Tent camping opportunities near Sunbury, North Carolina span across two states, with options ranging from cypress swamp ecosystems to coastal beaches. The region sits at low elevation, typically below 20 feet above sea level, creating unique wetland camping environments. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for the best tent camping near Sunbury, North Carolina.
What to do
Paddling exploration: At Merchants Millpond Canoe-In Campground, paddlers navigate through a unique cypress swamp ecosystem with abundant wildlife. One camper noted, "The cypress trees, swamp flora and fauna are amazing. One of my kids caught a gar, we saw a bald eagle's nest, snakes, frogs, turtles, and lily pads everywhere."
Wildlife viewing: Merchants Millpond State Park Backpack Campground offers opportunities to observe native wetland species. Visitors should bring binoculars for bird watching, as the park hosts numerous species including herons, osprey, and migratory waterfowl.
Beach activities: The coastal setting at False Cape State Park Campground provides swimming, shelling, and wildlife viewing. A visitor reported, "We saw dolphins playing in the ocean! The beach alive with crabs! Osprey catching fish! We saw an old graveyard and church steeple at Wash Woods, that's definitely worth the hike."
Hiking trails: Multiple trails wind through False Cape State Park, ranging from 1-7 miles in length. "There's tons of hiking, interesting things to see, beautiful nature... We walked to the North Carolina border. There's a Loveworks and a buoy that marks the southernmost Virginia State Park."
What campers like
Remote seclusion: Bennetts Creek Canoe In Campground requires significant effort to reach, located 4.5 miles by paddle from the main area. A camper shared, "My group and I stayed at the Benett's creek high ground primitive camp sites 1-3. It was a 4.5 mile paddle to the site, then roughly 1.5 down to the dock with a staged vehicle."
Private beach access: Campers at False Cape value the uncrowded shoreline. One reviewer noted, "Really there wasn't hardly anyone else out there, so it felt like we had our own private beach... Nothing better than a beach sunset. Plus there are a ton of different types of birds out there if you like wildlife."
Natural surroundings: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers well-spaced sites with natural features. "The sites were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice."
Kid-friendly features: Merchants Millpond's canoe campsites accommodate families well. A camper mentioned, "Our sites were not directly on the water. At first we were a little bummed the water front weren't available but it worked out for the best. Our sites were more private, a shorter walk to the pit toilet, and the trees provided a slight buffer from the tremendous sounds of the frogs at night!"
What you should know
Navigation challenges: The swamp environment at Merchants Millpond can be confusing. A camper warned, "The kayak/canoe round was not easy to navigate so bring your 3rd party map/GPS. The maps they provide are almost useless because it outlines the terrain but because it's a swamp the terrain changes with the water level."
Water conditions: The still water at Merchants Millpond Group Walk-In Sites presents specific challenges. A visitor cautioned, "This park was great but do recognize that is a true swamp. Alligators included. The water there does not move therefore is not recommended for filtering for consumption."
Motor restrictions: Boat access limitations apply at some sites. One camper shared, "If you don't plan on paddling with a kayak or maybe a canoe don't risk it. I was going to take a Jon boat with a trolling motor and there are countless limbs and the overgrowth is terrible you will not make it through."
Access requirements: Reaching False Cape requires significant effort. "The park is 5+ miles from the Little Island Park Parking lot, where you have to park if you're staying overnight. So, you have to hike, bike or boat into the primitive campground because its access is blocked by Back Bay Wildlife Refuge."
Tips for camping with families
Plan transportation carefully: For False Cape with children, consider bicycle trailers. One parent explained, "My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear. The kids loved riding through Back Bay, and all of us enjoyed having the beach essentially to ourselves."
Consider site location: At Sandy Bottom, the tent sites require a short hike. A reviewer noted, "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate."
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly for children. "Bring bug spray--we went in May and the bugs were already overwhelming--including many, many ticks."
Time visits seasonally: For quality tent camping near Sunbury, avoid summer heat when possible. "We came in mid-June and the weather was gorgeous - 80s during the day and 60s at night. There were some biting flies and mosquitos but nothing a little bug spray couldn't take care of."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only areas: Most campgrounds near Sunbury prioritize tent camping, with limited RV facilities. Merchants Millpond primarily accommodates tent camping, with group sites requiring walk-in access and no electric hookups or water connections at most primitive sites.
Access limitations: RVs cannot reach False Cape State Park. As one camper noted, "The Park is a serene oasis away from traffic, no RVs, not a lot of people. A great place to get away from it all!"
Parking restrictions: Vehicle size limits apply at most area campgrounds. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, large vehicles must use designated lots, with gear transported separately to campsites located away from parking areas.
