Bath, North Carolina offers several campground options within a short drive, with Goose Creek State Park Campground serving as one of the main camping areas in the region. The park features both primitive tent sites and a newer RV campground with full hookups, along with recently constructed cabins. Other facilities like Twin Lakes Resort and Tranter's Creek Resort provide additional camping experiences near the Pamlico River and surrounding waterways. Camping styles range from basic tent sites nestled among pine trees to fully-equipped RV pads with electric, water, and sewer connections. The camping landscape includes a mix of state park land and private campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in this coastal region, particularly regarding insects and water conditions. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though bug activity increases significantly during warmer months. The primitive camping area at Goose Creek State Park provides access to the Pamlico River and Goose Creek, with sites 11-14 situated closest to the water. Facilities vary across campgrounds, with primitive sites typically offering composting toilets while developed areas provide shower houses and electric hookups. Cell service can be limited in some camping areas, particularly at Goose Creek State Park. As one camper noted, "You are far enough away from Washington, NC that you don't get great cell coverage so, it is almost like going off the grid."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the Bath area. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and water proximity as key benefits, especially at the primitive sites in Goose Creek State Park. The park features multiple trails, some with boardwalks through marsh and swampy areas that showcase local wildlife. Campers frequently mention deer sightings near their sites. The spacing between campsites receives consistent praise, particularly in the primitive camping section where sites are well-separated and private. While the newer RV campground and cabins offer modern amenities, they lack the shade found in the wooded tent camping areas. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are spacious, well equipped and well spaced (private). There are several water stations and composting toilets."
$17 - $75 / night
"Goose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites."
"This campground is nestled in the tall North Carolina pines. There isn’t much shade though because the branches are mainly at the top."
"Small lakes, canals, access to bay to outer banks."
"There is a game room, a swimming pool and lots of space for walking or riding bikes. There is RV sites, tent sites and cabins."
$25 - $50 / night
"Phoenix Farms is now offering camping at this former tobacco farm near the coast. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
"There is lots of space to walk and play, ride bikes, etc. There is a really nice pool with a store up front and they have cabins from what I remember."
"Bathrooms: 5/5 Sites: 4/5 upgrades are nice but really expensive for just a concrete pad next to someone else
Pools: 3/5 they have one but it's pretty meh. Like a 70s motel 8 pool."
"Gets 4 stars primarily for the staff and the location. Standard sites are crammed together making privacy an issue."
$40 - $50 / night
"Beside state boat ramp access to anywhere
Next to ferry to Ocracoke too..."
"The new owner has been making upgrades around the property. Customers come first here! Thanks."
"Really beautiful location on river with very nice peer and green space. Extremely nice and helpful owners. Full hookups and a cement pad for picnic table. Site was fairly level."
TravelerWe stayed at this campground overnight while on our way back from picking up our camper in upstate New York and on our way home to Florida.
It was a great stop, well worth the detour. We’re excited to get back to this area. This campground was beautiful, but there weren’t a lot of trees and not much privacy between the campsites.
LegendFlanners Beach Campground is a quiet, well-maintained spot that works well as a base camp for visiting New Bern, Beaufort, and the Crystal Coast. Campsites are generally shaded with some privacy, and the campground offers electric hookups, a dump station, clean bathrooms, and a few private showers. While the waterfront setting is appealing, views of the water are mostly blocked by overgrowth and the main beach/river access remains closed due to erosion, which limits on-site activities. There are still nice trails, wildlife, and limited shoreline areas to explore, and occasional jet flyovers from Cherry Point add local character. Overall, it’s a peaceful and decent campground, but knowing about the beach and facility closures ahead of time helps set expectations.
Check out our 360° Video of all the sites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEpVo6MoF3M
LegendThis is an awesome area in the Croatan National Forest. This is the 4th site on the road around the lake. We stayed here for a weekend and loved it. A little bit of traffic but not too many people coming through. This site has a pull off that you can park a couple of vehicles on the side of the road and a little clearing/path that you can put a tent up near your car.
There are 3 other sites around Catfish Lake on Cat Fish Farm Road.
Check out our video of all 4 sites on this road
https://youtu.be/kAGzhmHvaq0
LegendThis is an awesome area in the Croatan National Forest. This is the 2nd site on the road, there are 3 other sites around Catfish Lake on Cat Fish Farm Road. We stayed here for a weekend and loved it. A little bit of traffic but not too many people coming through.
Check out our video of all 4 sites on this road
https://youtu.be/kAGzhmHvaq0
ScoutLarge campground with lots of amenities and activities. 2 pools, laundromat, and 2 bathhouses make it super convenient and the staff is super helpful and nice! They have 3 very nice cabins on site as well
ScoutExtremely remote off grade only. No showers, no bathrooms, Extremely wilderness that isolates you in the woods. Not a child friendly area. Much military activities with help flyovers
TravelerBathrooms need much work. Small campground and very noise on the weekends.
ScoutPrimitive campground with no frills. Dirt road in and gravel on site drives. Water spigots spread out between the campsites. Vaulted toilets were clean. Camp host was nice and liked to talk. We stayed 2 weeks. Others came in for a night or two and then would leave. All types of campers used the campground: 5th wheel, schoolie, tent campers, hammock campers, truck and car campers.
We had site 11 which was on the water side with a path to the water. It was shady for the later part of the day (which wasn't great for our solar panels). Most sites had shade for either the early or late part of the day. Site was fairly level. Foliage provided privacy between sites.
The hiking path was not well maintained so we chose not to use it.
Not a lot in the immediate area. Town was 25-30 minutes away, but had all the types of stores.
Verizon service was good.
ScoutLoved this place. Great-sized RV site with plenty of additional parking. The boat launch went smoothly. Miles of pristine coast. Fish were hitting 2 Klicks north of the marina.
Camping near Bath, North Carolina provides direct access to the coastal waterways of eastern North Carolina where the Pamlico River widens toward the Pamlico Sound. The elevation rarely exceeds 20 feet above sea level, creating a flat landscape with extensive wetlands and maritime forests. Summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80% with temperatures in the mid-80s to low-90s between June and August.
Fishing access: The fishing pier at Tranter's Creek Resort provides convenient river access without launching a boat. "There is a fish cleaning sink and a pier to fish from also. Small cabins are for rent here as well," notes Cannon W.
Kayak launching: Goose Creek State Park Campground offers easy water access from campsites. "Our campsite was right on the Pamlico river. There was a great spot to watch the sunrise/sunset directly behind our campsite with benches. Also close to our campsite was a dock to fish off of or to launch a kayak," says Maureen C.
Wildlife observation: The hiking trails at Goose Creek State Park Campground feature boardwalks through marsh areas. "There are plenty of good hiking trails as well," writes Chip G. Many campers report regular deer sightings, and the wetland areas support diverse bird populations.
Direct water views: Campsites with water views rank high among visitor preferences. "There was a great spot to watch the sunrise/sunset directly behind our campsite with benches," mentions Maureen C. about her Goose Creek experience.
Site spacing: The primitive camping section at Twin Lakes Resort receives praise for layout and spacing. "The lots are spacious with a good view of the water," notes Victor A. This resort also connects to canals leading to the bay.
Clean facilities: Modern bathroom facilities across multiple campgrounds earn consistent praise. At New Bern KOA, "The bathhouses are all very new due to a recent hurricane and they were kept clean," according to Jen B. The campground also maintains two pools for guest use.
Bug activity: Insect populations increase dramatically near water during warm months. "We did have a run in with fire ants at our campsite," reports Laura B. about Goose Creek. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk from April through October.
Water quality: Water from campground taps may have a mineral taste common to coastal areas. At New Bern KOA Holiday, a camper noted, "Water quality: 1/5 potable but tastes gross." Bringing drinking water is recommended during summer months.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across campgrounds in the Bath region. At Goose Creek State Park, internet users report, "Internet is spotty. Turn your cellular data on," according to Evelyn O. Some campers appreciate this as a feature rather than a drawback.
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds often provide structured activities for children. "Big lake that runs to the ocean, great size pool, amazing beach ice cream, campground activities such as a live band, DJ, and movie night!" reports Riley about Twin Lakes Resort.
Family-oriented facilities: Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers a unique farm experience for families. "It's so fun to see all of the animals. The property is beautiful, and the camp spot is private," according to Michelle L. The farm setting provides natural entertainment for children.
Swimming options: Dedicated swimming areas provide safer alternatives to river swimming. At Goose Creek, "There is also a swimming area that is free," notes Laura B. Rivers Edge Family Campground features "a very nice peer and green space" according to Mary F.
Site conditions: RV sites at many campgrounds provide level, prepared surfaces. At Rivers Edge Family Campground, "Full hookups and a cement pad for picnic table. Site was fairly level," reports Mary F., though she notes sites are "very tight with no landscaping for aesthetics."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are available at most developed campgrounds. Tranters Creek Resort offers "Tent sites with electrical hook ups right beside the river," according to Cannon W., providing unusual access to power for tent campers.
Spacing considerations: RV sites at some campgrounds can feel cramped during peak season. At Rivers Edge Family Campground, a camper noted sites are "very tight with no landscaping for aesthetics. Just a big gravel lot." Plan accordingly if privacy is important for your camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bath, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bath, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 55 campgrounds and RV parks near Bath, NC and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bath, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bath, NC is Goose Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bath, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Bath, NC.
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