Fishing enthusiasts and hikers will find Oyster Point Campground positioned along the Newport River in Croatan National Forest, accessed via a rough dirt road that requires careful navigation. This small US Forest Service facility features just 15 sites spread across gravel pads, with several waterfront locations offering direct river views and private beach access paths from sites 9 and 11.
The campground operates with basic amenities that campers consistently praise for cleanliness. Vault toilets at each end of the loop receive regular maintenance, and water spigots are strategically placed between sites. Roger W. notes the "pit toilet is clean and well stocked," while multiple reviewers highlight the spacious site layout that accommodates large RVs, including a pull-through option at site 13.
Recent forest management has opened sightlines to the Newport River from most sites, creating better airflow that helps with seasonal bug pressure. Campers report hearing numerous bird species, and the Neusiok Trail begins near the campground entrance, though trail maintenance varies. The river provides kayak and canoe launching opportunities, though swimming is not recommended due to periodic water quality concerns.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact the camping experience here. Fall and winter visits avoid the intense biting flies and mosquitoes that plague warmer months. Cell service reaches 2-4 bars for most carriers, and the remote location means the nearest supplies are 25-30 minutes away. Mike appreciates how "peaceful" it stays, noting you can "get away from louder, busy campgrounds and also save some money."
Reservations are available through the standard Forest Service system, though walk-up sites often remain open except during peak seasons. The $10 nightly fee makes this an economical base for exploring places to camp near Morehead City and the broader Crystal Coast region.
Description
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
The campground features 15 campsites and two vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table, fire grill, parking spur, tent pad and lantern post. 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
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) Single Standard Non-Electric Campsite = $10.00 per night - 8 person limit Scan & Pay for First Come-First Served sites will add up to an additional $1.00 per day to process electronic payment. Double Standard Non-Electric Campsite = $20.00 per night - 16 person limit America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes qualify user for half off the Basic Fee for Single Sites. There are no camping discounts for Veteran, Annual, Volunteer, or 4th Grade passes Reservations are extra and are non-refundable. Reservations must be made 3 days prior to arrival to prevent double bookings, but may be made up to 180 days 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundOyster Point Campground is located in North Carolina
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/4/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/4/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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
Drive Time
- 50 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 1 hr 48 min from Goldsboro, NC
- 1 hr 48 min from Wilmington, NC
- 1 hr 52 min from Greenville, NC































