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Best Campgrounds near South Mills, NC

430 Reviews

Campgrounds near South Mills, North Carolina provide multiple options for outdoor recreation along the Atlantic coastal region. Northwest River Park and Campground, approximately 20 miles northeast in Chesapeake, Virginia, features tent, RV, and cabin sites with full hookups. Other nearby established camping areas include Family Campground at Merchants Millpond State Park, about 15 miles southwest of South Mills, and Elizabeth City Lodging, roughly 25 miles southeast. The region includes both state park facilities and privately operated campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accommodation types.

Most campgrounds in the area remain open seasonally from spring through fall, with several offering year-round availability. Northwest River Park operates from April through November, while Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA maintains a similar seasonal schedule. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Full-hookup RV sites are common throughout the region, though tent campers have fewer dedicated areas. Facilities typically include shower houses, picnic tables, and fire rings at developed sites. A visitor commented, "Bath houses were clean and the trails were awesome!"

Campers frequently mention the region's water recreation opportunities as highlights of their stay. Several campgrounds offer boat ramps, fishing access, and water sports equipment rentals. Northwest River Park provides canoe rentals and multiple hiking trails, while Merchants Millpond State Park features a unique cypress swamp ecosystem. Family-friendly activities are prevalent at many locations, with Northwest River Park offering mini-golf, playgrounds, and open recreation areas. Some campgrounds maintain quiet, natural settings while others provide more developed facilities. A recent review noted, "There is a little tiny beach nearby and it provides a beautiful view during sunrise/sunset. There is not much else to do in the area but it is about an hour drive to the Outer Banks."

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Best Camping Sites Near South Mills, North Carolina (49)

    1. Northwest River Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Moyock, VA
    14 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. First Landing State Park Campground

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

    $28 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. North Landing Beach

    15 Reviews
    Knotts Island, VA
    20 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."

    4. Family Campground — Merchants Millpond State Park

    16 Reviews
    Gatesville, NC
    20 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."

    "The campsites are great with ample room for privacy, and easily accessible to the restrooms and trails around the pond."

    5. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    44 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    31 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"

    6. Sandy Point Resort Campground

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

    $20 - $60 / night

    "This location is great for that."

    7. Virginia Beach KOA

    37 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 428-1444

    "Zip lining is close by. Easy access to the troll to the beach is right on site. For as crowded as it was it really was not that loud. Great location to visit and enjoy the beach."

    "Definitely plenty to do and a short Uber distance to the World Famous Virginia Beach."

    8. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    12 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    22 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."

    9. Elizabeth City Lodging

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

    "There is a little tiny beach nearby & it provides a beautiful view in during sunrise/sunset. There is not much else to do in the area but it is about an hour drive to the OBX so not too bad."

    10. Chesapeake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Williamsburg, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 485-0149
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Recent Camping Photos near South Mills, NC

123 Photos of 49 South Mills Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near South Mills, NC

430 Reviews of 49 South Mills Campgrounds

Guide to South Mills

Camping near South Mills, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campers enjoy paddling around the local waterways. One visitor at Merchants Millpond State Park Campground mentioned, "We used our ebikes on the bike trail," highlighting the fun of exploring the area on water and land.
  • Beach Access: If you’re craving some sun and sand, North Landing Beach has a beach and pool, making it a great spot for swimming and relaxing. A reviewer said, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights."
  • Hiking Trails: For those who love to hike, False Cape State Park Campground offers beautiful trails. One camper noted, "The trails were nice too, we used our ebikes on the bike trail."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Northwest River Park & Campground said, "The bathrooms were brand new, showers were clean & HOT."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Holiday Trav-L-Park shared, "The staff was very attentive, friendly and always accessible!"
  • Activities for Kids: Families enjoy the variety of activities available. One parent at Virginia Beach KOA said, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Northwest River Park & Campground mentioned, "We stayed on a Memorial Day weekend though so maybe it is not typically like that."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A visitor at Holiday Trav-L-Park noted, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like False Cape State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper pointed out, "There was a little gift shop when you first came in, so if you really need something you can hike back out to get it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at North Landing Beach said, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights."
  • Plan for Noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider visiting during the week when it’s quieter. A camper at Northwest River Park & Campground mentioned, "Maybe would be better for camping mid-week when it's not so busy."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A visitor at Sandy Point Resort Campground enjoyed, "The whole area was pretty quiet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Virginia Beach KOA said, "The landscaping is very well kept. There are some sites that have plenty of shade, but a good amount of them don’t."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Holiday Trav-L-Park noted, "Campground fills up fast and sites are kinda close together."
  • Use Reservations: Booking ahead can help secure a good spot. A visitor at North Bayshore Campground mentioned, "We were able to get a campsite here, at a good price, very last minute."

Camping near South Mills, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near South Mills, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Mills, NC is Northwest River Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

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