Burgaw's surrounding region offers primitive camping opportunities along the Black River about 25 miles west of town, where ancient cypress trees provide extensive shade in warmer months. The camping landscape between Burgaw and the coast features several waterfront options with varying levels of amenities, from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV resorts. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity between June and August, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated piers: The Inlet Campground provides shoreline fishing access where campers can catch various species. "Most incredible views with easy access to beaches, restaurants and groceries. Pier for fishing and water access for canoeing or kayaking! Beautiful sunsets!" notes Paula C.
Kayaking Black River: Black River Camping Ventures offers direct access to explore tea-colored waters. "The tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole. Miles down river you can find the oldest cypress trees east of the Rocky Mountains," reports Taylor B.
Swimming at freshwater lakes: Lake Leamon Family Campground features a small lake with swimming areas. According to Kurt S., "We go every weekend in the summer to swim."
Bird watching: While camping near Burgaw, visitors can observe coastal and inland bird species. Lake Linda offers "a private 6 acre lake on 40 acres" that makes it "a great place to birdwatch" according to Ashley F.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Surf City Family Campground gives campers quick beach access. "This campground is ON THE BEACH! Just a short walk over the dune and you will be at the water," writes Bart. Another camper adds, "We loved being right by the beach. You could still hear the waves even with RVs running air conditioners."
Quiet waterfront spots: Carolina Beach State Park provides serene camping near water. "I've been here at different times of the year. I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," shares Ms. P.
Marina access: Carolina Beach State Park Campground offers boat launching facilities. "There is also a marina which offers a public boat ramp. The marina also offers kayaks and SUP tours and rentals ranging from 2hrs to a full-day," notes Caroline G.
Convenience to town amenities: Wilmington KOA puts campers near shopping and dining. "The campground is convenient to downtown Wilmington and a short drive to Wrightsville Beach. Plenty of shopping and other entertainment nearby if the weather doesn't cooperate," explains Robert T.
What you should know
Varying bathhouse quality: Facilities range from updated to primitive across the region. At Lake Leamon Family Campground, "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," warns Robert D.
Insects are prevalent: Bugs can be problematic, especially in riverside locations. At Black River Camping Ventures, one camper warns of "so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Winter camping advantages: Off-season camping offers fewer crowds. "The bathhouse is also heated during the winter months and there are quit a few outlets available which we used to charge our phones," notes a Carolina Beach State Park camper.
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds place sites very close together. The Inlet Campground (formerly Lanier's) has "great location on the water but the spots are close together…Our spot ended up being an abandoned houses driveway," reports Darian D.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wilmington KOA offers dedicated play areas for children. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" shares Bridget H.
Swimming pools: Some campgrounds feature pools when beach swimming isn't practical. At Oceans RV Resort, "The pool and patio is truly awesome; we hang there almost every afternoon (weather permitting)," notes Flash A.
Kid-friendly activities: Nick's Nook Family Campground organizes special events for children. "Next time we will bring the kids to enjoy the craft hour and playground," mentions Manuela N. after her stay.
Riverside sandbars: Black River Camping features shallow water play areas. "The river was lots of fun. Most was pretty shallow and a huge sand bar area. The kids loved it and dogs too," explains Kelsey K.
Tips from RVers
Parking assistance: Surf City Family Campground offers help with difficult sites. "The owners are very nice. He will even help park your rv with his tractor," Christine appreciates.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi vary widely between campgrounds. At Wilmington KOA, "My wife worked from the road while I taught school. The WiFi was strong and the employees were helpful and informative," reports Luke M.
Laundry amenities: Oceans RV Resort provides modern laundry facilities. "The laundry will run off an app on your phone," notes a recent visitor.
Dump station logistics: Some beachfront campgrounds lack onsite dumping. At Surf City Family Campground, "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," cautions Christine.
