Swansboro, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.
Cedar Point Campground and Recreation Area is located in eastern North Carolina at the junction of the White Oak River and the Bogue Sound, immediately adjacent to the Swansboro Inlet. It is within 1 mile of full service shopping, and within 2 miles of NC's Crystal Coast and the barrier island beach community of Bogue Banks. The campground is extremely busy and reservations are recommended but must be made 3 days in advance. Of the 36 campsites, 4 are considered first-come, first served campsites that cannot be reserved or held, so a person must physically be there with their camping equipment to purchase the campsite. Cedar Point campground has the option to use Scan & Pay system, but by the rules of recreation.gov it may only be used for first-come, first served sites. Please make sure to contact a campground host to ensure availability before paying for any campsite. Failure to check with the campground host for availability may result in the loss of your camping fee.
Canoeing and fishing are popular options. Power boating is allowed on the White Oak River. Visitors can hike the Tidelands National Trail, a 1.9-mile path divided in two loops that lend themselves to wildlife viewing. Ospreys and the occasional dolphin can be viewed along the loops. The recreation area is also home to a picnic area and shallow draft boat launch.
Cedar Point, at the mouth of the White Oak River, is bordered by a salt marsh and a coastal forest. The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out like a sea of grass. This nutrient-rich wetland is a valuable habitat for commercial seafood, including fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters. The recreation area is part of the Croatan National Forest, a 160,000-acre tract on North Carolina's coast, bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and Bogue Sound.
For facility specific information, please call (252) 638-5628.
The campground is a short drive from the developed barrier island town of Bogue Banks.
There is a $10.00 fee to cancel Reservations. Reservations canceled within the 3 days of arrival may result in the loss of the fee for one or more nights stay. Refunds for weather or checking out early will not be considered
$27 / night
Oyster Point Campground is located on the banks of the Newport River, near the town of Newport, NC. The campground is just a short drive to the beaches of Atlantic Beach, NC and other coastal fishing destinations. The campground can get very busy and reservations are reccamended but must be made 3 days in advance. Of the 15 campsites, 1 are considered a first come-first served campsite that cannot be reserved or held, so a person must physically be there with their camping equipment to purchase the campsite. Oyster Point campground has the option to use Scan & Pay system, but by the rules of recreaiton.gov it may only be used for first come-first served sites. Please make sure to contact a campground host to ensure availability before paying for any campsite. Failure to check with the campground host for availability may result in the loss of your camping fee.
Canoeing and fishing are popular options. Power boating is allowed on the Newport River, however, the boat lanch at this location is a small hand launch with no vehicle access that you may use a canoe or kayak cart/dolly for assistance to get your boat to the water if desired. The Croatan Saltwater Trail weaves south between the barrier islands of the Bogue Sound and north on Adams Creek connecting to the Neuse River. This campground is also the trailhead for the Neusiok trail which is a 21-mile hiking trail that meanders through cypress swamps, loblolly pines and vast bogs of thick vegetation.
Canoeing and fishing are popular options. Power boating is allowed on the Newport River, however, the boat lanch at this location is a small hand launch with no vehicle access that you may use a canoe or kayak cart/dolly for assistance to get your boat to the water if desired. The Croatan Saltwater Trail weaves south between the barrier islands of the Bogue Sound and north on Adams Creek connecting to the Neuse River. This campground is also the trailhead for the Neusiok trail which is a 21-mile hiking trail that meanders through cypress swamps, loblolly pines and vast bogs of thick vegetation.
Situated in the coastal pine forest and intercostal waterway of the Croatan National Forest, which encompasses 160,000 acres in eastern North Carolina, the Newport River is 12 miles long and opens into the Bogue sound. It is popular with anglers and flatwater paddlers.
The campground is just a short drive to the towns of Newport, NC and Morehead City, NC. These towns offer full service grocery, retail, and an abundant selection of restaurants.
There is a $10.00 fee to cancel Reservations. Reservations canceled within the 3 days of arrival may result in the loss of the fee for one or more nights stay. Refunds for weather or checking out early will not be considered
$10 / night
Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet at Bear Island. Fourteen family campsites accommodate up to six people and two tents each. Campsites 1 to 11 are accessible via ferry, private boat or paddling only. Campsites 12 to 14 are accessible by private boat or paddling only and are not hikeable.
Sites 1 to 11 have a picnic table, while sites 12 to 14 do not. Fires are not permitted at Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves.
Water and a bathhouse with hot showers is located at Bear Island, but is available from only mid-March through mid-November. There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized.
Hike-In Distance Light and simple is the way to travel, as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock.
$12 - $52 / night
Located along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Goose Creek RV Resort family campground is conveniently located on Bogue Sound along the Intracoastal Waterway. Goose Creek RV Resort is only minutes away from the ocean by land or by water. This Crystal Coast RV resort offers a serene atmosphere in what may be one of only a very few undisturbed beach vacation spots left. Lack of any high density commercialization offers our campers a true family atmosphere. Your trip to Goose Creek RV Resort will occupy you with a large choice of activities offered at Encore's Crystal Coast RV resort throughout the year. Goose Creek RV Resort borders waters that are known for some of the best saltwater fishing anywhere. A Crystal Coast RV resort in a serene and undisturbed beach vacation spot Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Goose Creek RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water. All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators. Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes. The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District. Please contact the District for more information. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here. Recreation Maps Croatan National Forest Maps Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Neuse River and minutes from historic downtown New Bern, this quiet campground is the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a day of fishing or watch a beautiful sunset from the 100-foot pier. The boat slips, ramp, kayaks and paddleboats welcome campers who yearn to get out on the water. A catch-and-release fish pond and a group-outings pavilion round out this haven for extended relaxation. The kids can enjoy our playground with a jump pad & swing set. New to our campground is our Gem Mine and Gaga Ball. Browse the many antique shops and boutiques in North Carolina's second-oldest city. Step into the past at Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, the former state capitol, historically regarded as the most beautiful public building in Colonial America. Pool: May 1 - October 1. Max pull thru: 128 feet.
Traveler
The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area. The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained.
Guide
The campground was fairly quiet. The few campers were very quiet and respectful to the other campers. I camped for 14 days at this location in January.
NOTE: There is no public Wi-Fi.
This location has a bathhouse. The bathrooms are separate from the showers. The bathrooms were slightly heated. The showers, on the other hand, were not heated. All the shower glass units were missing. The water was warm, but not hot. In other words, be prepared to take a warm shower in freezing weather. You’ll take a very short and quick shower under these conditions. But these conditions are better than no showers at all!
Overall, it is a good camping experience at this location. I will be back.
Scout
We were here in December, the place was quiet. These sites are on top of each other and I don’t know that I’d use this campground during high season … and the doggie area was right behind us.. full summer heat would probably be a bit smelly for me… but … we had a site with no neighbors, and nearly no dogs while here so it was quiet, the cg is clean and the bathrooms are exceptionally clean and heated. All the amenities were in nice condition so if don’t mind tight neighbors during high season… and you’re a dog lover this is a great value and camp ground. If you’re not so keen on tight neighbors or dogs … I’d recommend off season stays. All in all a great campground.
Scout
Really clean place. Quiet neighbors, but gentle roar of highway in the background.
Good location in proximity to Jacksonville and Wilmington
Guide
I had made a reservation. I showed up on the day and time I had planned. Nobody was there. I called and texted. I finally left after about 15 minutes of waiting. This campground is off a side road. When I pulled into the camp area, I had a funny feeling. I decided not to stay there between the no-show of the staff and the funny feeling my gut was telling me. I hope your experience would be better than mine.
Guide
The campground is in a nice area. The small lake is beautiful and full of fish. It is near a small bustling town with everything you need. The staff is friendly.
The only drawback is that the camp itself is outdated. The so-called bathhouses need a severe update. The bathhouse does not have HVAC in it. There’s one male toilet and one female toilet for the entire camp. There are two portable toilets on the back end of the property. There’s one shower of the two that works and it is a small shower. Do not weigh more than 175 pounds going in that shower.
All in all, it’s a good temporary campsite. This is not set up for long-term, even though there are multiple long-term campers here.
Traveler
Fantastic experience. I am a seasoned back woods camper, and brought along two first timers. This was the perfect middle ground. Beautiful views with an isolated area. Rustic feel, but still had the comfort of bathrooms, running water, fire pits, and nearby cities.
GuideDo NOT stay here!! The hosts do not follow the published USFS/recreation.gov rules, oe even their own posted rules. FFS sites are in fact booked IN ADVANCE. You can book them for days at a time, anytime. The app is INACCURATE. The hosts simply do whatever they want, then argue when presented with published rules and policies. Additionally, no handicapped placard or other disability proof is required to rent the wheelchair accesssible sites across from the bath house and all were filled with able-bodied persons in huge RVs. Horrible experience and OUTRAGEOUS $8 reservation fee and $10-$18 cancellation fee. Furthermore, there are serious issues with the electric connections, which you have no choice but to pay for. We were only able to occasionally have reliable electricity, resulting in even small 5V items not charging. The biggest issue was inconsistent/incomplete charging of wheelchair batteries. We had to rely on vehicle power charging for most things. The campsites are also poorly arranged, forcing tents to be placed within 2-3’ of fire rings, which is ridiculously unsafe. The sites are also full of fire ant beds - including on the tent/table pad itself. One of the poorest managed campgrounds I have ever stayed in.
TravelerSmall quiet campground that has some adorable amenities. Pet and child friendly. Nick (the owner) is super helpful and they even have item you may have forgotten they will lend out. Firewood is provided. We stayed I. Their little cabin on a whim. Cozy but small. AC and heat both worked well. Their camp store has very affordable gifts and some supplies one might need. We came to this area to try some unique restaurants. The cabin allowed us to stay and try all of them. We went to the Mad Boar on Friday night for some amazing prime rib and unique appetizer. We went to The Country Squire and enjoyed a wine tasting before a dreamy colonial meal. The atmosphere here was so realistic. They even have an inn. And of course we had to go to the Duplin Winery. Next time we will bring the kids to enjoy the craft hour and playground.
Traveler
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!
GuideStayed 3 nights here. Nice quiet federal campground. Quiet and maintained. Definitely need water at sites. Can't adjust water temp in showers here. Fortunately not freezing water and one night had hot water. With these improvements, would give 5 stars. Can't beat price. Would definitely stay again. Close enough to beach and things we like to do. Had a great breakfast at Angie's Diner near by.
Guide
Such an awesome KOA, bathrooms were immaculate. Free coffee everyday and so many activities! Great communication, they text before every event, and if something is lost they send out alerts. Loved our stay!
Traveler
We stayed from Fri to Sun and we enjoyed every moment we stayed. Caught fish and enjoyed the pool. And the golf cart rental was awesome too
Guide
The spots are very close together. There is no shade, but a constant beach breeze.
You can not see ocean from the campground due to the dunes, but it is about 300 feet to the water.
The owners are very nice. He will even help park your rv with his tractor.
Same price for full hookups verses no sewer. You will have to go across the street to their other campground to dump and there is no water for rinsing, only a sewer drain.
The public bathroom stalls only go as high as shoulder level.
ScoutEverything Beth said, we had the same experience, unfortunately.
ScoutA gem of a place! Call to reserve a spot. The staff is super helpful and friendly. We loved being right by the beach. There are spots for RVs and tents. You could still hear the waves even with RVs running air conditioners.
Scout
Nice pool and walking path around the edge of the sound.
Scout
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.
Traveler
Pickleball! And there's the bar/lounge, swimming pool, gym, laundry but most of all, space. You're in the south, so friendly folks who give you all the time in the world is a given. Yes, southern hospitality is palpable here. We're just a few miles from the beach, walking distance to a restaurant and or convenience store; crawling distance to Dales Pub across the road. It's like a KOA here, without the big trikes, lake and boats- but there are a couple ponds where the turtles come and go. Highlights for us; 1.) The laundry will run off an app on your phone. 2.) The pool and patio is truly awesome; we hang there almost every afternoon(weather permitting). 3.) Did I mention pickleball?! Downsides? Well, there is the price, but that's relative. We're getting a$1200.00 monthly rate which makes it do-able. Sometimes, when the winds blow out of the east, every camper smells the sewage treatment plant across the back fence- Check Google maps satellite view. Truth be told, it is rare, only a few days out of the month. The large majority of the time we get the cool coastal breeze. We camped at Oceans RV Resort in a Fifth Wheel.
Scout
Full timers and long term on business campers beware! This campground has nothing to offer. The owners of this 1 year old campground are very strict with their rules and regulations. They are very nice in person and when checking in but soon you will find yourself receiving passive aggressive emails from them about rule violation they’ve spotted on the 6 or more cameras throughout the park. They have a very strict leash law here but offer no dog run/park area for your K-9 to play. They claim a dog park is on the list of things to come, but the second half of a drain field will come first. There are no amenities here, other than a very small fishing pond and some poorly maintained walking trails at the rear of the campground that have piles of post construction material scattered about. The campground is on well water and very brown in color so I would not drink or cook with it. Over half of the sites have your living side of the RV facing west and there is not a tree in sight, so in the summer be prepared to bake in the sun. The entire campground is gravel parking lot with 10 foot slivers of grass between each site and god forbid don’t let Sean the owner see you put anything(rug, vehicle, etc…) on his beloved grass. I gave this campground 2 stars… 1 for being dark and quiet at night and the other star for the free and decent wifi. So if you don’t want spied on via cameras, harassed, a dusty rig and a place for Fido to play, I would suggest going 8 miles down the road to an awesome campground called Whispering pines you and your dog will be much happier!
Guide
We recently stayed overnight at Wallace Meadows and it was one of the most lovely places we've ever been to! Rich was very friendly and welcoming and the hookup & amenities they offered for a fee were excellent. The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower! The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil. There's even a guesthouse which could possibly accommodate fellow travelers who may not have an RV. There's also a laundry room but we didn't use it. They have a background in hospitality and it really shows. Before we left, we purchased some fresh eggs from their farm, beautifully packaged and delicious! We will return to North Carolina. There's so much to see here and we'll definitely return to Wallace Meadows Farm.
Guide
We found Dixon Landing in their initial opening phase and it is lightly booked at this point (they even have openings for the upcoming summer holidays). This is a very secluded campground right on the wide Goose Creek/Neuse River, with access to the ocean varying from 25-50 miles.
Every RV site is pull-through with both “waterfront” and “water view” (more of a view of the marsh along the river) sites. Site layout is long, very wide(you have to actually walk over to talk to neighbors) and mostly level side-to-side. Front-to-back was easily compensated with blocks. The road in and the sites are a combination of compacted sand and grass that drained well after a storm. Many sites have shade or afternoon shade. The electric pedestal was new and tall, making it easy to connect the surge protector, and topped with a solar light.
Hosts Steve and Joan were themselves RV’rs and park details reflect their experience. Since they are in their opening season they currently offer basic services with electric/water, a dump site(no water) and free on-site pump-out service, picnic tables, firepits, a dog park, kayaks, and a fishing pond for kids(C&R). More services are in the planning or permitting stage. Today they offer a bathroom and just got permits for the full bathhouse. Fiber-optic cable should be run to their area this year. We were amazed at how many TV channels we picked up just on antennae. Verizon, ATT and Sprint service are known to be good. They will have an ice machine, laundry, and a pier eventually.
Today you will go to enjoy the 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.
It was about 90 minutes (including 2 ferry rides) to reach the Cape Lookout National Park and lighthouse. The ferry dropped us off for 2 hours to walk the beach, hike and view the wild horses on Harker’s Island. Gary’s, the local seafood restaurant, was a find! So good we ate there twice. I’m already looking at the calendar to go back.
Traveler
Great spot and host
Scout
Very nice place to stay. $20 per night. I go there when l go home to visit and to hunt. Ron the camp host is a very helpful and friendly guy. Across the river from nice entertainment. About a 15 minute walk.
RangerQuiet, beautiful, cheap, great cell service. Love this place!
ScoutCamping in the winter and a newbie, but this place was great. Showers and bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Dog friendly, electric and good clean drinking water on site. Can only stay 14 days at a time.
Scout
We have stayed at this campground many times since 2016 and always loved it. The location is awesome, the owner, and the staff were so nice and friendly. Its not that way anymore. There are no longer loyalty programs for repeat customers and they dont care if you stay there or not. When this new company bought this campground they decided $55 to $80 a night was not enough, they want to charge $155 and up depending on when you are staying. This is insane! There are other campgrounds we stay at that have a lot of stuff to offer and they are no where near this expensive, you hardly have anything to offer at this campground. You are giving the customer a place to park, water, sewer and electricity for $155 and up a night, and thats it! There is no security at this place anymore so you better change your storage locks on your camper because most are keyed alike, dont leave anything outside like bikes, grills, shoes, clothes, etc... because they will disappear. This never happened before, makes you wonder who is wondering around stealing. I won't be back until the prices come down and improvements are made. I wish everyone would find other places to go for the next few years and these owners would be forced to sell and maybe we could have our campground back.
Camping near Swansboro, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Swansboro, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Swansboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Swansboro, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Swansboro, NC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Swansboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swansboro, NC is Cedar Point Campground with a 4-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swansboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Swansboro, NC.
What parks are near Swansboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Swansboro, NC that allow camping, notably Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
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