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Camping

Established Camping

Oyster Point Campground

Oyster Point Campground, near Newport, North Carolina, is a charming spot that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With its spacious sites and proximity to the water, it’s a favorite for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and access to potable water. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, with many noting that it’s a great place for a relaxing getaway. One visitor mentioned, “Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene,” which captures the essence of this lovely location.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a beautiful 21-mile trail nearby, perfect for hiking and exploring the local scenery. The sites are well-spaced, allowing for a sense of privacy, although some campers have noted that the underbrush has been trimmed, making it feel a bit more open than before. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife while enjoying a sunset by the water.

With a friendly host who’s always ready to help, Oyster Point Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re tent camping, bringing an RV, or trying out glamping, this spot has something for everyone.

Description

USDA Forest Service

National Forests in North Carolina

Overview

Oyster Point Campground is located on the banks of the Newport River, near the town of Newport, NC. The campground is just a short drive to the beaches of Atlantic Beach, NC and other coastal fishing destinations. The campground can get very busy and reservations are reccamended but must be made 3 days in advance. Of the 15 campsites, 1 are considered a first come-first served campsite that cannot be reserved or held, so a person must physically be there with their camping equipment to purchase the campsite. Oyster Point campground has the option to use Scan & Pay system, but by the rules of recreaiton.gov it may only be used for first come-first served sites. Please make sure to contact a campground host to ensure availability before paying for any campsite. Failure to check with the campground host for availability may result in the loss of your camping fee.

Recreation

Canoeing and fishing are popular options. Power boating is allowed on the Newport River, however, the boat lanch at this location is a small hand launch with no vehicle access that you may use a canoe or kayak cart/dolly for assistance to get your boat to the water if desired. The Croatan Saltwater Trail weaves south between the barrier islands of the Bogue Sound and north on Adams Creek connecting to the Neuse River. This campground is also the trailhead for the Neusiok trail which is a 21-mile hiking trail that meanders through cypress swamps, loblolly pines and vast bogs of thick vegetation.

Facilities

Canoeing and fishing are popular options. Power boating is allowed on the Newport River, however, the boat lanch at this location is a small hand launch with no vehicle access that you may use a canoe or kayak cart/dolly for assistance to get your boat to the water if desired. The Croatan Saltwater Trail weaves south between the barrier islands of the Bogue Sound and north on Adams Creek connecting to the Neuse River. This campground is also the trailhead for the Neusiok trail which is a 21-mile hiking trail that meanders through cypress swamps, loblolly pines and vast bogs of thick vegetation.

Natural Features

Situated in the coastal pine forest and intercostal waterway of the Croatan National Forest, which encompasses 160,000 acres in eastern North Carolina, the Newport River is 12 miles long and opens into the Bogue sound. It is popular with anglers and flatwater paddlers.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is just a short drive to the towns of Newport, NC and Morehead City, NC. These towns offer full service grocery, retail, and an abundant selection of restaurants.

Charges & Cancellations

There is a $10.00 fee to cancel Reservations. Reservations canceled within the 3 days of arrival may result in the loss of the fee for one or more nights stay. Refunds for weather or checking out early will not be considered

Fee Info

Campsite Fee and Policy: Campsites should be paid for within 30 mins of arrival. If you arrive and/or setup on the campsite before 5am, you will be required to pay the following for the previous night (Example: if you arrive any time before 5am Saturday morning on a campsite, you must pay the full price for Friday Night)

<ul> <li>Single Standard Non-Electric Campsite = $10.00 per night - 8 person limit</li> <ul> <li>Scan & Pay for First Come-First Served sites will add up to an additional $1.00 per day to process electronic payment.</li> </ul> <li>Double Standard Non-Electric Campsite = $20.00 per night - 16 person limit__</li> </ul> America the Beautiful <strong>Senior and Access Passes qualify user for half off the Basic Fee for Single Sites</strong>. There are no camping discounts for Veteran, Annual, Volunteer, or 4th Grade passes <strong>Reservations are extra and are non-refundable</strong>. Reservations must be made <strong>3 days</strong> prior to arrival to prevent double bookings, but may be made up to <strong>180 days</strong> in advance__

Please make sure to contact a campground host to ensure availability before paying for any campsite not reserved prior to your arrival. Failure to check with the campground host for availability may result in the loss of your campsite and camping fee.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Oyster Point Campground is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Newport, take SR 1154 to Forest Road 181 and turn right.

Address

Forest Road 181
New port, NC 28570

Coordinates

34.7608417 N
76.7617083 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

22 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023

Water Views and Spacious Sites

Oyster Point: Great sites. Sites w water view are best.
(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 Price 2023: $ 5 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light Site Privacy: Underbrush has been trimmed it looks like. So, there is not as much privacy between sites. Site Spacing: Very wide sites .
Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet during our stay.
Road Noise: Secluded. No public roads nearby. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. One or two spigots. Generators:Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilet is clean and well stocked. Showers: No Pull Throughs: Site 13 is a pull through Cell Service (AT&T): 2 - 4 bars Setting: Pine forest with a more of Newport River Weather: 72 fall day high. Bugs: No mosquitoes. Must be gone for the year Solar: Maybe too forested in some spots. In site # 5 at 9:00 AM we had some solar charge happening Host: Tonia is a delightful host Rig size: Our site would fit a large rig. Sites: I took pictures of the sites on the shore side of the campground. They are the best, but all sites here I would be happy with. Sites #9 and #11 have pathways to a very small private beach. Site 1 is close to a pit toilet. Maybe a smell issue now and then.

Site5
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Roger W., November 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Roger W., November 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Roger W., November 19, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2023

Quiet and secluded

Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene. Campsites are relatively close but fat enough to feel like there's some privacy. Close to the water and a lovely 21 mile trail. Potable water available along with raised bathrooms and trash receptacles. It's a solid 9/10. Drawbacks are the biting flies and tough ground if you're tenting.

Site8/10
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2023

Not very private

I chose this site in hopes of being in a private wooded area. Very dissapointed. Original pics and videos i saw were showing lots of coverage. But now everything is so open, you can see every persons camp site. Theres no real privacy. They are also sticklers about dogs on leashes. Even though mine was trained and playing with us in our area. We were still forced to leash him. There are toilets at each end, but it's a pit. No flushing. No sink. No showers. There are fire pits with grates and also a picnic table. There is also a lot of rocks around the tent pad area and picnic table.

There's a wooded trail that leads up to the main gravel road you come in on. Very narrow. Also water but only half the campsites are looking onto it. I believe it's only odd numbered spots. Overall it was an okay time for the price. Wouldn't come here again.

Couldn't even attempt fishing because the wind was bad. There was only a small area to even try, but there was an oyster contamination sign. Dirty Foam all around the edge of the water.

Site4
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Kelsey K., March 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Kelsey K., March 19, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2023

Camp host excellent

Ms tonya was friendly and helpful and really welcomed us into the community.

Site12
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Sandra W., March 11, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2022

Great place

Besides the creepy homeless guy they couldn't get rid of, this place is great! For $10 a night you really can't complain. Comes with a bench and a fire pit, and they just cleared all the underbrush and chopped a few trees down and left all the wood cut up nice and neat for the fire pits! Right by the water, although I didn't catch any fish. 15 minute drive from the city just in case you forgot anything. Also, if you happen to stop by, say hi to Mrs. Tonya, the campground host. Real sweet lady who loves to chit chat

Site5
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022

Great Little Campground

Oyster Point is small. Only 15 or so sites. It’s also simple, with few amenities. It was very peaceful when we stayed. Lots of birds to hear. We identified 8, but there were more. The Neusiok Trail on this end was not well maintained. Lots of high weeds. The river was pleasant to look out at. They did some work recently and cleared a lot of the trees and brush from the riverside sites. You can now see the river from most sites and you get more breeze (some relief from the bugs!) I recommend if you want to get away from louder, busy campgrounds and also want to save some money! $10/night, +$8 if you reserve online.

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Mike , October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Mike , October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Mike , October 17, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

Great tent camping

Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap.

Site9
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2021

Perfect little camping spot!

We loved our 2 night visit to Oyster Point Campground. Large campsite with shade and privacy, next to the Newport river, and very quiet. Insects were not bad at all (mid October). Campground host was very friendly. Fire pits and picnic tables are showing age and could be replaced. Other than that, a perfect stay.

Site#5
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2021

Best out of season

We tent camped at this small (16 sites) campground in late May. The location is pretty and on the water. Not a swimming place, but there is a launch for canoes and kayaks. The location is a perfect staring point for hiking in Croatan National Forest. Fierce biting bugs and ticks during certain seasons, so bug spray is a must! Campsites are large and clean with some shade and old (need repair) picnic tables and fire pits. Some sites have electric hook ups. Toilet facilities are there but I do not recommend. Sites feel relatively private, but you do sometimes hear your neighbors. Most sites had RV campers when we stayed there. Also small youth groups frequent this location. Good for tent camping and not far to Carteret County beaches.

Site05
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Remote & East to Access but a little Buggy

We loved this campground! It was so easy to access, the roads were well maintained and it was right on the coast. Plenty of campsites so one was easy to grab even without a reservation. Each site is super clean with a fire ring and picnic table. Free water spigots and nice gravity toilets. Price was also reasonable and the hosts were very kind. Only complaint is nature related and that’s the bugs! The flys are insane but you’ll quickly learn to ignore them - aside from a few bites here and there. We smoked them out and it was fine for the most part. We will definitely be back!

Site14
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Hannah F., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Hannah F., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Hannah F., June 12, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2020

Clean and Small Campground

We really enjoyed our night at Oyster Point.  The host was friendly and helped me find another campsite when my was taken by an unregistered guest.  We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11.  Tent pads are big enough for 1 large tent or 2 small tents.  The campground is small so fairly quiet.

**Pro's: **

Metal Fire Ring/Grill 

Picnic tables 

Lots of lantern hooks

 Port a Johns were very clean

Some cons:

The bugs are bad in June and bug spray didn't really help.

The sites aren't in order by number. 

The gravel road had a lot of ruts in it so getting my trailer with kayaks in and out was a lot of trouble.

No showers

Port a johns were noticeably tilted down hill

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Closed due to COVID 19 (May 2020)

We stopped to check it out and it was closed due to the coronavirus. It is also the location on the southern trailhead for the Neusiok trail, part of the mountains to see trail. Highly recommend hiking the trail from the campground! Views are beautiful!

  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Virginia W., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Virginia W., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Virginia W., June 21, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2020

Nice little camp

Nice little campground well kept. Make sure you don’t check in after hours lol. Make sure you bring good bug spray!!!

  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by David B., March 22, 2020
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Reviewed Feb. 18, 2020

Nice, convenient and secluded

Found the campground on a map and went to see what it was all about. Sites are very large and well maintained. The bathroom is a vaulted toilet. The water spot is close to sites. No power, that makes it real camping. Great experience.

  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Steven  G., February 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Steven  G., February 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Steven  G., February 18, 2020
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2019

Very nice

It was our first time visiting. The host was very nice, the camp sites clean and kept. We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well.

  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by Tiffany L., October 6, 2019
Reviewed May. 22, 2019

Peaceful and remote

Oyster Point Campground is no frills. But vault toilets were well maintained and cleaned. 

Campsites are large and spread out. Logs were at each campsite when we arrived,  great for firewood or for seating around the campfire. 

Campground sits along a body of water, but no water access from any sites. At the entrance to campground there are hiking trails.

Area is remote. Closest shopping was more than 10 miles away.

Host was friendly and personable.

Highly recommend and will return again ourselves.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

great host

just want to start by saying the camp host, Tanya, is awesome. super friendly and helpful. bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.

the flys were bitting, but the mosquitos were not terrible.

there is water access but no beach.

sites have a good amount of trees to give prIvacy.

$10 a night

  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by jennifer Z., August 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Oyster Point Campground by jennifer Z., August 11, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Simple spot near the water

Not a whole lot going on at this site. The trail was washed out without warning. There are toilets available without running water. Bugs were bad but that’s to be expected. Not a bad place, not great either.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Oyster Point Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Oyster Point Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Oyster Point Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Oyster Point Campground does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Oyster Point Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Oyster Point Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Oyster Point Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Oyster Point Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Oyster Point Campground?

    There are 15 campsites at Oyster Point Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts