Campsites near Kinston, North Carolina offer a mix of riverside camping and rural farm experiences within a 40-mile radius. The region sits in the coastal plain with elevations typically below 100 feet, creating a landscape of slow-moving waterways and sandy soil. Late summer temperatures often reach the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing from multiple docks: Cabin Lake County Park features several fishing docks positioned around a 2.5-mile lake trail. "There are multiple fishing docks located around the 2.5 mile hike around the lake. You can rent canoes and peddle boats for minimal per hour and just relax in the middle of a large lake," notes Tim H. who visited the Cabin Lake County Park.
Explore historic New Bern: Located 30 miles east of Kinston, New Bern offers historical attractions within minutes of camping options. "New Bern is a really wonderful little town on the coast of NC and this KOA is close to all the action. I really enjoyed our stay and the local town," reports Julie L. about her stay at New Bern KOA Holiday.
Kayaking on calm waters: Several campsites offer kayak access with minimal current for beginners. "There is a little communal fire pit with plenty of seating and little private-ish decks overlooking the river," observed Taylor W. at Neuseway Nature Park, making it suitable for paddlers wanting riverside access.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers praise the riverfront views available at several campgrounds. "Quiet and clean campground on the river," writes Jeff K. about Neuseway Nature Park & Campground, noting that "the far away camp sites" provide extra quiet for those seeking solitude.
Spacious camping areas: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with room to spread out. "The camp sites are nice and Rangers easily accessible. Swim area was a little rough but the hiking trails and access to the river for kayaks and fishing was nice!" explains Tim H. about his experience at Goose Creek State Park Campground.
Farm-based camping: Wallace Meadows Farm provides a unique camping experience with agricultural surroundings. "My grandkids got to feed the cows and the walk around the farm was very nice," shares Faith W., who enjoyed camping at this small working farm that also sells beef products to campers.
What you should know
Cash payment requirements: Several campgrounds in the area require cash payment. "You pay by the day (in cash or check) at the Nature Center (during banking hours Mon-Thurs I believe). Prices are fair ($10 primitive site and $20 RV site)," explains Taylor W. about Neuseway Nature Park.
Sandy terrain challenges: The coastal plain soil creates unique camping conditions. "One of the things you have to be aware of is that this park is sandy, so when you are camping, you will probably want to put some kind of rug in front of your tent or RV to minimize the amount of sand that you track in," advises Myron C. about Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground.
Limited camping inventory: Some campgrounds have very few sites available. "Extremely nice campground with 4 RV sites(50 Amp) and water service," notes Richard W. about Wallace Meadows Farm, highlighting the small but well-maintained nature of this campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer multiple playground options for different age groups. "You can also choose to play at either of 2 playgrounds (one for small kids and one for larger) that are both within view of the lake and swim beach," notes Tim H. about Cabin Lake County Park.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities. "Check out the owl and the hawk!" recommends Jeremy C. about the endangered birds kept in cages near the shower facilities at Neuseway Nature Park.
Walking distance amenities: Look for campgrounds with facilities clustered together for easier family logistics. "EVERYTHING is within walking distance which was the best part. With a 8 month pregnant wife and 2 one years olds, we were able to let the little ones roam while mom and dad walked close behind," shares Tim H. about Cabin Lake County Park.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Some campgrounds offer upgraded RV sites with concrete pads. "Each site has 12x12 concrete pads to restrict tracking sand and/or dirt into RV unit," mentions Richard W. about Wallace Meadows Farm, noting this feature helps keep RV interiors cleaner.
Dump station logistics: Several campgrounds have convenient dump stations for RVs. "Dump station is easy access upon arrival or departure. Easy entrance and exit from main highway to site area," notes Richard W., emphasizing the practical layout at Wallace Meadows Farm.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy between campgrounds. "Standard sites are crammed together making privacy an issue. In our site we could not fully open our awning without it hanging over the neighbors site," cautions James V. about his experience at New Bern KOA Holiday.
