Camping options near Elizabeth City, North Carolina include various RV parks within a 30-60 minute drive. The coastal region sits at approximately 12 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures typically stay above freezing, allowing year-round camping at most locations.
What to do
Beach activities: 20 miles: Kitty Hawk RV Park offers direct beach access across the street. "Great spot. Water front / sunset. Cool bar with a pool table right up the road. Good location," reports one camper who enjoyed the oceanfront location.
Fishing on Back Bay: under 10 miles: The waters around Virginia Beach RV Resort provide excellent fishing opportunities. According to a visitor, "Had my own dock and level full hook up. There are two pools and the resort is quiet." The fishing piers and waterfront areas make this a popular spot for anglers.
Military history tours: 45 minutes: Active and retired military families can visit Cape Henry RV Military Park at Fort Story. "This campground is located at the Fort Story Navy Base, set in a wooded area not far from a nice beach right at the corner of where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. Two historic lighthouse mark the spot!" The lighthouses and military installations offer history enthusiasts several touring options.
What campers like
Clean facilities with friendly staff: North Landing Beach consistently receives high marks for maintenance and service. A camper notes, "Staff is friendly. Movie time in a drive in theatre atmosphere. Had a shrimp boil while we were there. Awesome RV sites right on the water." Multiple reviewers mention the cleanliness and organized activities.
Recreation equipment rentals: Military families appreciate the equipment options at Little Creek MWR RV Park. "The MWR recreational equipment rental building is new with a variety of options, there are some on base amenities such as fast food and convenience store nearby, and there is a recreational marina where visitors and campers can fish or even moor their seaworthy boats."
Quiet settings away from crowds: Many campers prefer North Landing Beach for its location. "This one is a bit out of the way for Virginia Beach, but that also means a quiet stay, unlike the more popular campgrounds underneath the Naval Air Stations runways! Nice wooded campsites, most have hook-up's."
What you should know
Military-only options: Several rv parks near Elizabeth City, North Carolina are restricted. Sea Mist RV Campground requires military ID. "This campground is on a Navy base near Virginia base, so you do need a military connection to make use of any of the recreational facilities including the campground."
Site conditions vary widely: Many campgrounds have mixed reviews on site quality. At Kitty Hawk RV Park, "The site pads at dirt/sand and partial grass. The bench tables are in the way of backing in because, the sites are too small and Avery shallow."
Price fluctuations: Costs can change substantially by season. One visitor reported about Virginia Beach RV Resort, "I just called and inquired about pricing. I was told that RV spots were $130/night. Not the $30-100."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreational programs: Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA offers structured activities. "Lexi did a amazing job with the kids keeping them busy.. Pro- Park was clean, water front, big play ground." Many Elizabeth City area campgrounds have staff-led programs during peak season.
Bring bikes for coastal exploration: Several campgrounds have bike-friendly environments. "Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground. It seemed like they are working to add more amenities and upgrades."
Check for pool availability: Swimming pools are important amenities during hot months. At Outer Banks West KOA, one camper noted: "Would be an awesome campground if it had a pool," while another visitor mentioned they're "waiting on an issue with the city" regarding pool construction.
Tips from RVers
Pack extension utilities: Virginia Beach KOA and other rv parks near Elizabeth City require proper setup. At some locations, "the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had a long electric cord that reached and had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect."
Prepare for off-season limitations: Services reduce during winter months. "Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses. Otherwise it's a peaceful stay in the winter months."
Reserve early for pull-through sites: Premium spots at popular RV parks Elizabeth City visitors frequent book quickly. "We were there mid-summer, picked a premium waterfront spot, so, yes, expensive. We had beautiful views, a lot of space, didn't feel cramped or crowded."
