62 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in the Swan Quarter area of North Carolina centers around water access, with numerous campgrounds situated along the Outer Banks and coastal waterways. Established sites at Rose Bay Preserve, Ocracoke Campground, and Goose Creek State Park Campground provide both tent and RV accommodations. Most locations offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive beach camping to full-hookup RV sites. The region's campgrounds range from developed facilities with modern conveniences to more rustic options near the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, all within driving distance of Swan Quarter.
Access to many campsites requires advance planning due to the region's popularity and ferry schedules. Most campgrounds in the Outer Banks area are accessible via paved roads, though some require ferry transportation, particularly to reach Ocracoke Island. Weather conditions significantly impact camping experiences, with high winds and occasional storms affecting coastal areas throughout the year. Summer brings higher temperatures, humidity, and insects, while fall and spring offer milder conditions. "This area is surrounded by low growing shrubbery with campsites that are mostly a very open park-like campground," according to one visitor describing Ocracoke Campground.
Several visitors highlight the natural beauty and solitude available, particularly during off-peak seasons. Campers at Ocracoke Campground appreciate the ability to camp near sand dunes with beach access just steps away. Sites along waterways, including Goose Creek State Park and Cape Hatteras locations, receive particularly positive reviews for their views and proximity to water activities. Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with some offering full hookups while others maintain a more primitive experience with limited facilities. Many campgrounds in the area feature good spacing between sites, though privacy can be limited in more open areas. A camper at Frisco Campground noted, "The natural mounds of sand and sea grass make for decent privacy, and depending on the spot you pick, the shore is just a few steps away."
"Beside state boat ramp access to anywhere
Next to ferry to Ocracoke too..."
"The new owner has been making upgrades around the property. Customers come first here! Thanks."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Paved, level parking pad on sandy grass sites tucked between the dunes and vegetation in Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the outer banks by of North Carolina."
"We spontaneously added two days onto our beach camping vacation at Bear Island and took the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke after being away from the island for 7 years. Ocracoke in itself is a gem."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Situated on Lake Mattamuskeet, beautiful sunsets. Bath houses on site. There’s even a small boat ramp for small skiffs. Fire pits and wood was provided."
"Goose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites."
"This campground is nestled in the tall North Carolina pines. There isn’t much shade though because the branches are mainly at the top."
from $17 - $75 / night
Check Availability"The walk to the beach is a bit long, maybe about 1/2 mile or so. We stayed here for a night in early November and the place was nearly empty."
"If you can't find a spot in one of the boutique or smaller national seashore locations you won't get skunked."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We usually overnight there on the way to the NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, though it is nice enough to justify a stay if you find yourself in the area."
"The access to the Outer Banks was awesome as always. This time we kayaked on the nearby scuppernong River. The swampy trip did not disappoint with wildlife or fishing."
from $27 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Campground is nice overall, there are multiple bathhouses and trash bins near the entrance. There are lots of bugs and ticks, tent space vary greatly from space to space."
"Depending on the spot you pick, the shore is a few steps away. You can drive to a small lot near the beach entrance if your lot is far away. The night sky is breathtaking."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"The location is fantastic. Everything is walking distance... restaurants, shops and the marina. The owner was very nice and helpful. Be aware the campsites are very close together."
"Walking distance to the waterfront. Very quiet environment."
"Off season and quiet, but very easy access in and out and a dune away from the Atlantic. The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow."
"Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hit tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season. Great dog park. They were having problems with cable.went in and out."
GuideThis was our second time staying here and we still loved it. We got a great spot with lots of shade and it has direct beach access. The only downside is the bathrooms and not great, the stalls are very small and the doors are left open so they are constantly filled with insects. Still, they have a store onsite and the staff are either very friendly or indifferent, depending on who you speak with.
GuideWe stayed for two nights in the primitive campground. The entire primitive campground was shady and felt ten degrees cooler than the visitors center & RV campground.
We stayed at site 14, the last site in the campground. We had a dock a short walk from our site, the goose creek trail right behind us, and a nice little beach area. The tent pad was a little too small for our tent, but there was plenty of space to set up camp.
The main swimming area of the park was a short drive down the road and a short walk. It was right on the river and perfect for our kiddos.
The proximity to water was awesome and the sunsets were beautiful. Too bad we don't fish, but plenty of places to fish or launch a kayak.
Super easy to pop into town to get anything you might have left at home or if you want to check out a neat historic district with lots to see.
TravelerQuiet, sounds of the ocean, easy walk to the beach, toilets, showers and water.
TravelerPeaceful, not a lot of people around, drive the beach end to end. I stayed out there for 7 days with my dog. They have restrooms and shower house, bring everything you need to survive for x amount of days, the ranger station does sell ice and gas if needed but that’s it. The ferry company was amazing to deal with it.
GuideFrisco Campground is a great no frills (no hookups and cold only campground showers) Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park.
We spent four nights in our Opus OP-13 camper. The campground was quiet and just a short walk over the dunes to the ocean.
ScoutLarge sites. On a river. Very attentive. Quiet. Limited full hookups but free pumpout 3 times/week
GuideThere are two kinds of campsites. Ones that buttress up against a common meadow and others that are “nooks”. Most sites are sheltered from the ocean wind by bushes and dunes. Very convenient access to beach. Biggest surprise and thrill was the star filled sky!! No city night pollution and no electricity for RV’s to hang their egregious lights everywhere thereby allowing the stars to truly shine! Bathrooms are clean but be advised . . . No warm water!! Cold showers only to rinse off from the salty ocean. Not so bad.
TravelerPaul was an incredible host. The property was pristine and we enjoyed it so much we stayed two extra nights. Will be back!
TravelerNice site and facilities, only down side is being close to a railroad with trains running day and night.
Camping sites near Swan Quarter, North Carolina focus on water access, with locations on Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Phelps, and the Pamlico River. Visitors need to plan for limited cell service at most sites, with AT&T coverage typically ranging from 1-3 bars in most locations. Fall camping offers the best experience with temperatures in the 60s-70s and significantly reduced insect activity compared to summer months.
Wildlife viewing around Lake Mattamuskeet: Osprey Nest Campground sits directly on Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina. "There's even a small boat ramp for small skiffs. Fire pits and wood was provided," notes Amanda E. about this lesser-known spot that's perfect for nature observation.
Fishing from multiple access points: At Goose Creek State Park Campground, campers have access to both dock fishing and kayak launching. "The park ranger told us about a neat program at the park, where they will loan out fishing poles for free, they are great poles and we ended up catching over 20 fish!" shares Maureen C. The park's combination of river and forest access creates diverse fishing opportunities.
Explore historic plantations: Near Pettigrew State Park Campground, visitors can tour Somerset Place, a historic plantation accessible via a 1.5-mile trail. "There is an out and back 1.5 mile trail, for a total of 3 miles, that follows the lake, taking you through the Somerset Place State Historic Site," explains Stirling C., who appreciated the historical context during their visit.
Quiet primitive camping options: The primitive camping area at Goose Creek State Park offers a completely different experience than the RV section. "We camped on the primitive side. Hardly anyone here. We took spot 4. Across from the clean pit toilet. They do have water. The area for rvs were packed and it wasn't as appealing as the primitive," notes Evelyn O.
Beach proximity at National Seashore sites: Frisco Campground provides unique beach access with natural dune protection. "This is the campground if you want to go beach camping. The natural mounds of sand and sea grass make for decent privacy. Depending on the spot you pick, the shore is a few steps away," explains Melanie P. who found the quiet beach experience ideal.
Waterside views and sunrise spots: Many campers specifically seek waterfront sites for the views. "Our campsite was right on the Pamlico river. There was a great spot to watch the sunrise/sunset directly behind our campsite with benches," shares Maureen C. about her experience at Goose Creek State Park.
Site selection impacts experience: At Cape Point Campground, site location determines your camping experience. "As you approach the last loop the loops are more broken up by shrubbery. Sites still are open," notes Roger W., who rates certain sites more highly: "K26, K21 - about the best it gets here."
Primitive facilities at many locations: Many campgrounds in the region have basic amenities. "Very basic sites with full shade. There are water spigots, no electricity, and very clean, non smelly vault toilets," explains Laura B. about Goose Creek State Park's primitive camping section.
Seasonal weather considerations: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides the best experience. "We had a wonderful late November five night, tent camping, surf fishing week at a wonderful, clean, quiet campground. I stayed in site D-17 and recommend any of those sites on the outer perimeter of D loop," advises Brandon M. about his off-season experience at Ocracoke Campground.
Kid-friendly water activities: Pettigrew State Park offers unique shallow-water swimming experiences. "The water is amazing! The deepest part of the lake is 9' so you are able to walk around most of the lake. My kids loved this," shares Justin C., who visited with children for a three-day trip.
Look for sites with natural play areas: Rose Bay Preserve provides convenient access to multiple water activities. "Beside state boat ramp, access to anywhere. Next to ferry to Ocracoke too..." explains Dan B., highlighting how the location serves as an excellent hub for family adventures.
Consider shower availability: When traveling with kids, shower facilities become essential. At Cape Hatteras KOA, "There is a freshwater shower at the entrance to the beach so that you can rinse off when you're done. The bathhouse was nice and clean," notes Rachael H., who found this particularly helpful with children.
Ferry and travel logistics: RVers need to plan ferry schedules carefully when accessing Ocracoke Island. "The facility is oceanfront. There are no roads to cross so the campground is oceanfront," shares Steve C. about Cape Hatteras KOA, but reaching some areas requires ferry planning.
RV site selection for privacy: At Teeter's Campground, site selection makes a significant difference for RVers. "Sites are small but manageable. The staff is great. $60 for peak season. Hook ups are well maintained. Walking distance to the waterfront," advises Matt T., who found the convenience worth the premium price.
Seasonal considerations for RVers: The best RV camping comes during off-peak times. "Went in November which is off season. Very quiet. People were super friendly. Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hot tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season," notes Sandy G., highlighting the trade-offs of off-season visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Swan Quarter, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Swan Quarter, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Swan Quarter, NC and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Swan Quarter, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swan Quarter, NC is Rose Bay Preserve with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swan Quarter, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Swan Quarter, NC.
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