noted, “There is a nature center at the entrance of the park... A place to launch Kayaks as well.”
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Cedar Point Campground. One camper shared, “The nature trail has nice walkways over the marsh. You can walk from the campground to boat launch, picnic area and nature trail.”

What campers like:

  • Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility at places like Oyster Point Campground. A visitor said, “Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as New Bern KOA, are praised for their cleanliness. One review highlighted, “The bathrooms were very clean and each had a shower sink and toilet all to yourself.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Cabin Lake County Park, a reviewer noted, “Friendly staff!” which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Required: Many campgrounds, like Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore, require reservations. A camper mentioned, “Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov. It was easy to pull up with no reservation, pick a site, then reserve and pay online.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, have minimal facilities. One visitor pointed out, “There are NO trash cans or trash collecting points (even in the bathrooms), so you have to pack trash out.”
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground, are only open during specific months. A reviewer noted, “We stayed here during off season in early November so I’d imagine it’s probably a completely different vibe in the summer.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Goose Creek State Park Campground, which offers plenty of space and activities. A camper shared, “The primitive sites are well maintained and the staff is great.”
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're heading to Ocracoke Campground, bring beach toys and sunscreen. One family mentioned, “We loved our three days at Ocracoke Campground.”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Hammocks Beach State Park Campground noted, “We also experienced a lot of mosquitoes during the night on the island.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. At Cedar Point Campground, a reviewer mentioned, “Some sites are really huge!”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check campgrounds like New Bern KOA that offer electric hookups. A camper noted, “Dog friendly, electric and good clean drinking water on site.”
  • Be Ready for Tight Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor at Goose Creek State Park Campground warned, “If navigating the tent spot the road may be tight for larger trucks.”

Camping near Morehead City, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Morehead City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Morehead City, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Morehead City, NC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Morehead City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Morehead City, NC is Oyster Point Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Morehead City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Morehead City, NC.

What parks are near Morehead City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Morehead City, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.