Carolina Beach State Park offers several hiking trails through a wooded coastal area where campers can observe venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants native to the region. Camping sites near Southport, North Carolina provide access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River within a 30-minute drive. Winter camping remains popular with fewer crowds and mild temperatures typically ranging from 40-60°F.
What to do
Explore marine life: At Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, visitors can access both beach areas and the nearby aquarium. "There is also a aquarium, and museum down the road if you need a history or education fix. Down South of it is bald island a access to a ferry that will take you to Southport," notes one visitor.
Beach driving: Freeman Park allows properly equipped vehicles on the beach, providing convenient access for fishing and beach activities. "You can drive onto the beach - it makes it SO easy!!!" according to one camper. Beach driving permits are required and restrictions apply during high tides.
Waterfront fishing: Waterway Campground provides direct access to fishing along the Intracoastal Waterway. "This is a great one to stay at if you are with a boat, or if you like to fish. Parked right next to the water, the views are nice, and i can go stick my feet in the channel from the little bank areas," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Quiet off-season camping: Winter camping at Carolina Beach State Park Campground provides a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors. "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 one camper.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Carolina Beach State Park, campers note "The bath house is always clean and stocked even in the winter. The bathhouse is also heated during the winter months and there are quit a few outlets available which we used to charge our phones."
Beach proximity with seclusion: S & W RV Park offers a quieter alternative to beachfront camping while maintaining good access. "Quiet site, not a lot on amenities, but nice wooded areas, friendly staff, and 20 minutes to Holden beach, 20 minutes to Southport. Really great location," reports one visitor.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some camping areas have restricted access. At Fort Fisher, "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," warns one visitor.
Beach erosion: Shoreline changes affect camping areas, particularly at Freeman Park. "Erosion continues to eat away at the beach and it probably won't be long before camping is prohibited due to lack of space. The beach used to be much wider," notes one camper.
Seasonal crowds: Popular areas become very crowded during peak season. Freeman Park visitors recommend specific timing: "I would recommend only during the cooler months. Feb-March, Sept-Nov. That's about the only time you can hope to avoid a chaotic, party scene."
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Wilmington KOA offers family-friendly amenities including a playground with unique features. "The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!" shares one visitor.
Beach access planning: Schedule beach time considering tide patterns. At Freeman Park, "It's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in" and "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!"
Alternate swimming locations: While some parks don't permit swimming on site, nearby beaches provide safer options. Carolina Beach State Park visitors note "The only downside is you can't swim within the park, because the currents can get dangerous. The beach is only like 5 minutes away though, so not really a big deal."
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Holden Beach RV Campground provides well-designed spaces for RVs. "We stayed in the new section with great, full hook up, level, gravel pads and some new grass and landscaping, large new picnic table and fire pit. And a decent amount of space from next door neighbor at an angle," shares one visitor.
Non-traditional sites: Some camping areas like Oak Island Campground have specific limitations. "This campground really shouldn't even offer tent sites. It's basically a gravel parking lot filled with a mix of RV's and tents," notes one camper who found the setup unsuitable for tent camping.
Hookup placement: RVers should verify utility connection locations when making reservations. At Fort Fisher, "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."
