Best Campgrounds near North Topsail Beach, NC

North Topsail Beach provides several established campgrounds within easy reach of coastal attractions. Surf City Family Campground sits directly on the island offering tent and RV camping with full hookup services just steps from the ocean. Other options include The Inlet Campground (formerly Laniers Waterside) with over 400 sites featuring both tent and RV accommodations, and Onslow Beach Campsites offering military recreation facilities within walking distance to the shore. The area's campground options balance oceanfront locations with inland waterway access, with most properties featuring electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though reservations are strongly recommended during the summer tourist season from May through September. Hurricane season (June through November) may affect camping plans, with potential evacuation orders for barrier island locations. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups suitable for RVs, though primitive tent camping is limited to designated areas within established campgrounds. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates moderate temperatures year-round, with summer highs averaging in the upper 80s and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. "The owners are very nice and very helpful. The campground was in a good location right next to the beach, literally walk 20 yards to go to the beach," according to one visitor's experience at Surf City Family Campground.

Beach access represents the primary draw for campers visiting North Topsail Beach and surrounding areas. Several campgrounds provide direct beach access or are within short walking distance to the shore, allowing for easy day trips for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. While oceanfront sites command premium rates, they offer unparalleled convenience for beach activities. Visitors note the cleanliness of beaches and the opportunity to hunt for shark teeth among the shoreline treasures. Campers should be aware that sites tend to be closely spaced at most commercial campgrounds, with limited privacy between neighbors. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, bathhouse facilities vary significantly between properties, with some receiving praise for cleanliness while others are criticized for maintenance issues, particularly during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near North Topsail Beach, North Carolina (73)

    1. Onslow Beach Campsites

    15 Reviews
    Hubert, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 440-7502

    "I love that we were so close to the beach. The bathrooms were clean and the common areas were very clean as well. If you love fishing and the beach, look no further!"

    "Love that it’s close to the beach. The bathrooms were very clean."

    2. Surf City Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Holly Ridge, NC
    5 miles
    +1 (910) 328-4281

    "The owners are very nice and very helpful we campground was well in a good location right next to the beach literally walk 20 yards to go to the beach would definitely recommend"

    "Its quiet and easy access to beach. Owners are very nice and accommodating."

    3. The Inlet Campground (Formerly Laniers Campground)

    6 Reviews
    Holly Ridge, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 328-9431

    "Nice pool and walking path around the edge of the sound."

    "Most incredible views with easy access to beaches, restaurants and groceries. Pier for fishing and water access for canoeing or kayaking! Beautiful sunsets!"

    4. Harbor Point RV Community

    4 Reviews
    Holly Ridge, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 327-2700

    $75 - $100 / night

    "These sites are on top of each other and I don’t know that I’d use this campground during high season … and the doggie area was right behind us.. full summer heat would probably be a bit smelly for me…"

    5. Cedar Point Campground

    29 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    24 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."

    6. Seahaven Marine RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Holly Ridge, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 333-5773

    $55 - $90 / night

    "This is a nice, small RV park located beside a marina just outside the gates of Camp Lejeune. There are some permanent sites, tiny homes, and everyone is very friendly. You can fish off the dock."

    7. Topsail Beach Escape RV

    1 Review
    Holly Ridge, NC
    2 miles
    +1 (248) 330-8072

    $80 - $200 / night

    "Close to amenities, this is a nice spot to rest after a day in the sun. Book your stay and leave them a review here!"

    8. Happy Haven

    1 Review
    Holly Ridge, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 465-8618

    $30 - $70 / night

    9. Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites — Hammocks Beach State Park

    9 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 326-4881

    $17 - $72 / night

    "Our campsite was tucked behind the first dunes, which we thought would keep us out of the wind... until the wind changed direction."

    "It’s a long walk! We took a private ferry (Pogie’s in Swansboro 5/5 stars) so we could bring what we wanted. We took a lot!"

    10. Oceans RV Resort

    1 Review
    Holly Ridge, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 778-2839

    $77 - $239 / night

    "We're just a few miles from the beach, walking distance to a restaurant and or convenience store; crawling distance to Dales Pub across the road."

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Recent Reviews near North Topsail Beach, NC

336 Reviews of 73 North Topsail Beach Campgrounds


  • Richard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Cedar Point Campground

    Cedar Point Campground

    Love this campground. Clean bathrooms and showers. Very nice host.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Oyster Point Campground

    Primitive, Quite Campground

    Primitive campground with no frills. Dirt road in and gravel on site drives. Water spigots spread out between the campsites. Vaulted toilets were clean. Camp host was nice and liked to talk. We stayed 2 weeks. Others came in for a night or two and then would leave. All types of campers used the campground: 5th wheel, schoolie, tent campers, hammock campers, truck and car campers. 

    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). Most sites had shade for either the early or late part of the day. Site was fairly level. Foliage provided privacy between sites.

    The hiking path was not well maintained so we chose not to use it.

    Not a lot in the immediate area. Town was 25-30 minutes away, but had all the types of stores.

    Verizon service was good.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Everything was great!

    No complaints! Nice & quiet after dark, clean showers & laundry room, nice view of the Nuese River, with a peir for fishing & a fish cleaning station as well! Nice pool & playground with a bouncy blowup trampoline for kids.

  • C
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Black Barn Farm

    A Perfect Getaway

    If you haven't camped at Black Barn Farm in Newport, you are missing out! One of our party needed lodging while we wanted to tent camp, they put us up in a perfect spot so we could be near her in one of their sweet little cabins right on the water. There were beautiful lights and trails throughout, animals, ziplines and playgrounds , plus the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I've ever camped with.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Wilmington KOA

    Family campground near the beach and Wilmington

    Our kids where very happy with the little pool and we found good facilities to do the laundry. There are some nice shady spots and some are a bit crowded. But good full hook ups.

  • Kristie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    In The Pines RV & Cabin Village

    Great place!

    New Park with all the amenities you need, clean well kept facilities and grounds. Dog Park and nice mowed lanes for walks. Owner super nice and helpful.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Hawkins Creek Campground

    Avoid the drama!

    The last reviews of this campground were in 2021. A lot has changed since that time. This is a cheap place to stay. There are no background checks. All sorts of characters stay at this location. I had trouble after six months of staying at this campground. To avoid any trouble, I left halfway through my month of prepaid time. This worked out to approximately $302 or 16 days. They refused to give me a refund or even a pro rate from the owner. Instead, they gave it to a guy staying in a tent on the property. They are thieves!

    In my vicinity that I was staying, there were four known listed Illegal sex act males. Two left the site. One of the remaining males was hired by the management for maintenance.

    The property manager didn’t seem to care about a lot of things around the property. The property appearance was not taken care of. Signs, mailboxes, and other related objects were covered in mold and never cleaned or in need of repair (see pictures). Residence were cutting their own grass. Drainage ditches, and culvert areas had extremely high grass (see pictures). Perfect for snakes.

    The bathhouse was not properly maintained. A male person who lived there only cleaned the floors once or twice a week. That seemed about it. The showers were brown, and the bathrooms were not cleaned properly. I personally cleaned the male bathroom several times during my six months. The sink continually leaked underneath. When I discovered mold, I asked for a mold killer from the bathroom guy. He was having a bad day apparently and flipped out on me. I told him I would clean the mold if he had any chemicals. He cursed at me and walked inside to his residence. Management did nothing about this incident (see pictures).

    There was always trouble with dogs at the campground. Management never did anything about the dog issues. I was told to “shoot the dog if it bites you “. Unbelievable !

    There were no standards for the campsites. Anything went! Make shift structures could be put up with no problem (see pictures). Also a lot of trash and debris around the campground.

    I would not recommend this campground to anyone. Pay the extra money for a better place!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Our first trip in the camper

    Our first trip in our new to us camper and found the campground very nice. The bathhouses were the cleanest and best equipped. Some shade. Nice dog park. Plenty of amenities.


Guide to North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach camping options extend beyond the traditional campgrounds to include military-exclusive facilities, waterfront sites, and barrier island opportunities. The region sits on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, with camping spots typically at sea level and exposed to coastal weather patterns. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with high humidity levels in summer months and moderate temperatures during winter.

What to do

Beach activities at sunrise: The shoreline at Onslow Beach Campsites offers excellent shark tooth hunting in the early morning hours. "Get up EARLY for shelling, as professional shelters get there early to find good specimens," advises one visitor to Hammocks Beach State Park.

Water sports on the sound: The protected waters of the sound provide ideal conditions for beginners learning to kayak or paddleboard. "We kayaked from the park office and boat launch. The route was difficult for me, the tide was coming in plus a strong wind, it took us about an hour to get to the island," shares a camper about their experience at Hammocks Beach State Park.

Fishing from campground piers: Cast a line directly from campground docks without needing to travel. "You can fish off the dock. No fancy amenities but a great place to stay for a few days," notes a visitor at Seahaven Marine RV Park.

What campers like

Direct beach access: Walking directly to the shoreline without driving appeals to many visitors. "We loved being right by the beach. There are spots for RVs and tents. You could still hear the waves even with RVs running air conditioners," reports a recent guest at Surf City Family Campground.

Military training observation: Some campgrounds offer unique opportunities to watch military exercises. "Awesome place, love watching our Marines training & seeing the Osprey flyin," mentions one reviewer at Onslow Beach Campsites.

Waterfront sunsets: Evening views across the sound provide memorable experiences for many campers. "Most incredible views with easy access to beaches, restaurants and groceries. Pier for fishing and water access for canoeing or kayaking! Beautiful sunsets!" states a visitor to The Inlet Campground.

What you should know

Military base access requirements: Several campgrounds require military identification. "You have to have been in the Military to get on base!" explains a reviewer at Onslow Beach Campsites, while another notes, "We loved it. You must have a DOD ID for access. Right on the beach and a C store right there. Nice showers and bathrooms. No service for AT&T or WiFi. Nice and quiet."

Remote island camping logistics: Bear Island camping requires significant planning. "Access will be a challenge for some. There is a state ferry that runs through the day (in season), but does not allow a cart to carry stuff. It's a long walk!" warns a camper at Hammocks Beach State Park.

Tight spacing at commercial sites: Most RV parks feature close quarters between units. "The spots are very close together. There is no shade, but a constant beach breeze. You can not see ocean from the campground due to the dunes, but it is about 300 feet to the water," explains a recent visitor to Surf City Family Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Pack beach-specific gear: Sand management becomes essential with children. "Sand in your pants and tent, but worth it! Ferry out, and hike down the a mile or so, and sleep on the beach. A truly unique experience!" shares a camper from Hammocks Beach Bear Island Campsites.

Consider shoulder seasons: School breaks in late spring or early fall offer better experiences with children. "It takes planning to go with kids but it's totally doable. We had a 2 and 9 year old and they did great. We plan on returning next year," mentions a family who visited Hammocks Beach State Park.

Plan for limited shade: Most oceanfront sites lack natural protection from the sun. "This is our first time camping here. We were in the center section, no tree coverage, so it was really hot and there was no breeze. Our tarp and awning really helped," advises a summer visitor to Onslow Beach Campsites.

Tips from RVers

Beach location tradeoffs: Oceanfront sites offer convenience but have limitations. "We were only able to occasionally have reliable electricity, resulting in even small 5V items not charging. The biggest issue was inconsistent/incomplete charging of wheelchair batteries," reports a camper at Cedar Point Campground.

Campground amenity variations: Facilities vary significantly between properties. "The bath facility is in a very nice building, is heated and has individual locking shower rooms so you have total privacy and security. The roads are paved and the paved pads accommodate up to a 70 ft camper/vehicle," notes a Cedar Point Campground visitor.

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts both comfort and availability. "We stayed here in December, the place was quiet. These sites are on top of each other and I don't know that I'd use this campground during high season... but we had a site with no neighbors, and nearly no dogs while here so it was quiet," shares a winter visitor to Harbor Point RV Community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tent camp at Topsail Beach, NC?

Yes, tent camping is available near Topsail Beach, NC. While options directly on North Topsail Beach are limited, Carolina Beach State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping opportunities within driving distance. The park features secluded tent sites in a natural setting with water access. For those seeking alternatives, Surf City Family Campground is located on Topsail Island and accommodates tent campers. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer seasons, as tent sites fill quickly in this popular coastal area.

What amenities are available at Topsail Beach campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Topsail Beach offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Wallace Meadows Farm provides RV sites with 50-amp service, water hookups, clean bath houses with hot showers, and a convenient dump station. Cedar Point Campground features boat access, hiking trails, fishing piers, and wooded campsites. Most area campgrounds offer basic amenities like restrooms and water, while premium facilities may include swimming pools, recreation areas, camp stores, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Beach-adjacent campgrounds typically provide easy access to the shore, though amenities vary significantly between established RV parks and more rustic camping options.

Where are the campgrounds located at North Topsail Beach?

Campgrounds near North Topsail Beach are primarily located in the surrounding areas rather than directly on the beach. The Inlet Campground (Formerly Laniers Campground) is situated along the sound with nice amenities including a pool and walking paths. Harbor Point RV Community is located near Sneads Ferry, offering convenient access to North Topsail Beach. Most camping options are within a short drive of the beach, allowing easy access to North Topsail while providing more sheltered camping environments away from direct coastal exposure.

What is the cost of camping at Topsail Island?

Camping costs around Topsail Island vary based on amenities, season, and accommodation type. Camp Ocean Forest offers sites with premium rates reflecting its prime location near the pier with beach access. For more budget-friendly options, Cabin Creek Campground provides clean facilities at reasonable rates within driving distance of Topsail beaches. Generally, expect to pay $30-50 per night for basic sites and $50-80+ for premium waterfront or full-hookup RV sites. Holiday weekends and summer months command higher prices, while off-season camping (October-April) often comes with reduced rates.