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

    28 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

331 Reviews of 73 North Topsail Beach Campgrounds



Guide to North Topsail Beach

Camping near North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short drive from the beach. For example, at Carolina Beach State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a quick bike ride or hike to the ocean. One camper mentioned, "A short peddle to the ocean beach. Very nice sites."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails around Cedar Point Campground. One reviewer said, "The nature trail has nice walkways over the marsh," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Oyster Point Campground, you can throw a line into the water and relax. A visitor noted, "Great sites. Sites with water view are best."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One review for Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at New Bern KOA mentioned, "The staff is exceptional. Pat signed us in and led us to our site."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Cedar Point Campground highlighted, "Lots of space and shade."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. One reviewer at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area said, "Great staff. Beach access across the street."
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can make things easier. A camper at New Bern KOA appreciated the "well-stocked store" for quick snacks.
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect the kids from bugs. A visitor at Cedar Point Campground reminded others, "Remember to bring your bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Oyster Point Campground mentioned, "Our site would fit a large rig."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Wilmington KOA noted, "Some of the neighbors were loud."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area appreciated the "full hook ups."

Camping near North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.