Best Tent Camping near Seven Springs, NC

The coastal region surrounding Seven Springs, North Carolina offers tent campers several established options within driving distance. White Oak River Campground provides tent sites alongside its RV areas, while Haywood Landing Recreation Site offers a more primitive tent camping experience with walk-in access options. Both locations are situated within an hour's drive of Seven Springs, providing access to the natural landscapes of eastern North Carolina.

Tent campsites at White Oak River Campground feature picnic tables and access to amenities including showers and toilets, though most sites lack tree cover. Campers should note that while fires are permitted and firewood is available, drinking water is not provided on-site. At Haywood Landing Recreation Site, primitive tent camping is available with basic amenities including toilets and picnic tables. The free sites require no permits but offer minimal facilities. Campers visiting either location should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly during warmer months, and bring sufficient water and supplies.

According to reviews, White Oak River Campground works well for "weekend tent trips" despite its limited acreage, with opportunities for outdoor exploration in adjacent areas including ponds and a frisbee golf course. Most tent sites are situated in open areas with limited shade. At Haywood Landing, campers noted the opportunity for seclusion, stating you "can be away from people," but warned about wildlife encounters and recommended keeping food secured. Visitors specifically mentioned that "mosquitos are horrible," making bug spray essential equipment for tent campers. Both locations offer distinct backcountry tent camping experiences within reach of Seven Springs, with Haywood Landing providing a more primitive setting for those seeking greater isolation.

Best Tent Sites Near Seven Springs, North Carolina (2)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Seven Springs, NC

108 Reviews of 2 Seven Springs Campgrounds


  • L
    Jul. 21, 2018

    Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground

    State Park

    Very nice state park with rv and tent sites. They have electric and water hookups. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Firewood is available from the ranger. There are showers and toilets also. Many hiking trails with cliff overlook of the Nuese River. There is a swimming area and Connor rental also.

  • M. B.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    On inlet not ocean

    Not bad this is called a holiday one but I would say this is more like a journey one it doesn't seem very resort-like.

    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.

    Beach: 2/5 there is an inlet beach and a pier but it's like marshy Mudd not sandy beach

    Waterfrontness: 0/5

    Closeness to other sites: 1/5 you are up each other's buttcracks

    Dog rating: 4/5 plenty of poop bags

    Internet: 2/5 no wifi and no hookups but our AT&T router worked

    Cell service: Google fi and ATnT worked

    Water quality: 1/5 potable but tastes gross

    Extra amenities: they have a shuttle some seasons. It was not here during October so who knows. Bike rentals Kayak rental Laundry Host station

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 13, 2024

    Lake Leamon Family Campground

    Good campground, but outdated.

    The campground is in a nice area. The small lake is beautiful and full of fish. It is near a small bustling town with everything you need. The staff is friendly.

    The only drawback is that the camp itself is outdated. The so-called bathhouses need a severe update. The bathhouse does not have HVAC in it. There’s one male toilet and one female toilet for the entire camp. There are two portable toilets on the back end of the property. There’s one shower of the two that works and it is a small shower. Do not weigh more than 175 pounds going in that shower.

    All in all, it’s a good temporary campsite. This is not set up for long-term, even though there are multiple long-term campers here.

  • Chip G.
    Mar. 27, 2015

    Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground

    Cliffs of the Neuse...

    This is a great little campground and close enough to be my go to spot. The camping spaces are nice and fairly private. There are fun hiking trails, fishing and swimming with nice changing rooms. You can rent kayaks, etc. for the river at the near by town of Seven Springs.

  • Taylor W.
    May. 22, 2019

    Neuseway Nature Park & Campground

    Pretty pleasant

    This was my first visit, I plan on going back so I will update as I learn more about this site. There are RV and primativr sites. They are literally right next to each other. The RV sites have power and water hookups, fire pit, and picnic table at each site. The RV sited are also numbered. The primitive sites are not so well kept. The are not clearly marked and no dedicated fire pits. There is a little highway noise pollution, but not terrible. There is a free onsite dumpster. Fires are allowed. Showers/restrooms available on site are free. You pay by the day (in cash or check) at the Nature Center (during banking hours Mon-Thurs I believe). Prices are fair. Campsite is riverfront (keep in mind for the bugs). I didn't see or hear much wildlife aside from an owl, a rat snake, and one good sized spider. Campgrounds are pretty clean. There is a large communal fire pit with plenty of seating and little private-ish decks overlooking the river.

  • Taylor W.
    May. 22, 2019

    Neuseway Nature Park & Campground

    Pretty pleasant

    This was my first visit, I plan on going back so I will update as I learn more about this site. There are RV and primativr sites. They are literally right next to each other. The RV sites have power and water hookups, fire pit, and picnic table at each site. The RV sited are also numbered. The primitive sites are not so well kept. They are not clearly marked and no dedicated fire pits. There is a little highway noise pollution, but not terrible. There is a free onsite dumpster. Fires are allowed. I had alcohol one night without any hassle. Showers/restrooms available on site are free. 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). Campsite is riverfront (keep in mind for the bugs). I didn't see or hear much wildlife aside from an owl, a rat snake, and one good sized spider. Campgrounds are pretty clean. There is a large communal fire pit with plenty of seating and little private-ish decks overlooking the river. There is free wifi. Multiple people had their pets with them. Good cell phone reception with Verizon.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground

    Cliffs above the Neuse River is the biggest draw for campers here.

    I have camped in this state park several times, including with the Boy Scouts. Other than the park itself, I really enjoyed the camaraderie when our Scout troop and another Scout troop that was camping were playing“Capture the Flag.” I say all of this because it is a great place for group camping. However, it also has conventional camping and cabins. When I first started camping at Cliffs of the Neuse, it did not have more than a mile of trails. Now it has added some more trails. It also did not have showers or cabins in times past. This park has improved significantly over the years and now has showers that are frequently maintained. 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. Don’t think choosing another site will move you away from the sand. It won’t. Another thing you have to be aware of is that in eastern North Carolina, fire ants can be a huge problem. Some of the trails are easy, but the Spanish Moss Trail is quite steep in some places. Also, the Galax trail is almost always flooded during the spring or after a series of rains. There is a lake for swimming and a large picnic shelter. On weekends, it is not unusual for there to be lots of people at the picnic shelters, so you will have to reserve them. The sites have picnic tables and fire pits as well. This is a great park for swimming and boating, but the hiking is limited. If I am not mistaken, the total length of trails is fewer three miles. However, the main attraction is the view over the Neuse River and the new visitor’s center. Even with limited trails, it is still a great park for relaxing.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2019

    Cabin Lake County Park

    Small Campground for Fishing, Kayaking, and Relaxing in a Country Setting

    If you are looking for a small campground miles away from a big city, this is it. Although it is not a large campground, there are several things to do if you like fishing, canoeing/paddling, swimming (during the summer), and hiking. You can rent peddle boats and canoes, or you can launch your own, including jon boats. Boat motors are not permitted except for trolling motors, but it doesn't take much to get around the 69-acre lake. There are at least three islands in the lake and quite a few coves for finding a great fishing spot. There is a 2.2 mile trail that circles the lake, a playground for younger children, a picnic shelter, and two bath houses. The bath houses have concrete floors, but they have hot water showers. One drawback about the showers is that they are push button showers, meaning that you have to push the button repeatedly during your shower. There are two types of camping at this campground. In one area, there are sites that have water and/or electricity. The other area has primitive sites with only picnic tables and fire rings. At night, you will hear geese, which doesn't bother me but will bother some. Another drawback are the sounds of traffic coming from the distant highway and the occasional sounds of military jets flying overhead since this campground is centrally located between U.S. Marine and U.S. Air Force bases. Despite the negatives about this campground, I love it. I have camped here over a dozen times, sometimes with the Boy Scouts and sometimes with friends and family. The campground seems to have a laid back atmosphere, and the staff are friendly.

  • Rose S.
    May. 13, 2018

    Cabin Lake County Park

    Love Cabin Lake

    This park is small and simple, which is part of the reason I love it so much! Sites are semi level paved pads with electric, water faucet is shared per two sites and a splitter is available from the office. They sell ice and firewood but there is no store. It’s mostly woods but some direct sun. It’s very quiet there as the lake is for canoes, paddle boats, or electric motors only. There is a small swim beach (seasonal) and playground as well as boat ramp and fishing docks. There are well maintained trails for the hikers. This is a well managed park! No staff is on site at night, they lock the gate and go home, but give campers the gate code. Dump station is available. Do not take credit cards. Nobody much there during the week but they say it’s very busy weekends. Plenty of tent space even for big groups. Check it out!


Guide to Seven Springs

Tent campsites near Seven Springs, North Carolina occupy a transitional zone between coastal plains and piedmont terrain, with elevations ranging from 55 to 110 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid subtropical conditions with long, hot summers and generally mild winters. Seasonal flooding can impact camping availability in lower-lying areas, particularly after heavy rainfall events typical during hurricane season from June through November.

What to do

Disc golf adventures: White Oak River Campground offers an on-site disc golf course that provides entertainment without leaving the campground. Camper Mathew G. notes there's "a lot of outdoor exploring area adjacent to the camp ground" including "multiple ponds and frisbee golf course."

Water-based recreation: Haywood Landing Recreation Site provides boat launch access to White Oak River, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The boat-in camping option allows paddlers to access more remote tent sites. Vegan T. mentions it's a "great spot for camping" where "you can be away from people."

Wildlife observation: Tent campsites near Seven Springs offer opportunities to observe native wildlife in their natural habitats. The wetland ecosystems support diverse bird species, while mammals like white-tailed deer and raccoons are common sightings. However, campers should note that wildlife encounters require proper precautions. As one reviewer cautions, "be cognitive of the wildlife here. Keep food locked inside."

What campers like

Privacy options: The primitive camping areas provide opportunities for solitude not found at more developed campgrounds. According to Vegan T., at Haywood Landing "you can be away from people," making it appealing for those seeking quiet tent camping experiences near Seven Springs.

Affordability: Many tent camping options in the area are budget-friendly compared to more developed campgrounds. White Oak River Campground has "great prices," according to camper reviews, while Haywood Landing Recreation Site offers free camping with minimal amenities.

Natural setting: Despite limited acreage, White Oak River Campground offers "outdoor exploring area adjacent to the camp ground" including "multiple ponds," as noted by Mathew G. This provides campers with natural environments to enjoy beyond their immediate campsite.

What you should know

Insect preparation: Eastern North Carolina's climate supports robust mosquito populations, especially during warmer months. Campers staying at tent sites near Seven Springs should pack adequate repellent. Vegan T. warns that at Haywood Landing "the mosquitos are horrible so bring bug spray."

Limited shade: Tent campers seeking tree cover should research specific sites before arrival. At White Oak River Campground, Mathew G. observes that "most of the tent sites are out in the open" and notes "I like to camp under trees or close to. We got lucky and got one."

Food storage requirements: Wildlife encounters are common at less-developed sites near Seven Springs. Proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting animals to your campsite. As one camper advises regarding Haywood Landing, "be cognitive of the wildlife here. Keep food locked inside."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Families camping near Seven Springs should consider White Oak River Campground for its on-site activities. The campground features "multiple ponds and frisbee golf course" that provide entertainment options without leaving the property.

Site selection strategy: Families should prioritize tent sites with shade when possible, especially during summer months. One camper noted about White Oak River Campground, "most of the tent sites are out in the open," suggesting arriving early to secure limited shaded spots.

Wildlife education opportunity: Turn potential wildlife encounters into educational experiences by researching local species beforehand. Maintain appropriate distance and teach children proper wildlife observation ethics. Remember that at more primitive sites like Haywood Landing, you should "be cognitive of the wildlife here."

Tips from RVers

Permanent resident awareness: At White Oak River Campground, "most RV spots are used by permanent users," according to Mathew G. This means weekend RVers should call ahead to confirm availability of non-permanent sites.

Site limitations: RVers should note that many campgrounds near Seven Springs have limited amenities. White Oak River Campground is described as a "small camping area not a whole lot of acres," suggesting larger rigs may face challenges with maneuverability.

Hookup availability: RV campers seeking full hookups have limited options near Seven Springs. White Oak River Campground provides electric, water, and sewer connections, along with a sanitary dump station, making it one of the few developed RV options in the immediate area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Seven Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Seven Springs, NC is White Oak River Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.