The best waterside campgrounds in North Carolina

North Carolina’s waterside campsites make it easy to wake up to the slap of a paddle or the call of kingfishers. You’ll find over 6,000 places to pitch your tent or park your camper right by lakes, creeks, and rivers—each with its own quirks. Top picks like Starlight Hills (1,076 reviews), Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch (761 reviews), and The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (592 reviews) draw regulars for their riverside views and easy access to swimming holes. Bring your dog, light a fire, and keep things simple—most sites have pet-friendly policies, fire rings, and toilets ready to go. Whether you’re after a weekend fishing spot or a quiet paddle at sunrise, you’ll find waterside camping here as low as $10 a night, with the average closer to $50. Wildlife-watching and horseback rides are standard fare, so don’t forget your binoculars and boots.

96% (21.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

North Carolina’s waterside campsites make it easy to wake up to the slap of a paddle or the call of kingfishers. You’ll find over 6,000 places to pitch your tent or park your camper right by lakes, creeks, and rivers—each with its own quirks. Top picks like Starlight Hills (1,076 reviews), Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch (761 reviews), and The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (592 reviews) draw regulars for their riverside views and easy access to swimming holes. Bring your dog, light a fire, and keep things simple—most sites have pet-friendly policies, fire rings, and toilets ready to go. Whether you’re after a weekend fishing spot or a quiet paddle at sunrise, you’ll find waterside camping here as low as $10 a night, with the average closer to $50. Wildlife-watching and horseback rides are standard fare, so don’t forget your binoculars and boots.

96% (21.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Canter Lakes Farm

99%

(96)

3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rocky Point, NC

Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.

2. Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

100%

(305)

1 site · Tent, RV · Walnut Cove, NC

NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season. Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Bin + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly! Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency. My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dogs or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit. NOTE: we do NOT provide electric at the campsite; you are allowed to use a generator. NOTE: please remember to bring garbage bags for all of your trash. All trash must be bagged and deposited into the provided garbage bin.

3. Live Oaks Farm

98%

(166)

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. 160 Acres On 1700's Waterfront

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Beaufort, NC

Established in 1750, McIntyre Farm has been owned and operated by the same family for generations. This stunning 160-acre waterfront property offers a calm, quaint, and untouched escape surrounded by nature. Wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, turkeys, and deer can often be spotted across the land. Enjoy peaceful hikes along scenic trails, relax by a cozy campfire, or spend the day fishing along the private shoreline. With plenty of open space, it’s a family- and dog-friendly destination where you can truly unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.

5. Corner Pine

96%

(40)

1 site · RV · Newland, NC

Linville Land Harbor Is a residential entrance near the base of Grand Farther Mountain. Weekley & Monthly rates available upon EMAIL request. This resort offers a private 40-acre stocked lake with a White Sandie Beach. Canoes, kayaks, & electric motors permitted. The Linville river flows thru the resort stocked with trout for fly fishing only. Heated swimming pool with game rooms and pavilions. 18-hole golf course with practice facilities. the Patio Grill offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages. Tennis and pickleball courts, Bocce ball & basketball court. hiking trails along the river and lake and more. All within walking distance of a private drive thru lot with pavilion and fire pit. 50 and 30 amp hook up with water, sewer, and private WIFI internet. , laundry room and shower house are a short walk away. Just minutes away from Boone, ASU, Blowing Rock, Grand Farther Mt. ,Beach Mt., and Sugar Mt. Snow Skiing , BMX Mountain Biking, Linville Falls, Linville Caverns, Mayland Sky Observatory, Blue Ridge Parkway, Restaurants, Wineries, Breweries and so much more. http://linvillelandharbor.com check in 2:00 check out 12:00 Weekly And Monthly rates are available. Please respond to this email with the dates you are requesting.

6. Enjoy Pearl's new Gas Fireplace !

100%

(1)

1 site · Lodging · Ocracoke, NC

Ocracoke is a North Carolina Island is known as the ultimate secluded family vacation destination in the state !! There is so much that the island has to offer. Not only are there swimming beaches and beaches that you can drive (with a permit), but there are also lovely areas for Kayaking and fishing !! The Grey Pearl is an original 1934's Cottage located in the heart of the Village of Ocracoke. This lovely island 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath cottage offers a quiet respite after a fun filled day at the beach and out exploring. With its central location you can literally walk or bike to everything you need !

Public campgrounds in North Carolina

100%

(5)

Merchants Millpond Campground

47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Merchants Millpond State Park

100%

(1)

Cliffs of the Neuse Campground

39 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

83%

(3)

Eno River Campground

13 sites · in Eno River State Park

Stories from the community

K

Kathleen

5 days ago

35 ft Class A

With pets

4 nights at Corner Pine

Very nice campsite. Ken and Lyn were easy to reach, and neighbors friendly. Memorable Thanksgiving celebration with family. Looking forward to our next trip.

D

DAVID

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

Love this place! Very quiet and peaceful, the views are beautiful, huge pond to go fishing on, kayaks you can take out, just an all around great place to came, highly recommend to anyone

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!

Jenny

October 2025

31 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Corner Pine

Our stay at this mountain campsite was fantastic! The hosts were both exceptionally kind and attentive. Ken recommended a Newland tire business to work on our truck brakes and I'm not exaggerating when I say they might have saved our lives! While the space was a smidge tight for our fifth wheel, it worked out fine. All the campsite hook-ups were pristine and easy-to-use. The location was lovely - set in a charming country club neighborhood with welcoming neighbors who went out of their way to check on us. We love Newland and felt as though we were centrally located to the places we like to visit. Thanks so much, Ken & Lyn! We will be returning, for sure!

T

Timothy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

We had a great time! We used the kayaks caught a few fish and made some great memories..

R

Robin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Huge, beautiful, flat, shaded area with a creek for summer cooling. The host are extremely helpful and kind. I will stay again if I'm in the area.

S

Stacy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

My husband and I loved our stay at canter lakes! We loved waking up and drinking coffee overlooking the water and taking walks to go look at the horses. The property was clean and well maintained. The bathroom and shower were also very clean and a great feature to have while camping. We would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking to have a cute camping getaway.

O

Owen

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Great site! Beautiful, big, and private. The picnic table was huge and the fire pit was big and really nice. The best part was the TONS of complementary firewood. One of their dogs hung out with us and our dogs for a few hours before it got dark. There are also 2 barn kittens that hung out with us all night lol. Dayla and Denae were very sweet and generous hosts. We can't wait to go back!

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

This is a beautiful, peaceful piece of land with a great camping setup. We had a great time, and the hosts were helpful and communicative. We’ll be back!

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.

Mackenzie

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at Canter Lakes Farm

My boyfriend and I brought our NuCamp Barefoot travel trailer out camping for the first time here and it was absolutely beautiful! It was super peaceful and a nice large area with everything you need! We’re definitely going to come back with friends very soon!

M

Marissa

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Corner Pine

My boyfriend and I stayed at Corner Pine for a weekend in a camper van to do some leaf peeping and sight seeing around the Highlands. The site was perfect for our needs! We especially loved the deck to relax and enjoy the moon while playing guitar. It was peaceful and private. Having access to amenities was fantastic, and it was so thoughtful of our hosts to leave a welcome basket with instructions and helpful tips!

J

James

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Corner Pine

Nice quiet neighborhood with a private deck. Bathroom facilities are a short walk up the hill.

Lawson

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

We had a great time at this site! Only wish we could've stayed longer. Julie was an amazing communicator and the directions/map are very detailed. The bathroom was a plus and very clean. We would definitely stay here and recommend this site!

Sean

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

We really enjoyed our stay here. Super responsive host. Site was clean and private, you get the entire place to yourself. All the free firewood you want, that's a nice touch! Clean porta john. A gas station and Dollar store less than 3 minutes away too if you forget anything.

Coco liked the pet fenced porch on the deck and the fire too.

M

Michelle

September 2025

34 ft Class A

With pets

3 nights at Corner Pine

This stay was a first for us using this app and very pleasantly surprised and delighted with the spot with easy pull through and comfortable deck with fire pit. The variety of sweet, helpful and welcoming community members in the neighborhood was a plus. Reminds me of a great old campgrounds with lots of woods, shrubbery, unique vacation homes, camp sites or permanent little and large mountain homes. Walking around felt very safe and nice perks with the amenities.

E

Elijah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Dayla is the warmest and most welcoming host I have ever met! She was so kind and made sure to go the extra mile in every way so that our experience would be one for the memories. Great spot with complete privacy, pond to fish, horses to pet, a creek to bathe in and relax by, an open area for activities, a camp fire to sit and laugh around, wood to burn, and it’s in a great location. We hiked hanging rock and got ice cream that was DELICIOUS and spent the rest of the time on site laughing, worshipping and learning about the Lord, and making memories that will last a long time. Highly recommend and plan on going back soon!

M

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

As a single woman camper, I couldn’t feel any safer knowing I’m in the middle of a sprawling property, with host’s who are there for me, who understand the safety and peace desired. This is my 3rd or 4th visit and I’ll for sure be back. I love the privacy of the HipCamp with the horses just across the creek to go visit. I was surprised happily that they were recently (also surprise) donated some kittens. There were 3 kitties that became friends by the end. There’s also two dogs who may or may not interact. I enjoyed my visits with all the animals as well as lots of time on my own. The port a potty is convenient and potable water is available up a hill at the host’s home. I tent camped and enjoyed fires in the evenings with a ton of complimentary wood. It’s very quiet aside from a bit of street noise at peak times and maybe some mowing of the large property. Love this place.

W

Wes

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

What a beautiful place, and very accommodating hosts. The site was as described and very peaceful. We would definitely visit again.

M

Megan

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

I had such a wonderful time! The site was gorgeous and secluded and seeing the horses on the farm was incredible. They were so beautiful and friendly. I would definitely recommend and would love to go back!