Best Glamping near Southport, NC

+ Super friendly and helpful team members - from office check in process to any questions I had about the campground, RV'ing, nearby places to go…these folks were about as kind and thoughtful as it gets!

+ Loved the location so close the beach and nearby grocery, gas, activities

+ The escort folks get 5 stars for being SUPER and patient at assisting new campers back up their rig

+ Trolley service to the beach :)

- The trolley service wasn't operating the day I wanted to go (though it is off-season and good help may be hard to find.) A text feature for the office to notify campers of any unforeseen schedule changes would be welcome.

Overall, I loved this spot, and that was largely due to the people who worked there. Very kind and did a thorough job of orienting me to their campground, amenities, and policies. I liked the rustic dirt roads throughout the campground, and the wifi was solid, so a nice mix of nature and modern amenities. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because they are actively adding features and sites, including glamping, and maybe even some sort of lazy river, so I want to leave room to do an updated 5* review when I go back!

We were looking for a last minute place, close to the coast. Found this campground by chance. Reasonably priced during peak season. We stayed 2 weeks, had a large campsite (probably hit or miss on site size), and really enjoyed our stay. Quiet site, not a lot on amenities, but nice wooded areas, friendly staff, and 20 minutes to Holden beach, 20 minutes to Southport. Really great location, would definitely stay again.

Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to. The sites are nice and secluded, just how I like them. Most of the sites are tent sites, but they have a few full hookup sites for RVs and some cabins to rent too. All of the sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.

Within the park, there are tons of hiking trails through a really beautiful area. I hear the fishing is also really good within the park, but I've never done it myself. The only downside is you can't swim within the park, because the currents can get dangerous. The beach is only like 5 minutes away though, so not really a big deal.

As for the beach, it's my favorite one to go to in the states. I like it because it's not really touristy like the outer banks or myrtle beach. Not a whole lot of people come to it, so it's always pretty secluded and clean. In July, the water temperature is perfect, the waves are nice, and it's great all around.

Awesome spot in NC.

I have camped with a large group of friends at site #2 a couple of times, but this weekend, I wanted to camp with just my two boys, and site #5 (the yurt site) was available.  This site was new since I had camped here last.  It said it slept 6 and the website showed a pic of two beds; I *assumed* there would be four more, since it slept 6.

Long story short, just 2 beds.  But the worst part was weeds growing up through the floorboards, ripped screens, doors that wouldn't zip completely, and two (purposeful) holes at the top that surely let in mosquitoes!  The boy who slept at ground level is completely bitten up, despite me spraying everyone with bug spray and using my tennis racket-style bug zapper to clear out the yurt before bed.

Our trash can was completely full (I mean, at least there's a trash can, but we could hardly use it). Our fire ring was full of ashes and the grate was jammed down.  The previous campers had left us a few jugs of water but also small pieces of trash scattered about.  What I'm trying to say was that this site was not maintained between the last visitors and us.

The campground, though, is awesome if you like roughing it.  You are allowed, thankfully, to drive to your site, but it's a hike to walk to the running water toilets, and I saw lots of people drive to them.  There is a closer pit toilet but I didn't check that out.

The lake is beautiful, shallow, warm, good fishing, fun for everyone!  Bullfrogs, peepers, and owls called all night.  Dragonflies galore flew about.  It's rustic, but relaxing.  And the visitor's center has a nice exhibit on the Carolina Bays.

We stayed in site 5 for 11 days. The Yurt had been removed but the platform stayed. We were able to get up our large tent on the platform and have enough space for our chairs. The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters. We kayaked and fished while we were here. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn’t need anything and kept the trash can empty. All the locals we spoke to we friendly! The down side is you are a long walk to the toilets. This is primitive so no power or water at the site. We absolutely loved it and plan to come back again!

Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!

The campsites are lovely and the facilities are nice. The rangers are friendly and informative. The trails were gorgeous; winding through other - worldly landscapes, containing carnivorous plants. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because there is no swimming allowed anywhere in the park. Drive for a few miles (like 5 mins), however, and you can swim to your heart's content!

We checked out this park on a visit to Wilmington. Sites are wooded/shaded and seemed quite secluded. Lots of hiking trails available as well as coastline. Fun activities too- paddle boarding, boating, etc. The bathroom appeared to be well kept too. If we return to the Wilmington area we will definitely spend a few days here!

Carolina Beach State Park is a great place to visit! You can drive out on the beach for the day and it is never crowded. The weather is usually nice and the beach is clean. It is great for those who own 4wd vehicles.

This campground is right by the water, inlet of the Cape Fear River. It's about a 5 min drive to Carolina Beach. The area is intertwined with a few short 1-2 mile trails. There's a small marina and it's very popular during the weekend for boaters. Kayaking is also available. One of the trails has a small beach access, great area to take your dog or fish. Swimming is not allowed.

There's a Food Lion grocery store nearby. Amazing place called Wake N Bake donuts. Also, if you enjoy beer, Good Hops Brewery, who also has a disc gold course in the backyard. Kure Beach also has a good size course.

Highly recommended!

Great place to get close to nature. See great wildlife, and get out and see new things

You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!

Excellent facilities and only a drive to the beach. Cool marina near check-in area too

Loved camping near the sound, my beagle chased raccoons all night. Very clean lots of deer to see as well.

I love the Carolina state beach park, one of my favorite places to go. It's relaxing and inviting and have wonderful memories from my childhood. I can't wait to bring my children so they can cherish the same memories. Campgrounds were so nice, and I we always found green tree frogs every where, even in the showers. I love how close it is to the beach.

My first visit to Carolina Beach State Park was an excellent one. It was May a few years ago, and even though the water wasn't quite warm enough to swim in yet, the trip was still an awesome one. The ocean beach isn't actually in the park, but there is access to Cape Fear River. I didn't have a boat (and I still don't), but people keep there boats at the marina and they make strolls through the park a bit more exciting. Campground had nice bathrooms and showers. There was plenty of space to stretch out and throw the frisbee around our campground.

I would recommend walking by the marina around sunset for cool views of the water with the sun setting in the west.

I camped here with some friends late May. We had a wooded campground with plenty of space for multiple tents. We were just a short walk away from showers and bathrooms. The facilities were decently clean and nice. There was a beautiful inlet we could walk to and a marina that we enjoyed exploring. And just a few miles to the beach!

Close to the beach, but lots of woods to give shade and privacy, plus hang your hammock. Enough trails to tire you out on as well. Very lovely.

Our family has tent camped here twice and recently reserved a camp cabin for a week this summer. This is a quiet and spacious campground mere miles from Carolina Beach at a price that's hard to beat. We tent camp here around $30 a night for a tent site. Each site is very large and spacious. It could could comfortably fit 2 tents and a car.

This Campground offers bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings. Dogs allowed, but not in the cabins. Plenty of walking trails.

Campground is flat and shaded, although there are some primative group sites away from the main campground but they don't have as much shade. Grocery store is maybe 6 miles away.

Love camping here in the late fall (November). It's not crowded, there's no bugs. The campsites are pleasant. There is excellent Thai takeout from Ida Thai if you don't feel like cooking over the campfire.

Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!! They will get close to you at nighttime. Bathhouse was clean and close by. Picked a sight on the waterway side. Throughly enjoyed walking back behind my camp site to the water!! Trails weren't as great as I'd expected. But still a nice day hiking around. Can't wait to go back again!!!

Love visiting this park. The rangers do such a great job with the sites! And the location is awesomeness. Tons to do! I try to get back as often as possible!

I love staying at Carolina Beach State Park! Very close to the beach, you can drive it ride a bike there.

The hiking trails are well maintained and way to follow.

I stayed here on a whim. I was alone, but I felt safe. The park staff was friendly and very helpful. The trails were wonderful. Definitely bring the bug spray. They don't allow swimming at the beach, but there are some lovely, free beaches just a few miles down the coast as well as some adorable shops, amazing donuts and a boardwalk. I saw an amazing Pitcher plant while I was there. The landscape is very unique and there are miles of trails throughout. I highly recommend this place to anyone who will listen!

We love the campsite itself. Can get a little buggy in the summer due to the wetlands nearby. Also always seems to be more humid than most coastal areas ( maybe the campground is more sheltered, not sure). Our main issue is the gate being closed at 10pm. It once looked like we were going to be late, with our small baby. We called to let the staff know, and were told that if we arrived late we would have to walk from the main gate with our camping gear and baby. Fortunately we made it with a minute to spare (literally! We passed the wardens on the way in).

Well maintained sites, clean bathrooms, and sites include nice fire rings. There is currently a lot of burned forest area through the trails but a short hike will take you from your campsite to the water for an amazing view. The sites are a bit cramped but still do well at providing a moderate amount of privacy. I will definitely go back and enjoyed my stay here during the off season.

Stayed here while working in the area. Pretty nice campsites. Raccoons are bad and always crowded. Still a good place to stay and right by Kure beach