Tent campsites near Winnabow, North Carolina offer diverse options within a coastal plain environment averaging just 23 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid subtropical weather with long summers and generally mild winters, creating extended camping seasons. Fall camping is particularly popular when temperatures moderate and coastal breezes provide natural cooling for tent campers.
What to do
Swimming in shallow coastal lakes: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provides unique swimming opportunities with extremely gradual depth changes. One visitor noted that "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters."
Beach fishing excursions: At Freeman Park, beach camping allows direct access to shoreline fishing. A camper mentioned "We were almost alone, only one other vehicle. Two nice guys just there to night fish. After they left we only had the police truck making his rounds every few hours."
Kayaking black water rivers: Black River Camping Ventures offers paddling on tea-colored waters with unique ecosystems. A reviewer explained "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."
Water adventure packages: River Island Adventures combines tent sites with optional water activities. A camper shared "This is a water adventure company that also has camping on the property. You can reserve a camp spot without signing up for any river activities, but camping does give you a little discount on activities if you do decide to rent a kayak or anything."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Waccamaw tent sites offer substantial separation from neighboring campers. As one visitor described, "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night. We had two neighbors during our stay but never heard or saw them, except when coming and going from the site to the parking area."
Fall and spring camping weather: Coastal tent camping at Freeman Park is more enjoyable during shoulder seasons. A camper advised "This is a great place where you can camp directly on the beach, but because it is located in Wilmington, NC it can get VERY busy. During busy times you have to apply for or get a permit. It's very hot and busy during the summer but if you go in spring, fall or warm winter days it's absolutely amazing."
Natural soundscapes: Black River Camping Ventures provides peaceful camping with minimal urban noise. A visitor observed "You cannot understand how peaceful, quiet and tucked away this campground is until you arrive. Be ready to be greeted by large oaks and pines that provide massive shade in the warmer months and beautiful, colorful foliage in the fall."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements for beach camping: Freeman Park requires proper vehicle preparation for sand driving. A reviewer warned "First and foremost, make sure you know how to drive in the sand and what to do when your car gets stuck. It happened to us, as well as to many vehicles on the beach."
Tide awareness for beach campers: Tides significantly impact beach camping areas at Freeman Park. A camper cautioned "Be aware of the tides, it's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in. Also CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit."
Long walks from parking: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground has primitive sites requiring substantial walks from parking areas. One reviewer shared "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area. I didn't read the key on the map, so that's my fault for not knowing."
Insect protection: Black River Camping Ventures requires proper insect preparation. A camper noted "This was not our ideal spot because it was very close spots to other campers. And so many bugs. Not just mosquitoes, but knats, horse flies, flies, etc. They were terrible."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming for children: Lake Waccamaw offers safe swimming for families with young children. A camper observed "We kayaked and fished while we were here. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty. The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters."
Team building activities: River Island Adventures offers structured group activities beyond basic camping. A visitor described "They offer kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, camping, glamping, night paddles with 6 different kinds of smores!! And the super cool Escape River Island which is 10 challenges like survivor or amazing race or escape room or something. Great team building!!!"
Educational centers: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area provides learning opportunities alongside camping. A visitor mentioned "Down the road is bald island a access to a ferry that will take you to Southport. There is also a aquarium, and museum down the road if you need a history or education fix."
Tips from RVers
Military ID requirements: Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area limits access to specific visitors. A camper clarified "You need a DOD ID card to stay here. It is affordable if you qualify to stay. They will check and make you leave if you are not a card holder. It was a good location near the beach and on the cape fear."
Hookup positioning challenges: Fort Fisher has site layout limitations for larger rigs. A visitor detailed "The sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length. They were in the process of repaving the sites during the stay, so there were some that were pristine and others with bits of rebar sticking out of them."
Check-in logistics: Large RVs require planning at Fort Fisher. A camper advised "The check-in office is further down towards the river with no real place to turn-around, so I recommend calling ahead to know your site, unhook, then drive to check-in."
