Camping near Wilmington
This coastal Carolina town boasts a plethora of beach camping.
96% (1004 reviews)
- Wilmington
96% (1004 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Wilmington
Under $50
Star Hosts in Wilmington
12 top campgrounds near Wilmington
99%
(732)
Black River Camping Ventures
12 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ivanhoe, NC
Voted "2023's 3rd BEST HIPCAMP IN NORTH CAROLINA". Nestled in the heart of southeast North Carolina and conveniently located an hour from Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville — our 40+ acre family land is situated directly on historic Black River. Well known for its beautiful trees, wildlife and fisheries, Black River is also home to the oldest bald cypress forest in the world, many being alive hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth. We are the only riverfront camping experience on Black River so we aim to provide you the best views, the most exceptional hospitality (from hosts Lisa and Eric), with hopes that you leave completely happy with our little piece of heaven and wanting to return year after year!
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Castle Hayne Jane's Family Farm
30 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Castle Hayne, NC
We have undeveloped farmland with small clearings for camping across from Riverside Park on the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Our land is located in Castle Hayne, NC, an equestrian community just north of Wilmington.
Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sunbathing are available on the river. Down the road in Castle Hayne you'll find mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, restaurants and socialization (try Luck's Tavern for great live music and karaoke!)
We're also located just a short trip away from unique area attractions, including Masonboro Island, Screen Gems Film and TV Studios, The USS North Carolina Battleship, Fort Fisher, Wrightsville Beach, and Historic Downtown Wilmington.
Enjoy your stay with us!
Here are links to fun activities nearby:
Luck's Tavern Karaoke Bar: https://www.facebook.com/Luckstavern/
Castle Hayne Disc Golf Course: https://www.newhanoverdgc.com/
Hanover Stables Horseback Riding: http://hanoverstables.net
Blue Clay Mountain Biking Park: http://nhcparksconservancy.org/our-parks/blue-clay/
Castle Hayne Boat Ramp: https://castlehaynewatertours.com
Food Scene:
Buen Dia Authentic Mexican Breakfast: https://www.buendiarestaurant.com
Highway 55 Burgers: https://hwy55.com
Domino's Pizza: https://www.dominos.com
Paul's Place Famous Hotdogs: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pauls-place-famous-hotdogs-rocky-point
Jung's Egg Roll Express: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jungs-egg-roll-express-castle-hayne
Uncle Louie's: https://www.unclelouiespizzerialounge.com
Nigori Sushi: http://nigorigourmet.com
The Sawmill Cafe: https://sawmillcafeandcatering.com
Historic Sites, Venues, & Beaches:
https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events/
https://www.wrightsvillebeach.com/events.html
https://simplelifefishing.com/classes
https://www.southendsurf.com/about
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Ocean View Micro Farm
2 sites · Tents2 acres · Wilmington, NC
Whatever your saltwater pleasure, you can enjoy yourself with friends and family at Ocean View Micro Farm. Eat fresh, local meats, eggs, seafood and vegetables while you're here, all easily accessible at nearby farms, markets and eateries.
Camp on the Intracoastal Waterway overlooking pristine marshlands and wild barrier islands on the Atlantic Ocean.
We offer two spacious campsites.
Enjoy fishing, exploring by kayak, SUP or canoe from our launch over to sandy white beaches of Lea and Hutaff Islands. Boat rental companies will come pick you up for a tour, or a daily rental. We grow microgreens, herbs, flowers, blueberries, grapes, pecans and seasonal vegetables here. Our land is a haven for birds and pollinators with the many trees and shrubs that bloom and fruit though out the year. Grocery store, pharmacies, restaurants and an emergency hospital are within 7 miles. Sailfish Restaurant is a short walk away if you'd like to dine out but not drive. Please message us with any questions or requests.
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$72
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(10)
Piner's Paradise
3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Wilmington, NC
Stay on a peaceful half wooded / half cleared lot in a nature setting while midtown Wilmington in center of it all! Tall trees surround this .81 if an acre potential sighting of Deer, Hawk, cardinal, Turkey, owl, bunny and squirrel may visit too.
Exclusive to only a few campers at a time. Just a minute ride to monkey junction intersection with a bunch of shops restaurants etc. Power hook ups for 30 or 50 amp service and
Water hookup available!!!
Improvements and rate changes coming July Book before they increase!
Rent per day or by the week. This safe haven will make you and yours feel at home.. Pet friendly. Pet run coming soon! Under 10 minutes to Carolina beach 10 minutes to downtown.
Just 20 minutes away is Fort Fisher 4WD vehicles are allowed within Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 24 hours a day from September 15 until March 31. During the rest of the year, vehicles are allowed 30 minutes before the seasonal closing time of the park. Walmart, Home Depot literally 20 doors down.
Relax in the hammock
Under stars
Picnic table area and more additions to come!
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$49
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Pine forest field
1 site · RV1 acre · Wilmington, NC
Learn more about this land:There is a grill in the ground and outside shower compost toilet. Woods to explore 100 acres behind sites. This is a Trailer space up to 30 foot, with 50 amp service, water hose but no sewer to offer. dump site at State park, dont know details.
5 minutes from the Beach , walking, shopping, Restaurants.
All Carolina Beach has to offer.
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The Secret Sanctuary Farm
4 sites · Lodging20 acres · Castle Hayne, NC
The Secret Sanctuary Farm is a co/op located on a portion of Prince George Creek that has a double Oxbow or hairpin turns in the creek. This unique feature prevented loggers from logging the property. As a result, there are many huge old-growth trees on the property as well as a variety of fauna and flora.
A truly unique blend of farmland. Including an assortment of friendly animals to interact with. Woodland, wetlands, and a deep spring fed fresh water creek that connects to the Cape Fear River.
There are four permanent 4 shelters on the property. Composting toilets. Showers are still in the works. All of the shelters have their own composting toilets. Small propane heaters are available for each shelter. The first 1gallon bottle off propane is free with your stay. it will last 5-7 hrs. each additional bottles will cast $6.00 per bottle. There is also solar, powered lights, usb charging stations, fans, and air coolers. each Conestego hut has a locking front door to keep your belongings safe
Campfires, hiking, canoeing and kayaking.
All the Wilmington beaches are within 30 minutes.
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$75
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94%
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Untouched at Livingston Creek
20 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bolton, NC
Livingston Creek Farmers Harvest is a unique find. From the century old farmhouse to the untouched forest to the farmland in between, the 20 acres offers travelers a moment of respite. Come and share in the solitude, renew a rebirth of your serenity at Livingston Creek!
Learn more about this land:
Livingston Creek Farmers Harvest sits on 20 acres of Our Corner of God's Country! We feature a century old restored farmhouse with its charm preserved that will take you back in time... it's available for parties! A seafood market, produce market and nursery are on site too. You can pet and feed the live farm animals... donkeys, chickens, ducks and rabbits to name a few! Pitch your tent under the stars and share your nights with all things wild in SouthEastern North Carolina... beaver, squirrels, birds, wild turkeys and more! North Carolina's sandy shores are 20 minutes away... so bring your paddle board and sunscreen!
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Pine forest, 5 minutes to the beach
1 site · Tent1 acre · Wilmington, NC
Learn more about this land:
back yard has 1/2 acre, for a tent, small fire would be fine. 5 minute drive to beach, area for a car or truck. Water hose for shower, power at camp, compost potty. Tent campers 45.00 a night RV with 50 amp 55.00 a night. check -in 1pm no late night check-in 7pm latest.
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Booked 2 times
The Mill Creek Spread
1 site · Lodging15 acres · Winnabow, NC
Over 15 acres of private forest with birds and wildlife galore. Close to Southport, NC beaches, and the Cape Fear River without the traffic and bustle. Dark skies allow for stargazing. On-site orchard, backyard chickens, and nature trails. Find peace and serenity in a natural setting with country vibes.
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JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC
Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 & 2024!
Events: We will have once a month kids Saturday Nature Class (hour class: May 11 and June 15th) and Summer Camp July 24th-26th (3 hrs morning and afternoon). July 27th Kids Fishing Tournament. July 6th possible a small celebration.
The historic pond was originally much smaller, and a mill pond in the 1920's and features a long dam along one side. It is a 22-acre lake, 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and farmed fields, a total of 90 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC
The Lee Baysden Pond was originally owned by Mr. Lee Baysden himself and first opened for fishing in 1956. The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. It was deemed private and no fishing was permitted during this time frame.
In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We also have our first Glamping A-Frame cabin available. We have had several community events hosting fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, and food trucks. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends or by check-in requests and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, and more.
We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites!
Eight RV sites- # 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you.
Nine Tent sites (More on the way)- Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam.
Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes.
New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, tv and wifi, covered front porch, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more.
Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC
Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.
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Charlotte's Whispering Pine Farm
6 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Atkinson, NC
If you enjoy the shade of tall pine trees, wild blackberries, and waking up to the scent of wild magnolia and jasmine, we invite you to Charlotte's Whispering Pine Farm.
Here, you can take long strolls on our maintained trails, visit Gilbert the Mini Mule or Cupid and Scarlett the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and maybe catch a glimpse of our natural wildlife, including over 25 species of migratory birds, deer, rabbits, and more! Or, simply enjoy the sounds of nature and take in the night sky on our off-the-beaten path property.
Just across the street, you can partake in a historical nature walk through the Moore's Creek National Battlefield, where you can also launch your paddle board and kaiaks (or rent one from us). Enjoy paddling Black River and visit some of the oldest cypress trees in North Carolina.
And just 30 minutes away, you will find some of North Carolina's most popular beaches, including Topsail, Wrightsville, and Carolina Beach. As well as the USS Battleship North Carolina and a slew of other fun kid and adult friendly activities. Just to name a few: Breweries and bars galore, Defy Gravity Bounce House, Jungle Rapid's Water Park (go-carts, mini-golf, and lazer tag), movie theatres, and several fantastic eateries.
Less than 1 mile from our farm: 2 Convenience Stores (ice, beverages, snacks, eggs and bacon, frozen meals, and more), Tire Shop
Within 5 miles: Dollar General, Johnson's Corner Store (made to order food)
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Lake Linda
3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Hampstead, NC
Lake Linda is a private 6 acre lake that's located on our family's 40 acre property. We are just 5 minutes from Surf City, Topsail Island, and 20 minutes from both Wilmington and Jacksonville. You'll often see ducks and geese on the lake. Lake Linda is a peaceful place, but conveniently located within a few minutes of food, entertainment, and of course some beautiful beaches.
On the back half of the property, we also have a small family farm. Pasture raised pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, goats and we even a have a couple of turkeys! We sell farm fresh eggs as well as poultry and pork, all raised right here on our farm. Our pork is USDA inspected and processed! We try to help our farm animals have a great life while they’re with us.
We have two sites available by the lake, one with a 30 amp service, the other with 110 and water.
We also have 2 camper sites available on the farm, as well as a few tent sites. The farm is just a short walk from the lake, so no matter which you choose, you can enjoy the best of both!
We’ve also recently added a bath house, with two bathrooms. Both have stand up showers, and one even has a pet wash station!
You can also see what Lake Linda looks like in the winter by watching Season 8 Episode 6 of ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight! During the holiday season, Lake Linda becomes a winter wonderland for all to enjoy! Lake Linda's Christmas Lights is a light display surrounding the Lake and synchronized to music. You can also see more of what we do with lights by searching facebook for Lake Linda's Christmas Lights or Surf City-Hampstead Christmas Lights.
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Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Wilmington guide
Overview
Wilmington lures campers with its historic urban center and close proximity to nature. With dozens of parks and preserves to visit within a thirty minute drive, plus many miles of coastline, Wilmington is a top-notch spot for campers looking for a natural getaway or RV park that isn’t too far from creature comforts. Rare wildlife, clean beaches, and lush woodlands await you in this mid-sized North Carolina city.
Where to go
Masonboro Island Reserve
Just five miles from downtown Wimington, Masonboro Island Reserve is an 8.4-mile long barrier island. This preserve is federally protected and features a wide array of wildlife and beach access, thanks to its pristine marshes, tidal flats, and other ecosystems. This is a nesting ground for both Loggerhead and green sea turtles. Camping is allowed, but it’s best to camp where people have already camped to reduce impact on the environment.
Carolina Beach State Park
This family-friendly state park offers shaded campsites in the woods along with hot showers and bathrooms. This tent and RV campground has both tent sites and full hookups. Camping here will allow you unfettered access to one of the State’s most popular state parks, which has hiking trails and biking paths, two public boat ramps, and fishing—all just 20 minutes from Wilmington.
Freeman Park
Freeman Park is a great place to enjoy old-school beach vibes and camp in seclusion year-round without getting too far away from civilization. Note that there are a limited number of tent camping campsites here, all of which need to be booked in advance. Freeman Park allows dogs and four wheel drive vehicles, and fires are only allowed from October 1 to March 31. Otherwise this is a great spot to watch the sunset and sunrise while enjoying the ocean waves.
When to go
The best times to camp on the Carolina coast are spring and fall, which avoids hot summer months and out-of-school crowds. However, hurricane season is also a factor between June and November, so be sure to stay updated with current weather reports and stick to a camping trip that occurs earlier in the spring if you’d rather play it safe.
Know before you go
- Since most of these destinations are quite near to Wilmington, be sure to take note of rush hour traffic and plan accordingly ahead of holidays.
- Swimming isn’t allowed at Carolina Beach State Park due to the hazardous coastline.
- Most campsites must be reserved in advance, so book well in advance of your trip.
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