Tent camping near Southport, North Carolina offers options beyond the immediate coastline, with several less-crowded alternatives within an hour's drive. The southeastern North Carolina climate allows for camping throughout most of the year, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable temperatures between 60-80°F. Winter camping is possible with proper gear, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Kayaking on Black River: Black River Camping Ventures provides direct river access for paddling adventures approximately one hour from Southport. "The 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," shares camper Taylor B.
Fishing opportunities: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area includes fishing access points for military personnel and their families. "They have a rental facility for surfboards, umbrellas, kids toys, etc... and fishing pier within walking distance of the camping area," notes Bonnie F. The facility requires Department of Defense ID for entry.
Water activities: River Island Adventures offers multiple water-based experiences alongside tent camping. According to Cherish C., "They offer kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, camping, glamping, night paddles with 6 different kinds of smores!! And the super cool Escape River Island which is 10 challenges like survivor or amazing race or escape room or something."
What campers like
Beachfront camping experience: Freeman Park provides direct beach camping access with designated sites. Katy S. advises, "The camping is allowed on the beach Labor Day through Memorial Day, but might require a permit. In the past, the permit was required only after April 1, so we always tried to come in February or March, when the weather is nice but not too hot."
Quiet lakeside settings: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground offers a different water experience than ocean camping. One camper notes, "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."
Privacy between sites: Black River Camping Ventures provides more secluded camping than beachfront locations. "You cannot understand how peaceful, quiet and tucked away this campground is until you arrive. Be ready to be greeted by large oaks and pines that provide massive shade in the warmer months and beautiful, colorful foliage in the fall," explains Taylor B.
What you should know
Sand camping techniques: At Freeman Park, traditional tent stakes won't work in beach sand. Katy S. explains, "Remember, when camping on sand, you don't need stakes. Instead you bring 4 plastic bags, fill them with sand, tie the tent corners to the bags and bury them in the sand. This will prevent your tent from flying away."
Tidal awareness: Coastal camping requires understanding tide patterns for safety. A Freeman Park camper warns about significant tidal changes: "CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit. A high Queen tide came near the camp spots at night while a super high king tide COMPLETELY COVERED the camp sites in the morning!!"
Seasonal crowds: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area offers military-only camping with varying seasonal experiences. Erin S. notes, "The campground is about a 30 minute drive to Wilmington. I would visit here again because the price is decent, but I wouldn't go out of the way."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water for children: Lake Waccamaw provides family-friendly swimming areas. Kathryn W. shares, "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters."
Campsite accessibility: For families with young children or lots of gear, consider site location carefully. Kristin T. warns about Lake Waccamaw: "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."
Bug protection: Insect preparedness is essential for tent camping Southport, North Carolina and surrounding areas. Sara H. at Lake Waccamaw advises, "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" Another camper adds that "mosquitos were pretty voracious despite liberal application of repellent."
Tips from RVers
Military facility considerations: River Island Adventures provides both tent camping and RV options with clean facilities. Moriah H. notes, "They have a very clean port-a-john by the campsites, and a hot outdoor shower + a regular bathroom at their outpost across from the sites. Very friendly staff as well!"
Hookup locations: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area offers RV sites with some limitations. As Erin S. explains, "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. They were in the process of repaving the sites during the stay, so there were some that were pristine and others with bits of rebar sticking out of them."
Check-in logistics: Military campgrounds may have unique check-in procedures. E G. suggests at Fort Fisher: "Recommend parking at your site, then going to check in. Not much space to turn around at the office. They also have boone dock and electric only spots."
