Best Tent Camping near Atlantic Beach, NC
Tent campsites near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina include both established campgrounds and natural beach settings, with several options for campers seeking coastal experiences. Hammocks Beach State Park offers Bear Island campsites accessible by ferry or private boat, providing a unique barrier island tent camping experience. Coastal Riverside Campground and Haywood Landing Recreation Site also accommodate tent campers with more basic amenities. The military-operated Onslow Beach Campsites provide tent camping for those with Department of Defense identification.
Most tent campgrounds in the Atlantic Beach region require some planning for access, particularly the island locations. Bear Island camping requires either ferry transport or personal watercraft, with a subsequent hike of approximately one mile to reach campsites. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash, as garbage disposal is not available on the island. Sites are typically situated on sand with minimal natural shade. Haywood Landing offers free primitive tent camping with vault toilets but lacks drinking water. A recent review noted, "The mosquitos are horrible so bring bug spray," highlighting the need for proper insect protection at coastal sites.
Atlantic Beach area tent campsites provide direct beach access with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and shelling. At Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park, sites are positioned behind dunes offering some wind protection, though sand inevitably gets into tents and gear. A visitor commented that "Bear Island's seclusion and minimalist amenities are what make this place a hidden gem," reflecting the appeal of its remote nature. Tent campers frequently use early morning hours for shell collecting before professional collectors arrive. Most sites have picnic tables, but fires are prohibited on Bear Island regardless of location. Cell service varies dramatically even within the same campground, so tent campers should prepare for potential disconnection from communication networks during their stay.


