Campground options around Wrightsville Beach extend beyond those mentioned in popular guides. The coastal area features sandy soil conditions that can affect tent stake placement, with ground that often remains loose even after rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F between June and September, with high humidity making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent campers seeking overnight comfort.
What to Do
Beach driving adventures: At Freeman Park, campers can drive directly onto the beach with 4WD vehicles. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" notes Kimberly S., who appreciated the convenience for unloading gear. Watch the tides carefully as high water can reach camping areas.
Hiking to spot rare plants: Carolina Beach State Park Campground offers trails where you can observe Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants native to the area. Caroline G. mentions, "There lots of short trails to hike on where you can enjoy bird watching and viewing the Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants native to the area."
Water activities from marina access: Several campgrounds provide marina access for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. "The marina also offers kayaks and SUP tours and rentals ranging from 2hrs to a full-day," reports Caroline G. about Carolina Beach State Park, making it easy to get on the water without bringing your own equipment.
What Campers Like
Winter camping advantages: Some campers prefer the cooler months for camping in this region. At Carolina Beach State Park, Ms P. notes, "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." Winter temperatures typically range from 40-60°F, mild enough for comfortable camping with proper gear.
Beach proximity with fewer crowds: Surf City Family Campground provides direct beach access without the tourist crowds found at more popular destinations. One camper points out, "Its quiet and easy access to beach. Owners are very nice and accommodating," while another notes you can hear "the waves even with RVs running air conditioners."
Clean facilities at affordable rates: Many campers appreciate the value and cleanliness of local campgrounds. Amanda S. found Carolina Beach State Park to have "Great showers and clean campgrounds" with "the price was the best around." Most campgrounds in the area range from $25-45 per night for tent sites and $35-60 for RV sites with hookups.
What You Should Know
Military-only facilities: Some excellent camping options have access restrictions. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area requires a Department of Defense ID card. Lacey B. cautions, "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."
Beach driving requirements: If planning to camp at Freeman Park, prepare your vehicle properly. Katy S. advises, "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." Tire pressure should typically be reduced to 15-20 PSI for sand driving.
Weather and tide awareness: Beach camping requires careful planning around natural conditions. Greg T. warns about Freeman Park: "A high Queen tide came near the camp spots at night while a super high king tide COMPLETELY COVERED the camp sites in the morning!" Check local tide charts before setting up camp near the water.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground facilities: Wilmington KOA has excellent play areas for children. Bridget H. mentions, "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" The campground also offers organized activities during peak seasons.
Private bathroom advantages: Some campgrounds offer more privacy in bathroom facilities. At Holden Beach RV Campground, Taissa K. appreciated that "the bath house has a private toilet, sink and shower- beautifully tiled and maintained," which can be especially helpful for families with young children.
Movie rentals for rainy days: When weather doesn't cooperate, some campgrounds provide indoor entertainment options. Ryan C. noted that Holden Beach RV Campground had "a massive selection of movies to rent which was cool," giving families a backup activity during occasional coastal rainstorms.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: For easier parking, look for campgrounds with pull-through sites. Luke M. found Wilmington KOA convenient, reporting "Our site was a pull thru which was great." Call ahead to request specific site types, especially during peak season when these premium spots fill quickly.
Hookup positioning challenges: Check the placement of utilities before booking. About Fort Fisher, Erin S. warns "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." This can require extension cords or additional water hoses to reach connections.
Urban convenience with privacy: Despite being near busy areas, some campgrounds provide surprising seclusion. Robert T. describes Wilmington KOA as "An Oasis slid behind a busy part of town" where "Level spacious sites, most with a good shade tree, allows for a quick set up." The location provides easy access to shopping while maintaining camping atmosphere.
