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.