The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking to camp near Elizabeth City, North Carolina and want to be close to a river, we've got you covered with over 128 options that meet your criteria. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, you'll find the perfect spot for your outdoor getaway. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Chigger Creek Camping (50 reviews), and Ryan’s Downtown Hatteras Site! (27 reviews). With amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, and activities like paddling, horseback riding, and off-roading, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

92% (43)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking to camp near Elizabeth City, North Carolina and want to be close to a river, we've got you covered with over 128 options that meet your criteria. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, you'll find the perfect spot for your outdoor getaway. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Chigger Creek Camping (50 reviews), and Ryan’s Downtown Hatteras Site! (27 reviews). With amenities like toilets, potable water, and showers, and activities like paddling, horseback riding, and off-roading, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

92% (43)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Gator Creek Private Retreat

96%

(23)

25mi from Elizabeth City · 1 site · Tent · Columbia, NC

Gator Creek, a secluded natural getaway located near Alligator River on Little Alligator Creek. This is a quiet property surrounded by wetlands and state hunting preserves-perfect for campers who love true wilderness. Fishing is available all around the area ,and the creek can be reached with a short walk through the woods or by going down the road. There is no clear-cut trail, as I keep the land as natural as possible. A public boat ramp is within walking distance. With minimal light pollution, Gator Creek offers excellent stargazing and a peaceful wildlife-rich environment. You may spot dragonflies, birds, squirrels ,bears and more, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Hunting in nearby game lands(in season) Fishing, Boating via the public ramp, Wildlife viewing, and stargazing. No hunting is allowed on Gator Creek property itself. Bucket toilet located at the host's cabin ( guest may use it anytime) Space to pitch a tent near the cabin if preferred. City water available Car campers and camper vans welcome Small self contained RV's also welcome I do not stay on site while campers are present. Each guest has the entire property to themselves- only one booking at a time. Please dispose of all trash properly. Because of the area's wildlife, leaving food or garbage out can attract animals. Gator Creek is ideal for campers who enjoy rustic, wild, natural spaces, want solitude and privacy, appreciate wetlands, wildlife, and quiet forests, love fishing, stargazing, and exploring nature. We are only ten miles from Alligator River National Wildlife Preserve. If you are looking for a peaceful outdoor experience surrounded by untouched nature, Gator Creek is the perfect spot.

2. Country Living at Its Best!

100%

(22)

33mi from Elizabeth City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Suffolk, VA

This 46-acre horse ranch is located in the Whaleyville township of Suffolk. We are off of Highway 13, five miles from North Carolina state line. The 46 acres include 15 acres of pasture that host horse and sheep, and 31 acres of surrounding woods for hiking, camping, horseback riding and ATVs. A unique wildlife swamp borders the rear of the property.Learn more about this land:Enjoy country tranquility on this 46-acre horse ranch! 15 acres of pasture host horses and sheep. 31 additional acres available for camping, hiking, ATVs, and hunting. Unique wildlife swamp borders the property. Great star gazing!Located in the Whaleyville township of Suffolk, off of Highway 13 and 5 miles from North Carolina state line.

3. Waterfront Quiet Central Location!

83%

(6)

37mi from Elizabeth City · 1 site · RV · Chesapeake, VA

Transient visitors can expect a peaceful, relaxing stay on the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River. We are centrally located in the heart of Hampton Roads within a 15-30 minute drive to Virginia Beach Ocean Front, ODU, NSU, ORF airport, all Navy bases, and Waterside District. This cozy RV campsite was previously used to store our Airstream as a spare guest house which we no longer own. It comes with sewer hookup, city water, 30 amp outlet. Guests have full access to use the private concrete boat ramp to launch a canoe/kayak for a quiet cruise on the river, or use the private fire pit sitting area. Pets are OK!

4. Proctor Point

15mi from Elizabeth City · 1 site · RV · Hertford, NC

We offer a 30 amp electric service with fresh water hook up. The site is 200 ft. from Perquimans River with private sandy beach for swimming. A pier for relaxing for a sunrise better than most. Kayaks are free at your own risk. Inner Banks no problem, Outer Banks 1 hour away.

Public campgrounds near Elizabeth City

100%

(5)

Merchants Millpond Campground

28mi from Elizabeth City · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Merchants Millpond State Park

Stories from the community

M

Max

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Country Living at Its Best!

Awesome time taking my kids c Roof top tent camping here. Cheryll and Anthony are super accommodating and friendly. A lot of great camping experiences to be had here. Will be back again for sure!

K

Kelly

October 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gator Creek Private Retreat

We wanted a quiet place off the beaten path to boondock with our dogs while driving through the area. This was perfect! Joyce has a lovely set up for herself and it is so kind of her to share it with others when not in use. We will definitely consider it again if in the area.

B

Brian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gator Creek Private Retreat

Very nice, secluded getaway only a short drive from OBX. Convenient for me as I just needed a cheap place to set up my hammock for the night. Note: If you're here in the warm months, insect repellent is a must.

K

Kent

July 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Gator Creek Private Retreat

Camp is very secluded and quiet. Great for star gazing.

Alexander

June 2025

18 ft Class B

With pets

4 nights at Country Living at Its Best!

We had a great stay here and would highly recommend.

G

Gary

June 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Waterfront Quiet Central Location!

This site is located in a nice, quiet neighborhood. The owners are super friendly and accommodating. Having full hookups was nice. It was close to numerous restaurants and area attractions and about 30 minutes from the beach. It was a little tight getting into the site, even with only a 23 ft travel trailer. Just be mindful of this if you have a larger rig.

O

Olivia

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Gator Creek Private Retreat

We had such a wonderful time camping at Gator Creek! Very nicely kept with ample wildlife.

W

June 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Waterfront Quiet Central Location!

We only slept here and for us the place was fine. We felt safe and the camper was secure during the day while we were away. The site is peaceful and pretty, the host is friendly. The parking is back in only, the camper door faces the fence. The sewer hookup is unaccessible when the camper is fully backed into the parking space. The fire pit and water were inviting but we did not use either.

B

Braveheart

May 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Waterfront Quiet Central Location!

Perfect spot to park & unhitch from our 18’ travel camper. Located within 30 minutes to Virginia Beach and less to many historic spots & other types of attractions.

Ted

May 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at Gator Creek Private Retreat

This was my second time staying at Gator Creek and it certainly won't be my last. It's very private, secure, quiet and beautiful. What more could you ask for?! It's also close to the ARNWR (see pictures) and it's just a little farther to the OBX for those so inclined. Stop by the local country store and say hello to Mr. Baily while you're there. Watch for the muskrats in the water near the entrance. They're fun to watch!

J

Jill

May 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Waterfront Quiet Central Location!

Rene and Pete's site is actually just to the side of their house and in their backyard. The property is right on some water and it was so peaceful and quiet, even with a neighbor on the other side of the fence from my van. I have two dogs and they had free roam of the backyard without being leashed. Pete was even kind enough to send me information on dining close by. Both Rene and Pete were very courteous, very kind and willing to do anything I needed.

C

Christmas

May 2025

Tent

4 nights at Gator Creek Private Retreat

We enjoyed it!! it rained the last couple of days, but we made it work:)

Tres

April 2025

15 ft campervan

1 night at Gator Creek Private Retreat

Quiet, private, secluded camp spot - exactly what I was looking for! Several, level spots to choose from. Good, fast communication with camp host, thank you Joyce. Also, it’s no surprise, you’re in the coastal plains of NC, bring bug spray.