Top Tent Camping near Swan Quarter, NC

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Best Tent Sites Near Swan Quarter, NC (2)


Recent Tent Reviews In Swan Quarter

321 Reviews of 2 Swan Quarter Campgrounds


  • Michelle L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Phoenix Farms Vineyard
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Phoenix Farms Vineyard

    Beautiful

    The hosts are friendly, and the fire is warm. It's so fun to see all of the animals. The property is beautiful, and the camp spot is private. We have plenty of space for our RV. Feeling thankful!

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Campground & Marina
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Cedar Creek Campground & Marina

    Great Campground ⛺️

    Quiet campground, great views of the ocean and Marsh. 

    Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Apr. 12, 2024

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Great Ocean Beach Destination

    Great KOA park with one row of dunes to cross to the ocean beach that depending on your site is only about 5 min walk. The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers. The have laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries, camping essentials and gifts. Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well. Wifi is marginal but they reported they have equipment on order to improve. We had spot along the dunes with covered patio with picnic table and a fire ring (no barbeques). The beach is wonderful. Great restful destination. We will definitely return.

  • Aurora W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Feb. 15, 2024

    Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Frisco made me fall in love with camping

    My first camping experience and it was absolutely amazing! the beach was super close, extremely secluded- it genuinely felt like we were the only people there. Not to long of a drive to get to more “developed” parts of OBX AND the bathrooms were clean. The only down side that trip was the TERRIBLE wind on night one but aye that’s camping for you. 10/10 will go back again and can’t WAIT to do so.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jan. 5, 2024

    Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Loved the Easy Beach Access

     This was the third of the four Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore campgrounds we stayed in. It had a similar feel to the Oregon Inlet campground. It’s also $28/night, and like the others, you must reserve the site through recreation.gov. We pulled in without a reservation, picked a spot, then pulled up the app and reserved and paid. Recreation.gov doesn’t charge a service fee, which is nice. 

    We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach. Campground was quiet and peaceful. We stayed here during off season in early November so I’d imagine it’s probably a completely different vibe in the summer. Watch out for spiny sand spurs(?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas. 

    OK cell service, Verizon was a little slow but ATT was ok. Wide open sky for solar panels and starlink. Loop D does not allow generator use at any time. 

    Dumpsters available, as well as plastic, glass, and aluminum recycling bins.

    No wood fires allowed here.

    Some sites have power and water for $35/night. There’s a dump station and water fill available. Like the other two campgrounds we stayed at, the showers are in this short door outhouse type setup, and our understanding is that the water is cold. We did not use the showers. 

    We were traveling south along the Outer Banks and the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke was very easy to ride with our 26ft class c RV, and it was free.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Jan. 5, 2024

    Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    OK, not great

    Campground is 1 of the 4 within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore. Cost here is only $20/night (the others are $28). No hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water fill on your way out. Cell service is good. 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. There were one or two campers per loop, so the campground was nice and open and quiet. I think that during the busy season it would be an unpleasant stay, as the sites are all right next to each other, side by side, just big grassy area. Sites are large though, which was nice. 

    We didn’t use the showers but I believe they are cold showers. The set up is almost like an outdoor shower, with a short door and a pull rope for the water. Watch out for spiny sand spurs (?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas. 

    Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov. It was easy to pull up with no reservation, pick a site, then reserve and pay online. No service fee through this site. 

    No wood fires allowed here. Each site has a picnic table and grill, nothing else.

    Dumpsters available, but no recycling bins. Not sure if North Carolina segregates recycling after pickup.

  • terri L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Island Ranch
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Cedar Island Ranch

    Beautiful Area

    This campground was great. They have horseback riding on grounds and the ferry to Ocracoke is literally right there. Bath house older but clean. There’s a small beach and store. Staff was outstanding. Only complaint were the ruts in the dirt roads. They need filling in. And don’t stay near trees because the mosquitoes were awful.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jerniman's Campground
    Nov. 24, 2023

    Jerniman's Campground

    Located Just Outside of Orcacoke

    Jernimans- Ocracoke , NC: Looks to be a place for seasonal access to the cute town of Ocracoke.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Usage during visit: Pretty empty this time of year. Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Road Noise: Some sites are adjacent to gravel parking area which separates the campground from the highway. Through Traffic in campground: None Electricity : Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: Outskirts of town. Weather: Upper 60s for highs Bugs: None this time of year Solar: Yes Rig size: Looks like a big rig would be fine, but best to double check. I saw an about 30’ rig. Sites: Nothing special about the sites except just on the edge of Ocracoke. Note pictures.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area - CLOSED
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area - CLOSED

    Great Private Sites

    Neuse River Flanners Beach Campground: Most sites have visual privacy (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $ $10 + $5 per night for electricity w interagency pass Usage during visit: Pretty full. Unable to obtain a reservation for an extended period.
    Site Privacy: Almost all sites has a nice degree of privacy with trailer in site.
    Site Spacing: Very good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes. You better. Campground Noise: Quiet. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Available Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. At entrance. Potable Water Available: Scattered spigots Generators:
    Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Not that I saw.
    Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Deciduous forest. Weather: 70 degrees today. Bugs: Not noticeable. Solar: Too much tree cover Host: Yes Rig size: Some sites will fit large rigs. A careful drive in Campground will surely be required. Sites: Almost all sites are good. Some of the least private sites are: 13,20,27,29

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Beach to Ourselves in November

    Ocracoke - National Park campground in Ocracoke, NC: We stayed here in November a couple years ago. This time we drove through only for this review. We remembered how our previous November visit was so delightful. Crowds were absent at the campground, on the beach and in town. Lovely.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Overall Rating: 3 Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light Site Privacy: Mostly a very open park like campground surrounded by low growing shrubbery. Site Spacing: Moderate Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Quiet.
    Road Noise: Not located near a highway.
    Through Traffic in campground: No reason for a drive through. Best sites are on the outer loop, but there will be more traffic as campers come and go. Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Flush toilets Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Yes Setting: Very open park like bordered by sand dunes Weather: High in Themis 60s when we drove through Bugs: Not this time of year. Solar: Very good solar Host: On duty. Their sites are near the entry Rig size: Large rigs can find a spot Sites: Most sites do not offer much if any visual privacy. Among our favorites, that offer some visual privacy after the trailer is backed in the site are B1, D1, D3, D5, D23, D25, D37. Other better sites: A1,7, B3,5,12, C1,3,5,7, D7,9,13,15,17,19,27,30. Some of these sites are pictured below.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Nov. 18, 2023

    Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Best in Hatteras NSS

    Frisco: The best camp sites in all of Hatteras NSS are in this campground. It is just north of Ocracoke- Hatteras Ferry. There are some sites with views and some sites with privacy - Every site here is better than the open park like setting at the other Hatteras NSS campgrounds. . Dense oak and juniper shrubs break up the campground and give a degree of separation to sites….. Frisco closes for the season on Nov 27. Sad. Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke remain open. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). Desire for at least moderately secluded campsites to be offered is important to me. Overall Rating: 4.5. More privacy offered here than Oregon Inlet where we also stayed. Least of campsites are better, in my opinion, than Oregon Inlet. No electricity here, though!
    Beach Access: boardwalk P1 and P 29: Price 2023: $14 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light Site Privacy: Some great sites Site Spacing: Good Site surface: Blacktop. Our site was pretty level. Reservations: Required. Campground Noise: Quiet as can be.
    Road Noise: Far from a road Through Traffic in campground: No reason. The perimeter road on the right side is going to see more traffic. That’s because campers will be driving to their sites on the one way interior roads - when it’s busy. However, there are great sites on the perimeter . Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: No. We will use the dump station at Oregon Inlet when we drive out of the Outer Banks. Potable Water Available: Yes. At restrooms. Generators: Allowed.
    Bathroom: Clean. Flush Toilets. Showers: Cold water and breezy. Pull Throughs: A couple. Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars. Setting: Dense low shrubs between sites. Weather: Sunny and cloudy days. Highs are low to upper 60s. Always some wind. Lows are in the 50s Bugs: Not this time of year Solar: Great when sunny. Host: I don’t believe there was one furing our stay - late in the season. Rig size: Large rigs okay in selected sites. Sites: P6 is cozy little sight, no view, but the picnic table is in a cozy little very shaded area. Ideal for warmer weather - tables in SHADED/PRIVATE picnic area: P8, P10, P40, to a lesser degree-D4, D5 , F1 PRIVACY: A2, A3,A4(picnic table and grill down a short hill from site.) A6 D2, P46, P48,P49,P50, P55,P56 through P62 even, P9(picnic table, a few yards from trailer site.) P17, P65, P67, P69, P71, P22, P24, B1, B5, B7, B4, B6, P26, P28, P26, P30, VIEW of distant ocean: P66, P57, P51( our delightful sight - splendid view), P61(a peak of a view- less privacy), P73(pull over site, no privacy- great view of ocean.), P67(very splendid view of dunes, not ocean)

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Nov. 16, 2023

    Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Open Park Like

    Cape Point. - Hatteras NP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for at least moderately secluded campsites and a picnic area that is a bit tucked away. ) Overall Rating: 2.5. Too open for me. Less character than Oregon Inlet as far as I am concerned. Price 2023: $ $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Almost empty. Closes soon. Site Privacy: Not very good . Luke’s eight through CO2 open, not broken up. Site Spacing: Decent Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: Outside loop as approach entry will have most campground traffic Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. You will see it just before you enter cg. Potable Water Available: Yes. Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes Showers: Cold and open to wind. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Open parklike. As you approach the last loop the loops are more broken up by shrubbery. Sites still are open. Weather: eyes in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Windy Bugs: none Solar: good. Rig size: can accommodate larger rigs. Sites: K26, K21 - about the best it gets here.

  • Jamie H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hatteras Sands Campground
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Hatteras Sands Campground

    Poor Management- aggressive and rude staff!

    This is an extremely long review but please read and beware before staying at Hatteras Sands! My family and I are frequent campers at HS; we usually come down twice a year for the past several years. Until now all of our experiences have been stellar and even though Hatteras Sands is a little run down in some areas we liked staying because the staff was friendly and accommodating. I do not know what has happened(perhaps new management or ownership) but things are severely lacking in the customer service department. Let me preface by saying I witnessed the below events and was completely shocked by the behavior and level of unprofessionalism in which things were handled. My cousin rented a double lot and was told even though she paid for the double lot that since she had two cars she would need to pay an extra$100 for the second vehicle to park. She paid this$100 as well as an additional$75 for her mother to be able to come and use the overflow parking which is nothing more than a grassy lot next to a bunch of junk. She proceeded to park her additional vehicle in the space next to her camper as instructed. While cooking dinner we were being watched by a male outside the office and as we sat down to dinner the female“manager” and male rode over on their golf cart to inform us that our fire needed a cover over it if we were not cooking; no problem, this was an oversight on our part. Then miss manager advised that we needed to move said vehicle to the overflow parking even though my cousin had a double lot and paid$100 extra for parking. I proceeded to get into a heated argument with the woman, she refused to listen and was extremely rude. She made sure to say“I’m the manager who runs things here”…Was I in the wrong for yelling? Perhaps I was but she informed us that the owner of the campground would be calling; great! They never called… The next day my aunt and cousin went to the office to discuss the matter calmly to which the manager was very condescending, rude and unwilling to have any kind of dialogue. She instructed them to leave the office immediately; which they did without further conversation or argument. The same male from the previous night proceeded to follow them on his golf cart and confront my aunt screaming at her and telling her to“go smoke some more meth”. We assume because we are residents of West Va. He said this in front of my 9 year old son and two other small children. This was highly unprofessional and utterly uncalled for. At this point she is in fear that this man is going to potentially harm her or her children. She proceeded to pack up her entire site and the children while this same male sat at an empty cabin nearby and watched her the entire time. Creepy! Finally…the owner did call; she was very nice and did her best to rectify the situation. But the damage had already been done the result being a partial refund for the remainder of the days left on their reservation and my cousin moving to a campground down the road. To me this is not acceptable; she should have been give a full refund. Later we were shocked to find out the aggressive male is not even an employee of the campground but a subcontractor who performs odd jobs and the boyfriend of the so-called manager. They actually live in an area at the back of the office. They both made everyone feel unsafe and uncomfortable not to mention the derogatory meth comment. A word to the owner- this is not how to do business. You need to check in on your employees from time to time. Allowing such behavior is appalling and they will put you out of business if things continue on this way. I have read other reviews, we are not the only ones to have these issues. My cousin, my husband and myself as well as my mother in law; we all paid and we all saw and heard what happened first hand. We know many who frequent this establishment and we will be telling them all about this experience. More than anger I feel disappointment at the entire situation. This was a wonderful place where many memories were made and now ruined by a poor management team.

  • Sarah A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    Spot 380 the way to go!

    We got in during a tight time of year in the most sought after spot…and we understand why it is!!! Right on the sand just yards away from the water on the sound side. Sunset in your backyard. Was definitely breezy but perfect to bring the heat down a little. Super chill campground with amenities nearby. 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. No streaming capability, but that makes for a tech free in the moment experience! You are right on top of your neighbor, but it still feels private, especially if you get the end unit. However, if you don’t want the entire campground of people near your site at sunset, don’t ask for a sound site on the end :)

  • Raquel R.
    Camper-submitted photo from St Clair Landing Family Campground
    Jul. 28, 2023

    St Clair Landing Family Campground

    Beautiful

    We had an amazing time! The view of the Sound is incredible, particularly during sunset. You can watch kite surfers during the day. They have their own access point for the Sound. They have bathrooms, laundry machines. My site did not have dumping connections but they do have an On-Site dumping station you can use. It was quiet and peaceful. Would definitely stay again.

  • Sarah A.
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Jul. 28, 2023

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Great lil spot

    Super close to a beautiful beach, there really are no bad spots, but you are very close to your neighbors and no shade. A bit pricey - we chose a pull through w electric and water, but wished we had gone with full hookup. Bathrooms are ok - I did see other people’s hair and could’ve been cleaner. Some of the doors were broken and wouldn’t lock. Great pet area and the staff is super nice.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Jul. 19, 2023

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Why KOA - it’s easy on Hatteras

    Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Great people who visit and stay at the grounds. You feel as though you have never met a stranger even if they come from as far away as Quebec or Minnesota.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Waves Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Ocean Waves Campground

    Great Beach But Eh

    There are four tent-specific sites and I got the best one, right by the berm that separates the campground from the beach. The beach is the very best aspect of Ocean Waves, but the campground itself is jam-packed with RVs parked cheek to jowl, the bathrooms are serviceable but muggy and worn, and the staff aren’t particularly friendly. The neighboring 3-story houses towering over the campground keep their outdoor lights on late. There’s a little swimming pool and pool room and washer/dryer, none of which I made use of. One more thing: Ocean Waves is located on the south end of the OBX which is great if you’re like me and you prefer a less touristy area.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pettigrew State Park
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Pettigrew State Park

    Cute campgrounds in middle of nowhere

    Stopped here as we were doing the NC state park challenge. Spent the night. The campground was full and spots were close together. A lot of people stay here to hunt locally. They stay here as it was convenient. We did have neighbors that had a huge spotlight and brought a deer back to skin. I found out from my other neighbor the next day that it isn't allowed here. We didn't know so I guess they got away with it but they kept to themselves...

    we otherwise just hung out, checked the old plantation and took a hike on moccasin trail. Be careful!!! It was brisk and damp and we of course, came across what appeared to be a moccasin on the trail. My dog jumped over it...startled it and I saw its head pop up. We had a standoff and some how came out of it unscathed. Phew!

    Also, along the same trail that is parallel to the trail there are local houses with two pitbulls that came flying out to greet us on the trail..not neutered and owners nowhere to be found. We, my female pit mix ignored them and they thankfully ended up going home.....otherwise the trail was a nice walk along the lake, but sure wasn't dull for us!

    The plantation is a neat part of history and I learned a ton about this area and park though the slave history is pretty sad.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Phoenix Farms Vineyard
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Phoenix Farms Vineyard

    Historic fields with great views

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Phoenix Farms is now offering camping at this former tobacco farm near the coast. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!

  • r
    Camper-submitted photo from Tranter's Creek Resort
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Tranter's Creek Resort

    It’s a trailer park…mostly

    Just being honest- I’ve been over-landing/camping all around NC and this did not feel like nature. It feels like a parking lot with a pool. Please Understand you will be parked in between huge trailers/RVs that rent that space permanently and are slightly territorial. Considering not spending night. AND Don’t go over 7.5 mph the golf cart police will scold you. Pros- It’s clean and quiet and hookups work.



Guide to Swan Quarter

Camping near Swan Quarter, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a beach vibe or a quiet forest retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground, provide easy access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach."
  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially near the water. A review from Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails nearby. One visitor at Goose Creek State Park Campground shared, "There is a ton of trails with trail heads everywhere."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Frisco Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. A visitor at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort said, "Great restful destination."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention helpful staff. One review for New Bern KOA highlighted, "The staff was exceptional."

What you should know:

  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Oregon Inlet Campground warned, "Just make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously."
  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A visitor at Cape Point Campground mentioned, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oyster Point Campground, have basic facilities. A review noted, "There are toilets at each end, but it's a pit. No flushing."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Hatteras Sands Campground said, "Our kids were ecstatic about the pool."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from bugs. A camper at Frisco Campground advised, "Bring bug spray."
  • Plan for Beach Days: Make sure to have beach gear ready. A review for Ocracoke Campground mentioned, "The beach is right behind the campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Camp Hatteras noted, "Big rig friendly."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can be a big plus. A review for Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort mentioned, "Sites are level with full hookups."
  • Be Mindful of Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Hatteras Sands Campground pointed out, "Road Noise: No."

Camping around Swan Quarter, North Carolina, has something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Swan Quarter, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Swan Quarter, NC is Phoenix Farms Vineyard with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.