Camping near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina includes several primitive campgrounds with varying coastal terrain. Most sites require a 20-40 minute drive from Wrightsville Beach proper, with the closest options being approximately 10 miles south in Carolina Beach. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F from June through September, while winter camping offers milder 50-65°F days with significantly fewer insects.
What to do
Kayak and fish at Black River: The tea-colored water at Black River Camping Ventures provides excellent fishing opportunities approximately 60 miles from Wrightsville Beach. "The river itself is and should be the center of your attention while you enjoy your stay. The tea-colored water provides excellent fishing, exploration by kayak or paddleboard, or it can be your next favorite swimming hole," notes camper Taylor B.
Beach activities year-round: Drive directly onto the beach at Carolina Beach during non-peak seasons. "It's very hot and busy during the summer but if you go in spring, fall or warm winter days it's absolutely amazing," advises Kelley E. Winter camping offers a more solitary experience with fewer visitors.
Military recreation: Active and retired military personnel can access Onslow Beach Campsites about 45 minutes north of Wrightsville Beach. "We have found many shark teeth on the beach and made great memories wake boarding and relaxing," shares Paul R. Military ID is required for entry to this camping area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the distance between established camping spots at Hammocks Beach State Park. "The sites are well spaced and you won't feel on top of one another," notes Sarah C. Sites are often positioned behind primary dunes, creating natural barriers between campers.
Natural surroundings: Lake camping offers an alternative to ocean sites. "Dragonflies galore flew about. It's rustic, but relaxing. And the visitor's center has a nice exhibit on the Carolina Bays," reports Courtney B. about her stay at Lake Waccamaw State Park, located about 60 miles west of Wrightsville Beach.
Uncrowded off-season camping: Winter camping near Wrightsville Beach provides a more peaceful experience. "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," shares Phillip C. about his off-season beach camping experience.
What you should know
Beach camping requirements: Most beach camping requires 4-wheel drive vehicles with proper tire pressure management. "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," warns a camper about beach driving conditions.
Tide awareness: Tide schedules significantly impact beach camping safety. "Be aware of the tides, it's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in," cautions one experienced camper. Some campers have experienced complete flooding of sites during extreme tides: "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!"
Tent stabilization techniques: Traditional tent stakes don't work in sand. "Remember, when camping on sand, you don't need stakes. Instead you bring 4 plastic bags, fill them with sand, tie the tent corners to the bags and bury them in the sand. This will prevent your tent from flying away," advises a frequent beach camper.
Tips for camping with families
Boat access camping: For families seeking a unique adventure, Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area offers multiple recreation options. "They have a rental facility for surfboards, umbrellas, kids toys, etc. Accommodations are clean and comfortable," notes paul. The area also offers "ongoing outdoor classes (kayaking, ghost turtle hunting, etc)," adds Bonnie F.
Bug protection: Insects can be problematic, especially during warm months. "Don't forget bug spray," warns one camper, while another notes that despite using bug spray and an electric bug zapper, her son still got "completely bitten up" by mosquitoes. Consider bringing mosquito netting or pop-up screens for meals.
Weather preparation: Coastal weather can change rapidly. "We camped here in March and had a great time. Daytime beachgoers were mainly fishing, walking their dogs, shelling, etc.," reports one camper about their spring visit, contrasting with summer experiences when "the beach was packed with day-trippers with a line of trucks parked at the crest of the beach from one end to the other."
Tips from RVers
Military facilities: For qualified military personnel, some RV sites offer full hookups near the ocean. "Full hook ups. Bath house. MWR/famcamp store with everything you need," notes E G. about their stay at Fort Fisher. Military ID requirements apply to these facilities.
Spacing considerations: RV sites in the region often provide limited spacing. "The RV spaces were all full so we were put in overflow. Overflow is great! It was wide open; we were next to the stage, right next to the stage and could see the river and the restaurant," shares Cindy A. about her experience at Fort Fisher.
