Campgrounds near Swan Quarter, North Carolina offer varied options for overnight stays across the coastal plains. Located at approximately 5 feet above sea level, the region experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers typical of the Inner Banks. Road conditions in the area can be affected by coastal flooding, particularly during hurricane season from June through November.
What to do
Beach exploration: 25 miles from Ocracoke Campground, visitors find pristine shorelines accessible via a short walk from campsites. "There is just a short walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Just down the road from the campground is the quaint town of Ocracoke," notes Cynthia R.
Kayaking: Available at multiple locations including Twin Lakes Resort where water access points connect to larger waterways. "Big lake that runs to the ocean," mentions Riley, while another camper, Charles L., notes "Small lakes, canals, access to bay to outer banks."
Fishing: Popular at Goose Creek State Park Campground where both bank fishing and dock access are available. "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.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Abundant across the region, particularly at coastal wetlands where migratory birds gather. At Dixon Landing RV Resort, campers enjoy "fish jumping, quiet and relaxing. On the water so you can put your kayaks in and paddle the creek," according to Rhonda S.
Waterfront settings: Popular with most campers who appreciate shoreline access. Sara M. explains Dixon Landing offers "absolute quiet, waking up to sunrise glinting off the wide river in every window, fishing from the banks, land and sea wildlife, gorgeous sunsets over the river, and hearing whip-or-wills serenade after sunset."
Spacious sites: Vary considerably between campgrounds but remain a priority for campers. "The lots are spacious with a good view of the water," Victor A. says of Twin Lakes Resort, while Sara M. notes Dixon Landing sites are "long, very wide (you have to actually walk over to talk to neighbors) and mostly level side-to-side."
What you should know
Ferry access: Required for some destinations with varying schedules throughout the year. Sara M. mentions "It was about 90 minutes (including 2 ferry rides) to reach the Cape Lookout National Park and lighthouse."
Cell service: Variable throughout the region with coastal areas showing significant differences. At Camp Hatteras RV Resort, campers report "The internet is terrible so if you're working from home, have a hotspot. AT&T does much better in this area. We have Verizon and it was spotty," according to Sarah A.
Seasonal conditions: Affect camping experience with shoulder seasons often preferred. "We camped for the night. Our little spot (D25) had a paved drive that I could back into, a grill and a picnic table. So everything you need really. It dog legged off to the right into to smaller trees witch we took advantage of as a wind break," Kyle I. notes about Ocracoke Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Vary between saltwater and pools at different rv campgrounds near Swan Quarter. At Camp Hatteras, Robin B. shares, "Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend."
Playground access: Available at select locations including Cedar Island Ranch which offers additional activities. "Playground, dog park, horseback riding, SUP rentals, beach volleyball, community fire pit, boat ramp, dump station, post office," notes Lee D. about Cedar Island Ranch.
Wildlife education: Popular with children at several locations where natural habitats are preserved. "Tons of turtles," says Elizabeth D. about Twin Lakes Resort, while others mention deer sightings at multiple campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Critical for larger rigs as some parks have limited big-rig access. At Hatteras Sands Campground, Carrie G. notes "The spaces are VERY TIGHT! Our 37' motorcoach was about the biggest is like to pull in. If the campground had been packed it would have been touchy at best."
Weather considerations: Include potential flooding in coastal rv campgrounds Swan Quarter visitors might consider. "During my first nights stay we had a very heavy thunderstorm which lasted several hours. This caused my tent to flood as the grass fields if the campsite were totally waterlogged," Andy K. reports about Hatteras Sands.
Hookup variability: Different between parks with many offering partial connections only. Chip G. says about Ocracoke, "This is a nice campground. The price is good, it is clean and the spaces are large enough and not too close. It is a bit rustic with no hookups."
