The best campgrounds near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina with wildlife watching

Looking for a camping experience near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, with a focus on wildlife watching? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 350 options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation for your outdoor adventure. With options starting as low as $10 per night, there's something for every budget. For top-rated campsites, check out Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews), JCO at Lee Baysden Pond (89 reviews), and Bright Star Farm (66 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spaces. Don't miss out on exciting activities like swimming and wind sports. Start planning your wildlife watching getaway today!

98% (466)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, with a focus on wildlife watching? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 350 options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation for your outdoor adventure. With options starting as low as $10 per night, there's something for every budget. For top-rated campsites, check out Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews), JCO at Lee Baysden Pond (89 reviews), and Bright Star Farm (66 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spaces. Don't miss out on exciting activities like swimming and wind sports. Start planning your wildlife watching getaway today!

98% (466)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Escape near Cape Lookout

95%

(205)

18mi from Atlantic Beach · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Davis, NC

Secluded campsite with 4 RV spots, 3 electric and water, 1 water only (quiet generator allowed here) and 1 tent only site. All spots are waterfront, located on Core Sound. There is a dock to tie up your kayaks and paddle boards. Boats are welcome to park in our overflow parking area and a public boat ramp is 0.25 miles away. Take the Davis ferry to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout just a few minutes away! 3 sites with 30-amp power (sites 1, 2 and 3) we welcome generators at the other sites, so long as they are quiet. All with water hookups except tent site 5. One can also pitch your tent close to the water (site 5). Enjoy swimming in the sound, fishing, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks and your canoes!!!! Enjoy it all and only share the space with 4 other sites. No waste dump on site. Core Creek Campground will allow you to dump for $39. 20 minutes from shops and restaurants of Beaufort and Morehead city. There is also a ferry to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island, a peaceful 20-minute drive away. Really great access to a quiet and beautiful part of the outer (inner) banks. Everything you’d ever want to do at the beach is within 30 minutes and the sunrise on the sound is gorgeous. Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at dusk. Recommend spray or a bug light. Carteret County is now spraying our site for mosquitoes! With Cape Lookout National seashore and Fort Macon State Park under 20 minutes from us, you also have tons of outer-bank activities to choose from.

2. Crockett Landing

96%

(70)

11mi from Atlantic Beach · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Beaufort, NC

15 beautiful acres on the North River in Beaufort, NC. Just off Highway 70 which is an Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Trails and private campsites throughout the property as well as a large communal deck (The Landing) by the river for gatherings and multiple observations areas to observe and enjoy the wildlife throughout the property. Bathhouses for guests and well water throughout property. Fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, etc on the property. Atlantic Beach and Morehead City only 20 minutes away. Close to several stores and gas stations as well as countless fishing spots and about 7 miles to the end of Hawkers Island Rd where you can catch the ferry to Cape Lookout. Crockett Landing is a haven and sanctuary for wildlife and those who want to connect with nature and have a good time. There is a tote at the Cafe Blue full of games like badminton, volleyball, frisbees, wiffle ball, corn hole, paddle ball etc. The Cafe is an outdoor kitchen for guests to use as they like. Propane grill and stove available including dishware and pots and pans.

3. Live Oaks Farm

98%

(166)

44mi from Atlantic Beach · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Holly Ridge, NC

Live Oaks Farm is a mini farm full of beautiful 200 year old live oak trees, willow trees, azaleas, other plants, and a pond. We are a great oasis right off of Topsail Island that gets coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. We are a small growing farm with chickens, dwarf Nigerian goats, and ducks. We also offer a seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm. You will usually see Patrick working around the property or in the wood workshop building furniture. His beautiful wife Brittany and their gorgeous kids Maddox and Everlee enjoying the outdoors as well.

4. Bright Star Farm

99%

(104)

48mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · Trenton, NC

Bright Star Farm has been in our family for over a century. The land, which is home to horses, chickens, peacocks, two little pigs, and various farm cats, is a restful, healing haven for both tired and adventurous souls who want to escape for a while. Learn more about this land: Hook up your RV or pitch your tent to camp with miniature horses, a couple of pot belly pigs, birds, and more in Jones County's charming countryside. Enjoy our 100-year-old family farm and receive half-a-dozen complementary farm-fresh eggs on your first morning with us. We are a short drive from some of North Carolina's best amenities, including historic New Bern and the Crystal Coast. Get ready to spend the night down on the farm!

5. Sunset Cove on the Neuse River

98%

(50)

34mi from Atlantic Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bridgeton, NC

Need to recharge, reconnect and truly escape it all? This is your place. Our property is a unique, healing place to unplug surrounded by the beauty of eastern North Carolina. Nestled along the Neuse River with mature trees draped with Spanish moss ,we have 1000ft of riverfront as well as a peaceful pond, dock and prayer/mediation labyrinth. You will experience the most unforgettable sunsets, overwhelming peace, tranquility and a supreme connection back to nature. With only a 10 minute drive to historic downtown New Bern and a 30-40 minute drive to the beach, you can experience the best of both worlds. Many people tell us, and we know it true ourselves, there is something truly healing about our property. Come find out! Our personal home is located on the property, but we give our campers space and privacy during their visit. A few notes: -Our campsite is located on a peninsula surrounded by the river, because of the nature of the property, we do not allow children under 10 to visit. -Firewood is not provided but can be purchased at KOA just down the highway. -Fishing licenses are required for those wishing to fish -On your ride down our dirt road you will pass mobile homes about a 1/4 of a mile from us. These are our friendly neighbors that keep to themselves and do not interact with our property. If you are not comfortable driving past that, this might not be the campsite for you. This is very common in rural North Carolina. -Our campsite is for 5 people and 2 tents max. If you have more than 5 people coming please request to add additional people to your reservation. -Our bathroom has a sink, toilet and electricity. There is no shower available. -This is eastern NC, and there are plenty of wildlife and bugs. -Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. -The campsite is located on the peninsula of our property but if you are more comfortable camping away from the riverfront you are able to move over to the pond as well (there is also a fire pit there).

6. Old 30 Dirty Family Farm

100%

(8)

32mi from Atlantic Beach · 2 sites · Tents · Jacksonville, NC

Small beginning family farm on over 7 acres with chickens, a stocked pond/lake, guest house, and small community garden. Close to NC beaches, restaurants and fun things to do. Plenty of space for RV travelers. Close to local military bases. Beautiful place to view various types of wildlife and natural scenery.

7. Lucky’s Lookout

100%

(16)

13mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · RV · Gloucester, NC

Private campsite at the heart of Down East North Carolina, just minutes from Harkers Island and 25-30 minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Crystal Coast and Cedar Island. The Harkers Island fishing pier and boat/kayak launch are less than 5 minutes from the site. Immerse yourself in the local experience by enjoying the cuisine and shopping in Beaufort and Morehead City, NC.

8. Pasture Creek Farms

94%

(71)

27mi from Atlantic Beach · 10 sites · Tents · Hubert, NC

Raw coastal land. Water activities: paddle activities, swimming ,wading, canoe, small boats Stocked ponds, throw back only (extra fee). Dirt roads and game trails for walking or hiking. Close to beach. Firewood available for purchase on site. Water available (ask host) Dry and primitive camping. Lots of wildlife. Convenient to beach, intracoastal water way, and boat ramps.

9. The Crystal Coast Preserve!

100%

(1)

5.1mi from Atlantic Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Beaufort, NC

3 stunning waterfront acres with a former church (now a family retreat) on Town Creek in Beaufort NC. Abandoned waterfront train track bed perfect for up to 3 pop ups or sprinter vans! 10 minute walk to Beaufort Docks - or bike or kayak! Also really nice grassy tent sites under the magnificent live oak trees. Very special place in the #1 small coastal town in America. **All sites have water & electricity.

Camper favorites near Atlantic Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bright Star Farm

99%

(104)

48mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · Trenton, NC

Bright Star Farm has been in our family for over a century. The land, which is home to horses, chickens, peacocks, two little pigs, and various farm cats, is a restful, healing haven for both tired and adventurous souls who want to escape for a while. Learn more about this land: Hook up your RV or pitch your tent to camp with miniature horses, a couple of pot belly pigs, birds, and more in Jones County's charming countryside. Enjoy our 100-year-old family farm and receive half-a-dozen complementary farm-fresh eggs on your first morning with us. We are a short drive from some of North Carolina's best amenities, including historic New Bern and the Crystal Coast. Get ready to spend the night down on the farm!

Sunset Cove on the Neuse River

98%

(50)

34mi from Atlantic Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bridgeton, NC

Need to recharge, reconnect and truly escape it all? This is your place. Our property is a unique, healing place to unplug surrounded by the beauty of eastern North Carolina. Nestled along the Neuse River with mature trees draped with Spanish moss ,we have 1000ft of riverfront as well as a peaceful pond, dock and prayer/mediation labyrinth. You will experience the most unforgettable sunsets, overwhelming peace, tranquility and a supreme connection back to nature. With only a 10 minute drive to historic downtown New Bern and a 30-40 minute drive to the beach, you can experience the best of both worlds. Many people tell us, and we know it true ourselves, there is something truly healing about our property. Come find out! Our personal home is located on the property, but we give our campers space and privacy during their visit. A few notes: -Our campsite is located on a peninsula surrounded by the river, because of the nature of the property, we do not allow children under 10 to visit. -Firewood is not provided but can be purchased at KOA just down the highway. -Fishing licenses are required for those wishing to fish -On your ride down our dirt road you will pass mobile homes about a 1/4 of a mile from us. These are our friendly neighbors that keep to themselves and do not interact with our property. If you are not comfortable driving past that, this might not be the campsite for you. This is very common in rural North Carolina. -Our campsite is for 5 people and 2 tents max. If you have more than 5 people coming please request to add additional people to your reservation. -Our bathroom has a sink, toilet and electricity. There is no shower available. -This is eastern NC, and there are plenty of wildlife and bugs. -Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. -The campsite is located on the peninsula of our property but if you are more comfortable camping away from the riverfront you are able to move over to the pond as well (there is also a fire pit there).

Old 30 Dirty Family Farm

100%

(8)

32mi from Atlantic Beach · 2 sites · Tents · Jacksonville, NC

Small beginning family farm on over 7 acres with chickens, a stocked pond/lake, guest house, and small community garden. Close to NC beaches, restaurants and fun things to do. Plenty of space for RV travelers. Close to local military bases. Beautiful place to view various types of wildlife and natural scenery.

Lucky’s Lookout

100%

(16)

13mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · RV · Gloucester, NC

Private campsite at the heart of Down East North Carolina, just minutes from Harkers Island and 25-30 minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Crystal Coast and Cedar Island. The Harkers Island fishing pier and boat/kayak launch are less than 5 minutes from the site. Immerse yourself in the local experience by enjoying the cuisine and shopping in Beaufort and Morehead City, NC.

Pasture Creek Farms

94%

(71)

27mi from Atlantic Beach · 10 sites · Tents · Hubert, NC

Raw coastal land. Water activities: paddle activities, swimming ,wading, canoe, small boats Stocked ponds, throw back only (extra fee). Dirt roads and game trails for walking or hiking. Close to beach. Firewood available for purchase on site. Water available (ask host) Dry and primitive camping. Lots of wildlife. Convenient to beach, intracoastal water way, and boat ramps.

The Crystal Coast Preserve!

100%

(1)

5.1mi from Atlantic Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Beaufort, NC

3 stunning waterfront acres with a former church (now a family retreat) on Town Creek in Beaufort NC. Abandoned waterfront train track bed perfect for up to 3 pop ups or sprinter vans! 10 minute walk to Beaufort Docks - or bike or kayak! Also really nice grassy tent sites under the magnificent live oak trees. Very special place in the #1 small coastal town in America. **All sites have water & electricity.

Public campgrounds near Atlantic Beach

100%

(2)

Oyster Point Campground

4.3mi from Atlantic Beach · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Croatan National Forest

100%

(1)

Neusiok Trail

9.5mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Croatan National Forest

Siddie Fields

15mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Croatan National Forest

60%

(5)

Cedar Point Campground

19mi from Atlantic Beach · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Croatan National Forest

Great Lake Boat Launch

20mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Croatan National Forest

100%

(2)

Flanners Beach Campground

23mi from Atlantic Beach · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Croatan National Forest

100%

(3)

Hammocks Beach Campground

23mi from Atlantic Beach · 14 sites · in Hammocks Beach State Park

100%

(1)

Fishers Landing

25mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · in Croatan National Forest

Catfish Waterfowl Impoundment

25mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Croatan National Forest

Catfish Lake Boat Launch

26mi from Atlantic Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Croatan National Forest

Stories from the community

Will

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Cove on the Neuse River

Awesome stay as usual. I have 20 sunset pics on my phone everytime we stay.

L

LeRae

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crockett Landing

Beautiful campsite with so much personality! The owners are wonderful people and we will be coming back!

Jory

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Pasture Creek Farms

Have stayed here 3 times now. This place is a camping gem. Beautiful piece of property. You really feel tucked away in the forest. Still can’t believe this is so close to my house. Highly recommend for a weekend get away! Also - the owners really take pride in these campsites. You can tell they have put a lot of hard work into their land!

J

Jack

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crockett Landing

This was a great campsite. I will stay here again!

J

Jeff

November 2025

45 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Live Oaks Farm

Just stayed at Live Oaks Farm and it was wonderful! The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, and the host was so pleasant and helpful. Access to local attractions and Topsail Island was incredibly convenient. A perfect peaceful getaway with easy access to everything. Highly recommend!

A

Adam

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Crockett Landing

My wife and I loved it here. Site 5 was big enough for our two person tent. The cafe was useful to rinse off our dishes and the bath house was great for a quick hot shower during the cold October mornings.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Live Oaks Farm

Patrick was very responsive, accommodating and friendly. We lived meeting the goats and hens and ducks and roosters.

T

Taylor

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Crockett Landing

The campground was a nice little spot next to the road. It seems like the perfect spot for families with younger kids as there's lots of little trails for littles to explore and practice their balance on. I had a great time and Paul was an excellent host to us. During the storm he allowed us to move from our original campsite so our tent wasn't blowing around so much. I had a great time and would definitely go back!

P

Parker

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Farm

Great place to camp! The hosts were friendly and accommodating on the initial greet. They live there on the property but felt private as it's the only tent site. Would absolutely stay again.

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crockett Landing

👍🏻

Sarah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Crockett Landing

We loved this campsite! There were so many thoughtful little touches that made it nice and welcoming. We came here for one night with our one year-old. We appreciated the “café“ little outdoor kitchen, with pots and pans to cook with. We also appreciated the bathrooms, and the hot shower was really nice! Each of the campsites has a cool design, and it’s right close to the water. We got to use the canoe and go out on the water at sunset. Paul was very helpful and responsive in helping us get the canoe, and super nice to talk to! It was very quiet and peaceful here. We would definitely like to come back someday!

C

Chris

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Live Oaks Farm

One of the best HipCamps so far!! Patrick is a great guy and was very hospitable! 10 minutes from beach and thoroughly enjoyed the Pond Site! Will be back in the future!!

J

Joshua

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Pasture Creek Farms

Wonderfully secluded campsites a ways off the highway, on the banks of a beautiful little pond. Some of the sites are not numbered, so I'm not entirely sure which I stayed at, I think Site 8, but it is beautiful. At night, there were fireflies over the pond, which I haven't seen in years. The gravel/dirt drive back to the sites around the back pond is a little rough, especially after a rain, if you don't have 4WD and good ground clearance you might want to stick to the sites closer to the road. There's lots of wildlife, you'll scare up a few rabbits on the drive back, and I woke up to wild turkeys not a hundred feet away one morning. There is a little traffic noise from the highway, but the crickets and cicadas mostly drown it out. Overall a very pleasant and peaceful campground.

T

Travis

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lucky’s Lookout

Great place and location. Close to the beach and everything you may need yet far enough away for peace and quiet. Site was easy to get in and out of. Kyle was very responsive and helpful. Thanks!

Kristie

August 2025

40 ft fifth wheel

With kids

5 nights at Live Oaks Farm

Great place to stay as always. Patrick is great and beach close by.

Kris

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Escape near Cape Lookout

This was a great, private, relaxing two nights for me. Plenty of room to fetch my dog and I kayaked right from the boat launch on the property. Gorgeous views!

Mandy

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Crockett Landing

Absolutely loved this place. Amazing “lost boy” vibes and everything you need right there. Cooked all our meals at the outdoor kitchen provided and was nice to have a shower at the end of the day. We car camped in our SUV and enjoyed walking the trails around the property. Paul was super nice and had kayaks available to paddle out in. Amazing sunset views and the star gazing was perfect. Will visit again!

R

Renea

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Live Oaks Farm

Great host! Good communication, good location, it was a very nice time. Had everything we needed, even left some bug spray for us to use. Thank you we will be back!

J

Jeremiah

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pasture Creek Farms

I love my experience here every time I come out here it’s quiet it’s peaceful very secluded. When you have other campers come out here they never bother you. It’s a very peaceful tranquility spot. I’m always gonna recommend people to come out here all the time and the reason why is because sometimes you just need to go set your ass up up in the forest, a.k.a. your tent and once in a while, just spend a little time in nature and just kick back and just really appreciate life once again. This is the most amazing property that I found the host are amazing people and their property is an amazing property as well

J

Jeremiah

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pasture Creek Farms

My experiences are very enjoyable here. I would recommend it to everybody and anybody prices do vary though through summer and winter 19 in the winter time and 29 in the summer spring I don’t know about fall yet, but let me tell you it is the most amazing spot.