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Best Campgrounds near Elizabeth City, NC

399 Reviews

Elizabeth City in North Carolina has several camping options for visitors. The City Park Campground puts you close to town while still giving you a quiet place to set up camp. If you want something more basic, check out the North Carolina National Forest Sites where you can find spots away from crowds in the woods. The Elizabeth City Area State Park has good camping spots near trails and places to fish. You can also drive to the Blue Ridge or Great Smoky Mountains for different camping experiences. Kids might enjoy the Elizabeth City Recreation Area with its playgrounds and picnic spots. Elizabeth City County Park Campground has big sites with trees for shade. The Appalachian Trail isn't far if you want to take a day hike. Remember that summers can get hot and winters cool, so pack accordingly. Always look up the rules and check if sites are open before you head out. There are both developed and primitive camping areas around Elizabeth City to match what you're looking for.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina (44)

    1. Northwest River Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Moyock, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 421-7151

    $21 - $36 / night

    "Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."

    "The only thing I have a problem with here, is that there are no garbage cans or dumpsters near the campsites."

    2. Elizabeth City Lodging

    2 Reviews
    Elizabeth City, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 335-6482

    "I love this little place in Elizabeth City. There is a little tiny beach nearby & it provides a beautiful view in during sunrise/sunset."

    3. North River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 336-4414

    "We spent 2 night at North River in August to attend Coast Guard Day in Elizabeth City.  I was pleasantly surprised how nice and clean the facility was.  "

    "Well cared for landscaping, nice lake, level parking spot with concrete patio. WiFi is fast and cable tv is available. I would recommend this camp ground."

    4. North Landing Beach

    15 Reviews
    Knotts Island, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 426-6241

    "This location was PERFECT! It warmed up enough to enjoy the beach which was a 5 minute walk from cabin."

    "There Is a very nice workout room and a bIllIards room adjacent."

    5. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    12 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 453-2732

    "It’s not close to anything or any lighthouses. They do have a boat ramp so if you plan to camp and fish this would be a great spot."

    "The view was beautiful and the weather was great at night to just sit outside and enjoy the view. It was a very quiet camp with a great dog park. I look forward to visiting again soon."

    6. First Landing State Park Campground

    118 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Very clean facilities and close by. Easy access to water. Close proximity to beach and hiking. 120 - was able to get two RTT on one site.

    Bad: close proximity to other sites."

    "There are also about 20 cabins on the Trail side. The only sewer hookups are for the three Camp Host sites located throughout the Park. There are nice clean showers located around the campground."

    7. Bells Island Campground

    6 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 232-2590

    "Coming to North Carolina, coastal camping is something which has to be on your bucket list."

    "Walk to dock overlooking the bay waterfront. Easy drive to the outerbanks and activities. The manager is always available by phone and in person in the late afternoon."

    8. Sandy Point Resort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 429-3094

    $20 - $60 / night

    "This location is great for that."

    9. Family Campground — Merchants Millpond State Park

    16 Reviews
    Gatesville, NC
    27 miles
    +1 (252) 357-1191

    $27 / night

    "I still think it's the best one, it's the largest, right next to the main trail head, & bath house trail right ahead of the site. The bath house was real nice."

    "Nice 0.7 walk from the campsite to the visitor center to rent canoes! Just a short drive to some other trails. Enjoyed the Cyprus Point trail which you access at the boat ramp section of the park."

    10. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    44 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 849-8860

    $25 - $92 / night

    "We enjoyed biking all over the place (including a family-friendly bike trail to the VB boardwalk), playing on the many small playgrounds, swimming in the dome-covered pool (there are three more of them"

    "Finding my campsite in the Sherwood Forest section was a little confusing but my site ended up being ideal--close to the main road to walk out for an Uber to the show and a little farther from the other"

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Recent Camping Photos near Elizabeth City, NC

110 Photos of 44 Elizabeth City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elizabeth City, NC

399 Reviews of 44 Elizabeth City Campgrounds

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2025

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Great place as always, small site

    Love coming here every year. This site, while convenient to the bathroom, is small, no privacy, is part of the pathway to the bathroom and has a slight sewer oder.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kitty Hawk RV Park

    Kitty Box

    Our 1st interaction was with the rude man that seems to be managing the check-in and management of the pulling in. We were stuck in one of the worst back-in spot locations on the campground. It was surrounded by full-time residents across the street from us. The residents have porches, stairs and several cars all around their ground bound trailers in regular size RV site. The management guy made his attempt to help my husband back in our trailer by berating him, questioning his experience backing our 19 ft trailer. He even had the nerve to ask me to pay him CASH while, my husband continued park the trailer. I said, "NO."  He was extremely unhinged and verbally abusive and now you don't want to ask my husband for cash?????? We asked him for a receipt and he gave us some shady excuse that the woman in the office was very busy and would get back to us in 24 hours with a receipt. BTW, this women in the office doesn't answer her calls for 24hrs.

    Our experience staying here felt like we were staying in a homeless camp with societies most delusional elitist drop outs.  

    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. Beware: the bench tables are old and heavy to move and the management guy offered no assistance to move the bench table. There was so much dirt & sandy in our trailer I was so happy to get leave just so I could mop and clean all Kitty Sand out of my trailer.

    I do not recommend this camp site. We noticed on the night before we left there are other camp grounds near by that look better maintained.

  • Leo S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park

    Disconnect and enjoy long walks

    Cellular signal and Starlink won't work well here and the campground WiFi isn't great. But in the true spirit of camping, this is a great place to disconnect and take long walks around the base and the beach. The express store nearby has limited hours but the fitness center allows for 24/7 access if you register your ID card with MWR.

  • Leo S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Off season gem

    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.

  • a
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Va Beach KOA

    Nice, large sites, 2 pool, 1 lazy river. 1 stocked store. Planned activities.

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Virginia Beach RV Resort

    Good stay for simple camping

    We picked this site for its proximity to the beach. Site #4 was level and had full hookups. It was a bit tricky to get our setup into but was accomplished once I determined the best way to maneuver. The playground was basic, but a playground non the less. Pools were nice and never really crowded. There is no on site camp store, and we did not find ice as advertised. We also had to treat our lot/camper for ants but given the location we figured as much. We have AT&T and Verizon and both picked up well. The WiFi didn’t seem to exist unless you were close to their buildings. Everyone was friendly and was a nice quiet getaway to let the kids ride bikes and fish. All in all, we enjoyed our vacation and would book here again.

  • Jadon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    North Bayshore Campground

    Summer Fun

    We got a RV site for 2 nights, #99. We really liked the campgrounds. Everyone was very welcoming! Lots of things to do. We drove 20mins to the beach, paid $25 for 24hr oversized vehicle parking.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Great experience

    The camp ground is beautiful and the people are friendly. Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. The shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I’ve seen at a campground. The beach is more secluded and you’re close to all the activities that Virginia Beach has to offer. There is also trails that are on the campground near there visitors center.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Primo beach camping

    This is a campground in one of Virginia’s most popular state parks. Campsites are right on the beach, with only a sheltering dune between you and the water. Aside from the incredible beach, there are ranger programs, an educational visitor center, cafe and shop. In addition to swimming at the beach, however, the campground is adjacent to a unique and historic Cypress swamp that is a National Natural Landmark. In this part of the park there are incredible hiking trails and boardwalks into the swamp, and the Trail Center also has educational exhibits and ranger programs. The swamp side also has nice camper cabins that are peaceful and quiet. Something for everyone!

Guide to Elizabeth City

Camping near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Beach: Many campers enjoy the nearby beaches. At Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one visitor said, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Kayaking and Wildlife Watching: Camp Hatteras is a great spot for kayaking. A reviewer mentioned, "We enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground."
  • Hiking Trails: Merchants Millpond State Park has beautiful trails. One camper shared, "The trail system was magical. We hiked early in the am and it was such a therapeutic hike through the forest and swamp."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for First Landing State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms were well maintained and cleaned twice a day when we were there."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer fun activities. At North Landing Beach, a visitor said, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights, pizza and ice cream shop."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. One reviewer at Camp Hatteras said, "Location location location. Depends on what site you are in but the ocean is super close."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned, "If you want quiet and peaceful, stick to the spots on the beach side."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA warned, "I have never been to a resort where they just like refuse to spray for bugs like this one it is disgusting."
  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have close sites. A review for Holiday Trav-L-Park noted, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Virginia Beach KOA said, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: If you have young kids, find sites with shade. One camper at Merchants Millpond State Park mentioned, "Lovely shaded site, and large picnic table."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Be ready for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Pettigrew State Park Campground advised, "Bring plenty of bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned, "The sites are pretty tight."
  • Use Reservations: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at North Landing Beach noted, "All reservations must be made via recreation.gov."
  • Be Ready for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA said, "Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway."

Camping around Elizabeth City, NC, has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and noise, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks in or near Elizabeth City, NC?

Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near Elizabeth City. Bells Island Campground offers coastal RV camping and is conveniently located off the highway, making it accessible for RVers traveling through the area. It's also strategically positioned for those wanting to visit attractions like Kitty Hawk. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA provides full RV amenities and is drive-in accessible with big-rig-friendly sites. Other nearby options include Sandy Point Resort Campground and North Landing Beach Campground, both offering water and toilet facilities suitable for RV camping.

What campgrounds are available in Elizabeth City, NC?

Elizabeth City offers several camping options in the vicinity. Elizabeth City Lodging provides a peaceful spot with beautiful water views during sunrise and sunset, plus a small beach area nearby. It's about an hour's drive to the Outer Banks, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. North River Campground is another excellent option known for its clean facilities and proximity to Elizabeth City. The campground is particularly popular during Coast Guard Day celebrations. Additional camping options within driving distance include Pettigrew State Park Campground and Bells Island Campground, both offering coastal North Carolina camping experiences.

Can I find cabins at campgrounds near Elizabeth City?

While exploring cabin options near Elizabeth City, consider First Landing State Park Campground, which offers approximately 20 cabins on the Trail side of the park. This location provides a peaceful retreat within driving distance of Elizabeth City and features beautiful natural surroundings with beach access. Family Campground — Merchants Millpond State Park is another option to consider for cabin accommodations in the region. For those willing to travel a bit further, Virginia Beach KOA and Holiday Trav-L-Park also offer cabin rentals within reasonable driving distance from Elizabeth City.

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