Best Tent Camping near Southport, NC

Coastal areas surrounding Southport, North Carolina offer several tent camping options with beach and water access. Freeman Park in Carolina Beach provides primitive tent-only camping directly on the beach, with designated sites available from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, located about 45 miles northwest of Southport, features walk-in tent sites with greater privacy and natural surroundings. Black River Camping Ventures offers riverside primitive tent camping with basic amenities in a secluded setting approximately one hour from the Southport area.

Tent campsites at Freeman Park require a 4x4 vehicle for access and special techniques for securing tents in sand. Instead of traditional stakes, campers must use sand-filled bags tied to tent corners and buried for stability. Basic amenities include pit toilets and limited trash cans. Lake Waccamaw's tent sites require a quarter-mile walk from parking areas to reach campsites, with sites 4 and 5 particularly distant from bathroom facilities. The park provides fire rings, picnic tables, and food prep counters at each site. Black River sites include portable toilets, non-potable water pumps, and trash cans at each location, with fire pits but no grates for cooking.

Seasonal timing significantly impacts the tent camping experience in this region. A camper at Freeman Park noted, "Camping here can be very hit-or-miss depending on the time of year. February-March and September-November are best to avoid the chaotic party scene." High tides present safety concerns for beach camping, with one visitor reporting that "a super high king tide completely covered the camp sites in the morning." At Lake Waccamaw, campers experience natural sounds including "bullfrogs, peepers, and owls calling all night," though mosquitoes can be voracious despite repellent application. The lake itself offers swimming in shallow waters and excellent fishing opportunities, making it ideal for tent campers seeking water recreation without the crowds of ocean beaches.

Best Tent Sites Near Southport, North Carolina (8)

    1. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Kure Beach, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 500-6465

    "No shade in this campground, but the location is everything! Basically a manicured field with cement pads and hookup poles."

    "Nice tent sites. Very close to the beach. Great view of the river. Has shop, rental center, and fishing pier within walking distance of the camping area."

    2. Freeman Park

    9 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-4614

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Freeman Park is a beach area located in Carolina Beach. It's the place to take your 4x4 vehicle, your friends, kids, and dogs, and have some fun in the sand, wind, and waves."

    "Winds can be high and tents are a challenge to secure in loose sand. Also CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit."

    3. Whispering Pines Nudist Resort

    1 Review
    Sunset Beach, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 287-6404

    4. Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lake Waccamaw, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 646-4915

    $17 / night

    "This campground is very beautiful - clean amenities, and only a few well-kept campsites with fire rings, grills and several picnic benches."

    "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."

    5. Cypress Ranch Glamping

    1 Review
    Sunset Beach, NC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 880-2256

    6. River Island Adventures

    3 Reviews
    North Myrtle Beach, SC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 882-7487

    $40 - $65 / night

    "The workers were a joy to be around and very attentive. Our campsite was amazing"

    7. Black River Camping Ventures

    2 Reviews
    Ivanhoe, NC
    44 miles
    +1 (910) 669-2392

    $45 / night

    "This campground is situated right along the Black River in Bladen County NC. Approximately 1 hour from Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville."

    8. Virginia Creek Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Holly Ridge, NC
    41 miles
    +1 (910) 329-4648
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Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Southport, NC

235 Reviews of 8 Southport Campgrounds



Guide to Southport

Tent camping near Southport, North Carolina, offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy a short walk to the beach from the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, where you can soak up the sun and surf.
  • Experience the thrill of kite flying at the annual Kite Festival, which draws many visitors to the area, especially near Fort Fisher.
  • Explore the scenic beauty of Freeman Park, where you can camp right on the beach and enjoy activities like fishing and beachcombing.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Tent camping at Freeman Park typically ranges from $30 to $50 per night, depending on the season and availability.
  • At Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground, prices are affordable, making it a great option for families looking to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
  • Camping at Black River Camping Ventures offers a unique experience with prices that reflect its primitive charm.

Amenities Tent Campers Appreciate

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Southport, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Southport, NC is Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Southport, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Southport, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.