Dispersed camping opportunities near Morehead City allow visitors to experience both coastal environments and inland woodland settings within the surrounding region. Cape Lookout National Seashore offers primitive beach camping with limited facilities where temperatures average 65-85°F during summer months and drop to 30-50°F in winter. The Croatan National Forest provides free camping spots at several locations with variable terrain ranging from sandy coastal plain to pine forest.
What to do
Beach exploration at Cape Lookout National Seashore: Take a ferry from Harkers Island to access miles of undeveloped shoreline for primitive camping. "Prettiest water I've seen in NC, can be compared to the Caribbean! Fresh water and restrooms on island. Camp anywhere 100ft from buildings," notes visitor Trey H. from South Core Banks Beach Camping.
Fishing from piers and shorelines: Cast your line directly from campsite areas at several locations or access nearby fishing spots. "Our site was right on water with a great view of the sunset. The barrier Island's are only 5 minute ride over the bridge," reports Michael M. who stayed at Goose Creek Campground.
Kayaking local waterways: Explore the waterways behind campsites with rental equipment. At Wallace Meadows Farm, visitors appreciate "Kayaks available to enjoy the small river behind RV & Tent area. Easy access via wooden dock for boarding or unloading kayaks," according to Richard W.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the space and separation between camping spots. At Oyster Point Campground, Jenna L. observed, "It's a nice little campsite by the river, the campsite was very clean, and there are a few trees providing cover, but still enough sun to get some solar, if you need that."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower areas are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. Faith W. noted at Wallace Meadows Farm that "The bathrooms and laundry very clean" and Tracy K. added, "The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower!"
Direct water access: Many campsites offer paths leading directly to water. Laura F. at Oyster Point Campground shared, "We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11. Tent pads are big enough for 1 large tent or 2 small tents."
What you should know
Insects can be intense: Bug protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. Hannah F. at Oyster Point Campground warns, "The flys are insane but you'll quickly learn to ignore them - aside from a few bites here and there. We smoked them out and it was fine for the most part."
Limited services in remote areas: Many dispersed camping locations require significant preparation. Tracy R. notes about Oyster Point: "Area is remote. Closest shopping was more than 10 miles away."
Varied pricing structures: Campsite costs range widely from free dispersed camping to premium waterfront locations. Lewis M. points out about Rivers Edge Family Campground: "Very nice place, well keep, nice paved streets, nice boat ramps, nice piers, nice laundry room, good cell service. WiFi available for $$$ more."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pool access: Look for campgrounds with pool facilities for family entertainment. Caroline S. from Goose Creek Campground shares, "We enjoyed our stay at Goose Creek! Beautiful area, great family atmosphere and clean facilities. The pool is awesome!"
Farm experiences: Some sites offer unique agricultural activities for children. Faith W. mentions about Wallace Meadows Farm, "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice."
Seasonal considerations: Planning around weather conditions improves family camping experiences. Faith W. notes about Rivers Edge, "Park is very secluded from the area. As soon as you pull in the driveway it kinda looks scary but after you pass all the trees you get this very big open land that is well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling and placement: Check campground details for site dimensions and ground conditions. Roger W. from Oyster Point Campground advises, "Our site would fit a large rig. I took pictures of the sites on the shore side of the campground. They are the best, but all sites here I would be happy with."
Utility connections: Investigate hookup availability before arrival. Jody B. from Oyster Point notes, "We had site 11 which was on the water side with a path to the water. It was shady for the later part of the day (which wasn't great for our solar panels)."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, yurt camping near Morehead City, North Carolina provides comfortable options. While limited, yurt accommodations are available at select locations like White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort, offering a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals for those interested in yurt camping in Morehead City's surrounding areas.
