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Best Tent Camping near Washington, NC

132 Reviews

Tent camping options near Washington, North Carolina include established sites at Phoenix Farms Vineyard and White Oak River Campground. Phoenix Farms offers a more private camping experience on a former tobacco farm with five tent sites available by reservation. Located approximately 35 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, these tent sites provide access to the region's coastal plains landscape and proximity to the Pamlico River.

Tent campers should note varying amenities between the available campgrounds. Phoenix Farms Vineyard provides basic accommodations with picnic tables and allows fires, with firewood available on-site. The campground offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites but lacks drinking water, toilets, or shower facilities. In contrast, White Oak River Campground features more developed facilities including toilets, showers, and trash service, though most tent sites are situated in open areas with limited shade. A recent review noted, "Most of the tent sites are out in the open. We got lucky and got one [under trees]."

Walk-in tent sites at Phoenix Farms Vineyard create a more secluded primitive camping experience. The property features vineyard views and agricultural landscapes typical of eastern North Carolina. Tent campers frequently mention the private setting and rural character as highlights of staying here. According to visitor feedback on The Dyrt, "The property is beautiful, and the camp spot is private." White Oak River Campground offers a different tent camping experience with access to multiple ponds and outdoor recreation areas adjacent to the campground, including a frisbee golf course. This combination of established campgrounds provides tent campers with options ranging from more primitive setups to sites with basic amenities within reach of Washington's coastal waterways.

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Best Tent Sites Near Washington, North Carolina (2)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Washington, NC

132 Reviews of 2 Washington Campgrounds

  • L
    Jul. 21, 2018

    Goose Creek State Park Campground

    State Park with primitive camping

    Great primitive camping, tent only. There are water spigots, no electricity, and very clean , non smelly vault toilets. There are several short hiking trails that I would rate easy. There is also a swimming area that is free. We did have a run in with fire ants at our campsite. Overall, clean and quiet.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Flanners Beach Campground

    Grandson’s first camping trip

    I’ve been riding my bicycles on the the trails around Flanner’s for years. This was my first camping experience here.
    We brought our T@G Boondock XL for my wife and I, and a side tent for my grandson. Decent sized spot for our camper and 10x10 tent, and it included a fire pit (very tall sides) and a picnic table. We spent the first day setting up, preparing food and enjoying the fire. Ended the day in the tent playing guitar and singing, while my grandson played the Djembe. Day 2, was fresh ground Death Wish coffee in the Chemex and breakfast. Then we went for a 3 mile hike. Ate lunch and played ladder ball. Another 2 mile hike in the afternoon, some card games, dinner over the fire and pudgie pies. Played music around the fire until bedtime.
    Day 3 was Coffee, breakfast and tear down/pack up. The grounds were clean, saw the hosts throughout the park, and they were very friendly. Showers/bathrooms were good. Water was plenty hot in the shower. It was cold at night and in the morning, and the facilities have screens for ventilation, so it can get quite cold (or hot) in there. The beach is closed indefinitely. The trails are great.
    Great first camping experience for our grandson. I will be back. The sign at the gate says NO ALCOHOL. Not sure why this is an issue, but it’s their rule.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Flanners Beach Campground

    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

  • M. B.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    On inlet not ocean

    Not bad this is called a holiday one but I would say this is more like a journey one it doesn't seem very resort-like.

    Bathrooms: 5/5

    Sites: 4/5 upgrades are nice but really expensive for just a concrete pad next to someone else

    Pools: 3/5 they have one but it's pretty meh. Like a 70s motel 8 pool.

    Beach: 2/5 there is an inlet beach and a pier but it's like marshy Mudd not sandy beach

    Waterfrontness: 0/5

    Closeness to other sites: 1/5 you are up each other's buttcracks

    Dog rating: 4/5 plenty of poop bags

    Internet: 2/5 no wifi and no hookups but our AT&T router worked

    Cell service: Google fi and ATnT worked

    Water quality: 1/5 potable but tastes gross

    Extra amenities: they have a shuttle some seasons. It was not here during October so who knows. Bike rentals Kayak rental Laundry Host station

  • S
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Goose Creek State Park Campground

    Great and New Campground

    Goose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites. The park is very flat with full hookups and a large patio/picnic area. They also have cabins.

    We stayed at one of the full hook up RV sites with our Riverside Retro 199FKS and it actually looked small in the site. We had more than enough room.

    You are far enough away from Washington, NC that you don't get great cell coverage so, it is almost like going off the grid. I think I had service if I sat outside with my left leg propped up (just kidding). 

    Since this park is so new, there are not many trees or vegetation to provide privacy between sites. I think this park will be great once the plants grow in - don't skip for this reason - still go, just know that you won't have a lot of privacy.

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Goose Creek State Park Campground

    Back to my roots

    I have a personal pull to Goose Creek State Park as it was once my family’s land going back generations and generations. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and father carved out the trails used for hiking today and the road to the campground its self was made by my dad and his friends. The state bought the land in the 70’s and it became our state park. It makes me proud to share a part of my family history with the rest of the world.

    Even without the personal connection I feel when I visit GCSP, it’s such a beautiful place to be during anytime of the year. Hiking trails equipped with boardwalks lead through the marsh and swampy areas while sporadic signs display pictures and information about the wildlife you are likely to see. The primitive campground has more than 10 sites, with the farthest sights sitting on the edge of the Pamlico River. It truly is an awesome sight to take in at sunset and sunrise. Bath houses with showers, hot water, and toilets are available. There are two group sites and, recently added, several rv sites and about 5-6 small cabins. I have not stayed in the cabins yet. They seem to be fairly popular so reservations should be made at least a couple of weeks in advanced. There heat and AC but no bathrooms or kitchen area inside the cabin. I believe there are two sets of twin beds and a full bed but you have to bring your own linens. There is also a very nice bathhouse available for cabin renters. The only downside to the cabins and RV sites is there is no shade. The sites are toward the front of the park, and, perhaps because of the recent construction, there is are no trees, woods, or shade around. As a personal preference, I want to be IN THE WOODS when I camp so the aspect of being out in the open is not as exciting as tent camping. That being said, the cabins are adorable and have a fire ring, picnic table, and everything you need to enjoy a night of camping.

  • A
    May. 30, 2020

    Goose Creek State Park Campground

    Nice spot in eastern NC

    Booked a tent site and later a cabin as well since we were unsure about the weather. The tent sites were nicely situated and far apart from each other. The vault toilet was very clean. The site is peaceful and since the weather was pretty bad, it was quiet and only a few sites were occupied. 

    The cabins are new and clean, with AC/heat and electricity and a nice outdoor setup with a grill and fire pit aside each one. They are located in the cleared RV park, not the woods, so don't expect to feel like you are staying in nature if you book a cabin. The shower facilities are very nice too. Overall, cabins are a great option if the weather is bad or you don't want to stay in a tent. 

    Plan for bugs - ticks and mosquitoes are a given in the summer. Also, the swimming beach is closed as of May 2020.

  • Stirling C.
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Pettigrew State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground with some short distance trails along Phelps Lake

    We camped in the State campground at Pettigrew State Park. It is a small campground with just a few camp sites. We usually overnight there on the way to the NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, though it is nice enough to justify a stay if you find yourself in the area. We visited in March, so insects were not a problem, though your experience may be different if you visit during the warmer months, as much of the area surrounding Lake Phelps is cypress swamp.

    I little about the campground amenities: it is modest and good for tent camping. Though there is room for RVs, there aren't electrical and water hookups, though most who were there were in RVs. Each site has a fire ring with a grill and firewood is available for a nominal fee. There is a bathhouse with toilet and shower facilities.

    The natural beauty is worth the visit. From the campground it is an easy walk to the lake. We were able to see an impressive sunset from the lake shore. There is an out and back 1.5 mile trail, for a total of 3 miles, that follows the lake, taking you through the Somerset Place State Historic Site. The walk passes through the swamp with many large cypress and sycamore trees. At the end of the trail is a walkway to the lake along an irrigation canal.

  • M
    Feb. 25, 2021

    Goose Creek State Park Campground

    Nature and Privacy

    This campground was opened in 2019 so everything is very new. The sites are spread very far apart. There are no trees for shade and this campground may become hot in the summertime. Each site is separated by waist heigh field grass. The sites have course gravel for the RV pad and finer gravel for the “tent pad” / picnic table area. We were in a tent that connects to the back of our Honda Odyssey and I used two tarps to protect the tent flooring even on the finer gravel. Cell signal is almost nonexistent except for possibly AT&T which a neighboring camper told me.

    I would recommend this campground except maybe not so much in the summer months

Guide to Washington

Tent camping options in Washington, North Carolina provide access to the Inner Banks region where the Pamlico River widens as it flows toward Pamlico Sound. The area features a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions with temperatures between 60-80°F.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Phoenix Farms Vineyard, campers can enjoy fishing in the nearby waterways. As reviewer Jake C. notes, the property offers "Historic fields with great views" on what was "a former tobacco farm near the coast."

Frisbee golf: The White Oak River Campground provides access to recreational facilities beyond the camping area. According to Mathew G., there's "a lot of outdoor exploring area adjacent to the camp ground. Multiple ponds and frisbee golf course."

Farm animal viewing: Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers unique animal encounters not commonly found at other campgrounds. Michelle L. mentions that "It's so fun to see all of the animals" as part of the camping experience, adding a rural element to tent camping in Washington, North Carolina.

What campers like

Private camping spaces: Tent campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Phoenix Farms Vineyard. Michelle L. specifically noted that "the camp spot is private" and they had "plenty of space for our RV," suggesting generous site dimensions even for tent campers.

Friendly hosts: Personal interaction with property owners enhances the camping experience at smaller establishments. As Michelle L. observed at Phoenix Farms Vineyard, "The hosts are friendly, and the fire is warm," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable rates: White Oak River Campground offers economical tent camping options in the Washington area. Mathew G. specifically mentioned "Great prices" as a positive aspect of the campground, making it accessible for budget-conscious campers.

What you should know

Limited shade at some locations: Tent campers seeking tree cover should note that not all sites offer natural shade. At White Oak River Campground, one camper observed, "I like to camp under trees or close to. Most of the tent sites are out in the open."

Water access considerations: When tent camping in Washington, North Carolina, prepare for varying water availability. Phoenix Farms Vineyard lacks drinking water facilities, requiring campers to bring their own water supplies for drinking and washing.

Permanent residents: Some campgrounds in the area maintain long-term occupants alongside short-term campers. White Oak River Campground has "most RV spots are used by permanent users" according to Mathew G., which affects the availability of prime camping locations for visitors.

Tips for camping with families

Animal encounters: Families camping at Phoenix Farms Vineyard can engage children with the farm animals on site. Michelle L. found that seeing the animals was "so fun," making this a good option for keeping younger campers entertained.

Weekend-friendly options: White Oak River Campground offers suitable arrangements for shorter family trips. As Mathew G. suggests, it's "Great for a weekend tent trip," making it appropriate for families looking for brief outdoor experiences near Washington.

Campfire considerations: Evening entertainment centers around campfires at Phoenix Farms Vineyard. Michelle L. mentioned that "the fire is warm," indicating that fireside gathering is a central part of the camping experience, perfect for family storytelling and marshmallow roasting.

Tips from RVers

Spacious RV accommodations: RVers staying at Phoenix Farms Vineyard report adequate space for larger vehicles. Michelle L. mentioned having "plenty of space for our RV," suggesting the tent sites can accommodate recreational vehicles despite the property's more rustic character.

Hookup limitations: RVers should note the variable utility connections at area campgrounds. While Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers thirty-amp hookups and water connections, it lacks sewer connections and dump stations that might be necessary for longer stays.

Small campground awareness: White Oak River Campground has limited overall acreage according to visitors. Mathew G. described it as a "Small camping area not a whole lot of acres," which could mean tighter quarters and less privacy between RV and tent sites during busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Washington, NC?

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

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