Tent campsites near Wilmington, North Carolina range from military-only facilities to riverside properties accessible to civilians. Campers often experience high humidity and sandy conditions, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. The region's coastal plain terrain means most campsites have minimal elevation change, with natural features focusing on waterfront access rather than mountain views.
What to do
Beach fishing opportunities: At Freeman Park, visitors can fish directly from the beach. One camper observed, "Daytime beachgoers were mainly fishing, walking their dogs, shelling, etc." The sandy shoreline provides excellent access for surf fishing throughout the day.
Historic site exploration: Only 1 mile from the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area campground is the Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. A military camper noted, "Less than a mile from the Aquarium and fort fisher civil war museum. Great restaurants in Kure Beach also."
Kayaking on tea-colored water: The Black River Camping Ventures offers river access for kayaking through unique cypress forests. A reviewer described it as having "tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole. Miles down river you can find the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains."
What campers like
Military beach access: Service members appreciate Onslow Beach Campsites for its direct ocean proximity. One reviewer mentioned, "Right on the beach and a C store right there. Nice showers and bathrooms. No service for AT&T or WiFi. Nice and quiet." Military ID is required for entry.
Privacy between sites: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground offers significant space between campsites. A camper observed, "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night." This layout provides a more secluded experience compared to beachfront options.
Off-season beach camping: Many experienced campers prefer Freeman Park during cooler months. According to one review, "I would recommend only during the cooler months. Feb-March, Sept-Nov. That's about the only time you can hope to avoid a chaotic, party scene." The beach becomes less crowded and more peaceful.
What you should know
Bathroom accessibility varies: At Lake Waccamaw, campsites can be extremely far from facilities. A visitor warned, "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area... especially sites 4 and 5 are very far from the bathroom. Don't forget anything in the car."
Military ID requirements: Several campgrounds near Wilmington require Department of Defense identification. As one Fort Fisher reviewer clarified, "You need a DOD ID card to stay here. It is affordable if you qualify to stay. They will check and make you leave if you are not a card holder."
Beach driving skills needed: Vehicle requirements at Freeman Park include proper preparation. A camper advised, "First and foremost, make sure you know how to drive in the sand and what to do when your car gets stuck. It happened to us, as well as to many vehicles on the beach."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground offers kid-friendly water access. A visitor described, "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters."
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be problematic throughout the region. One Lake Waccamaw camper recommended, "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" Similarly, at Black River, a reviewer warned about "not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Educational opportunities: Fort Fisher provides learning experiences beyond camping. A visitor mentioned, "There is also a aquarium, and museum down the road if you need a history or education fix."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning challenges: Some RV sites have poorly positioned utility connections. At Fort Fisher, "The sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length."
Driving approach strategy: Fort Fisher requires planning when arriving with an RV. A camper suggested, "Recommend parking at your site, then going to check in. Not much space to turn around at the office."
Weather-related concerns: Beach camping with RVs requires attention to weather forecasts. Freeman Park campers warned about tides, noting visitors should "be aware of the tides, it's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in."
