Beach camping in North Carolina
From the mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers plenty of camping on sandy shores.
97% (1617 reviews)
- North Carolina
97% (1617 reviews)
Popular camping styles for North Carolina
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Available this weekend
12 top beach campgrounds in North Carolina
100%
(1)
Wilmington/Beach Base Camp
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wilmington, NC
We are centrally located in the Wilmington area with easy access to Topsail, Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure Beaches, and a 15 minute drive to downtown Wilmington. Our RV is on our property and with everything you need to enjoy your stay! We offer a queen bed, converts to couch, kitchen with 3 burner stove, microwave, huge fridge with freezer, shower, smart TV and more.
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$50
/ night
99%
(261)
Waterfall camping close to CLT
1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Bessemer City, NC
My Neighbor has started his own Campsite, "The Swimming Hole". If mine is booked up and you still want to camp, look him up. His is better suited for small groups but has much more privacy.
We have a new road to the campsite; you can now drive down with two-wheel drive vehicle or RV down and park near your tent!
There is plenty of soft sand to set up one tent or ten tents; large groups are welcome for an extra fee.
A Porta-Potty is available at the campsite.
Swimming is usually possible at the base of the falls; however, large amounts of rain can change conditions and make it unusable.
I should also add, this is not a completely private campsite deep in the woods. The camp is visible from a shared driveway, and my residence is up a hill that overlooks the area. Also, I do not own the land on the other side of the stream. Occasionally, the owners of that land will spend a weekend afternoon enjoying the waterfall view also.
Still much quieter and more private than a regular campground.
Glamping tents and additional camping tents are available through a local company. Look in the pictures for the tent with red, white, and blue balloons. Message me for details.
Close to US National Whitewater Center (mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking), Kings Mountain National Military Park (Horseback riding and history), Crowders Mountain (Hiking), 3 miles off of I-85 and US-321 for people passing through.
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$72
/ night
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(20)
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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$55
/ night
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Green Toe Ground
3 sites · Tents16 acres · Burnsville, NC
Our farm is named for its site on the South Toe river. This is a pristine river great for swimming. Our farm has a legendary local swimming hole with a rope swing. The river is stocked with trout for fishing. The road by the farm is great for walks or biking. We are nearby tons of hiking and outdoor activities.
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$45
/ night
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(22)
Key Stone Camp
1 site · RV1 acre · Arapahoe, NC
Learn more about this land:Camp directly on the Neuse River! The views are incredible. Relax on the porch swing, swim off the sandy beach. Mins to Oriental and Minnesott Ferry.When we first saw this property we fell in love with it and we hope you can enjoy this little piece of heaven too. Originally we put in the additional site for friends and family to enjoy and then we found Hipcamp and thought, why not?What I love about the property is the water. It's so relaxing listening to the waves and looking out across the river watching the boats, birds, or dolphins with fish jumping and crab fishermen re-setting their pots. Cherry Point is not far away and we have been delighted by an impromptu fireworks show or a plane fly-by. Oriental is a small town full of sailboats and the town has a lot going on. They have a website called Towndock to see what's happening. You can grab a coffee or ice cream at The Bean, stroll down the waterfront looking at the boats, and drop a line off the fishing pier. There are some great local restaurants and even a Brewery that hosts food trucks and music on the weekends. You will not be in the middle of nowhere as there is a grocery store, a marine store and a dollar general to pick up supplies.The Minnesott Ferry (free) is a 10-minute drive and you can get to Beaufort, NC or Atlantic Beach in about an hour.Welcome! CaraExtra Info: The camping spot is a pull-in along a shared driveway with my neighbor and so you will be perpendicular to the river, but camping is all about being outdoors and there is the yard, picnic table, and beach to share. We haven't put a firepit in yet, but we plan to. When leaving, you would need to back out, but there is a driveway across the street so there is plenty of room. The reservation will be dependent on the rainfall so I don't have the instant book feature turned on. Because parking is on the grass, if it's really wet, you could get stuck and nobody wants that.
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$60
/ night
93%
(53)
Raw Farms / Apple Orchard
5 sites · Tents10 acres · Black Mountain, NC
This land was once a busy organic farm and sat empty for years, We are raw vegans who love to grow food and eat lots of fruit! We fell in love with massive river on the land and the greenhouses. Its a very magical piece of land!
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$25
/ night
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(199)
Mountaintop Fantasy
4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC
Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground.
Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the
Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands.
Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere.
Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin.
With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods,
This is the place for you and your family.
If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy.
Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too.
Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens.
This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite.
These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.
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$120
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96%
(163)
Escape near Cape Lookout
6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · 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 water crafts, such as 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 right by the water (site 5). Enjoy swimming in the sound, fishing from the private dock, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks and your canoes!!!! Enjoy it all and only share the space with 4 other sites. Personal boat parking available, public dock is 0.25 miles away. Or take the Davis ferry, a minute away, to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout! No waste dump on site, but one nearby, information available upon request. They charge $25.
Enjoy the property’s sound access to Core Sound. Fish, kayak, canoe or paddle board in nature’s beauty. 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.
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$40
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Spruill Farm Conservation Project
3 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Roper, NC
(Note: no fireworks, crackers, sparklers, or garbage burning are permitted)
Tip: check out the 'Phases of the Moon' calendar in photos before booking!
The Spruill Farm belonged to the Spruill Family for over a hundred years and has just been set up as conservation easement protected land. It includes hardwood forest, swamp, a beautiful swimming beach* on the Albemarle Sound - one of the largest freshwater sounds in the world-, acres of farmland, vegetable garden and perhaps the largest fig orchard for hundreds of miles around. The purpose of the Spruill Farm is to further environmental research, promote ecological education and sustainable practices, and provide access for the public to the ever-diminishing shoreline experience. Please enjoy the incredible sunsets and woodland views, while respecting the serenity of this unique gem on the inner-banks.
Wildlife on the property include Red Fox, River Otter, and 95 species of birds, including Bald Eagles (2 nests on the farm), nesting Osprey, Wood Ducks. Visit the 'Spruill Farm Conservation Project' on inaturalist(dot)org to see all 95 species, and upload any images from your observations.
Because it is a nature preserve, please read the guidelines and rules closely if you choose to book with us.
*Note: the shoreline changes with the wave action and the seasons. This makes the Bobby Wilkins shoreline trail so beautiful- always changing.
If your expertise and interests coincide with the mission of the Farm, feel free to propose collaborative projects to julia@thepeanutfactory.org
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$35
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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
/ night
Lucky’s Lookout
1 site · RV3 acres · 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.
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$55
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97%
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Green Acres Private Campground
8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping
NO HOOKUPS
Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping
NO HOOKUPS
Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping
NO HOOKUPS
Located minutes from Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Calabash!
Located Between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach!
Minutes away from Beaches, Attractions, Shops and Dining!
Private and secluded grass-covered fields perfect for Boondocking and Tent Camping.
Each site has a Picnic Table, Umbrella, Firepit.
Pets are welcome!
5 gal Camp Showers available to Rent.
Trash Bins available at Fence.
Communal BBQ Grills. (Charcoal Not Included)
Portable Pottie Available To Rent.
Goods and Supplies available for Purchase or Rent during booking checkout.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! For upcoming event schedules, specials and discounts!
NEARBY DUMP STATIONS:
*Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort
7200 KOA Drive Southwest
Sunset Beach, North Carolina 28468
1-910-579-7562
M-Sat. 9am-4:30pm, Sun. 9am-2:30pm
$20.00 Fee
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*Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575
1-843-238-5325
Water: Yes
$5.00 Fee
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*Willow Tree Resort
520 Southern Sights Drive
Longs, S.C. 29568
1-866-207-2267
$15.00 Fee
** Trailer Campers, Please Spray Your Undercarriages, Tires And Ground
Supports With Outdoor Ant Spray Before and Upon Arriving.**
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$26
/ night
Star Hosts in North Carolina
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping in North Carolina guide
Overview
Whether it’s sand dunes and seagrass on the Atlantic Ocean or a pristine mountain-rimmed lakeshore near Asheville, water lovers and campers rejoice over the many opportunities for beach camping in North Carolina. Summer is the best time to head to higher ground in the western North Carolina mountains, where campsites abound and campers can fish, swim, kayak, and boat on the many rivers and lakes. In spring and fall, the North Carolina coast becomes a quiet, cooler oasis, offering seemingly endless campsites and beach camping options in and around coastal state parks, both on barrier islands (some with wild horses) and inland on the estuarine waterways of the Pamlico Sound. From Carolina Beach State Park near Wilmington to Hammocks Beach State Park, Cape Lookout, and Topsail Beach and all the way up to the barrier islands and North Carolina beaches of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you’ll find numerous beach campsites and RV parks (many with full hookups, grills, and wifi). Oceanfront tent camping is even possible on the beach at Freeman Park on Carolina Beach. And there’s no shortage of outfitters offering activities, tours, and rentals for all your water needs while beach camping in North Carolina.
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