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.
