Camping cabins near Tarboro, North Carolina, are situated within a 30-75 minute drive of town, primarily in the eastern part of the state where sandy soil and pine forests dominate the landscape. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight freezes are possible from November through March. Most cabin camping options in this area are located along waterways or lakes, providing water recreation opportunities alongside forest settings.
What to do
Hiking trails: Medoc Mountain State Park offers over 10 miles of varied trails through forested terrain. "Lots of Great Hiking Trails! This campground is beautiful for fall camping. There are over 10 miles of trails to hike. We also conoed down the creek. The creek is about 2.5 miles long and took us only 2 hours to paddle," notes a visitor to Medoc Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to freshwater fishing. "Our campsite was right on the Pamlico river. There was a great spot to watch the sunrise/sunset directly behind our campsite with benches. Also close to our campsite was a dock to fish off of or to launch a kayak," reports a camper at Goose Creek State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Several parks feature swimming areas, boat rentals, or water access points. "This is a very good place to camp. Beach on lake as well as a pool. Very quiet with many full time residents," says a visitor to Thousand Trails Lake Gaston, which offers both lake swimming and pool access.
What campers like
Privacy and spaciousness: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites for a more secluded experience. "Large, level sites that are very secluded and far apart from each other. Bathrooms were clean and well situated. Very family-friendly!" shares a visitor about Medoc Mountain State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms are dated, but well maintained and clean," notes a visitor at Enfield - Rocky Mount KOA, adding, "I have the same cabin booked for my return trip and am really looking forward to coming back!"
Water views: Several cabin options provide direct views of lakes or rivers. At Goose Creek State Park Campground, sites are "private, large, wooded" with access to "hiking, swimming, lake" according to a satisfied camper who visited on recommendation and plans to return.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During summer months, advance booking is essential as cabins fill quickly. "We dropped off our daughter at ECU in August and needed a place to stay, and this was the closest campground with sites available. ECU is less than 30 minutes away, so it was convenient," explains a visitor to Green Acres Camping Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Some amenities close during winter months. "We are new rv travelers and this is our third stop on our way down to Florida. This place is quiet and so easy to get to. The hot tub was awesome after a stressful drive. We came in off season so the pool was closed but still had activities to use," notes a camper at RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads.
Supplies and groceries: Most campgrounds have limited on-site supplies, requiring trips to nearby towns. "Take everything with you that you may need though. Not a lot of options for food and such to arrive and stock up," advises a camper who stayed at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with multiple activities for children. "This place was awesome! They have two swimming pools, golf, put put, nature trails, pavilions, Church on Sunday, nice pull through shaded sites, pond for fishing or paddle boats, I mean I can go on and on," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Green Acres Family Campground.
Swimming areas: Several parks offer dedicated swimming beaches or pools. Twin Lakes Resort features "a big lake that runs to the ocean, great size pool, amazing beach ice cream, campground activities such as a live band, DJ, and movie night!" according to a camper who enjoyed the entertainment options.
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide nature programs or wildlife viewing. A visitor at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground noted, "There is a small nature center that describes the history and geographical features of the area. During the summer, you can swim or rent canoes and paddle boats."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer full hookup options with level concrete pads. "The sites are pretty big and level, and it seems most of the sites have sewer, water, and electric. There are lots of pull through sites as well," notes a visitor to RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have navigation challenges for larger rigs. "Just watch when you are arriving as the driveway is a bit hard to see and turning around can be tricky if you go too far. It would be good if they marked the entrance a little better, but that is a nitpick."
Quiet locations: Several options provide peaceful settings away from highway noise. "This KOA is taking COVID serious, so during check-in they had us stay in the vehicle and call the office. A couple of minutes later, someone came out with paperwork and directed us to site number 2," reports a camper who appreciated the campground's location near East Carolina University.
