The best family-friendly camping near Goldsboro
99% (656) • 35 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Goldsboro
Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park
1. Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park
97%
(416)
38mi from Goldsboro · 6 sites
Calling all hippies, treehuggers, Earth worshipers, and others who enjoy immersing themselves in nature! At Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary, we are all about engendering a respectful, compassionate, and harmonic relationship with each other as well as the Natural World and her amazing creatures.
We have high hopes for the long-term preservation of our remarkable planet, her breathtaking habitats, stunning species, and awe-inspiring ability to support the Natural Order of all of it.
For almost 2 decades, we’ve been driven by the dream of creating a place of peace and respite for all who cross our threshold. From our USDA licensed educational program to our ongoing rescue efforts, we have the ability to provide an enriching and enlightening experience for people of all ages.
While camping with us, visit Betsy, the Two-toed Sloth, and Teddy, the Capuchin Monkey, plus many other ambassadors at our sanctuary who are sure to inspire you and remind us of our interconnectedness!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Tar River Life
2. Tar River Life
98%
(180)
41mi from Goldsboro · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River.
Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites.
The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped.
Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions.
There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure.
We are pet friendly!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$34
/ night
JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
3. JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
100%
(497)
42mi from Goldsboro · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Finalist for Best NC Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunkenness allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, dark night stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature. We truly believe that being in nature is essential for a happy and healthy human life. Quiet time enforced 10pm-6am. Check in strictly 2-8pm. We do not allow late check ins for respect of other campers and our family. We meet and greet all guests, and all vehicles must be registered.
The Jones Family owns and operates JCO (Juniper Creek Outfitters) since 2020. The Historic Pond dates back to 1773 where a grist mill, sawmill, general store, and blacksmith shop were established. The land was once our 6th Great Grandfather's and how Fountaintown was formed. The property consists of 84+ acres: 22-acre lake, swamps, creeks, and farmland. We are in a farming community. We take pride in stewardship of the land and waters to keep its natural beauty and help with keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Many animals call it home! (Heron, Ducks, Osprey, Turkey, deer, beaver, fish, and many other wildlife) We have a lake Cat named Tail. She may greet you! The Ponds are stocked with Bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and more. Catch and release. NC fishing license required.
JCO currently has 9 RV/Travel Trailer sites on main side that wrap around the lake. A Floating cabin and an A-frame Glamping cabin on main side. Across the lake we have 12 primitive tent sites that spread-out around the property. Views of lake and sunset, little pond, swamp and creek views. The lake is a Fishing lake. Kayaks and trolling boats are welcome. No gas motors. Upon booking we can send a local tourism guide for the area. We are only 50 minutes from the beach and coastal towns. Pet Friendly campsites. Check Out our social media links or ask about events coming up.
Sunrise Easter Service April 5th at 6:45am
Southeast Trail Life Junction April 10th-12th
Carolina Critters Nature Classes April 11th and May 9th
6th Annual Youth Fishing Tournaments May 2nd
Bluegrass in the Grove (Event we are sponsoring in next county) June 13th
Campfire Stories and Smores Nights (to be determined)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$25
/ night
Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park
4. Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park
99%
(54)
49mi from Goldsboro · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
50+ acres of woods, water and walking/Rolling trails with two small lakes and a STOL runway for experienced ultralight and short takeoff and landing aircraft pilots only! Room for RV’s but no power or sewer service. Room for mountain bikes, hiking, drone racing and flying, R/C float planes and RC boat racing, Flying, fishing, boating and aswimming at your own risk. Primitive camping, Trackchair and all terrain handicap accessible trail around lake. Access to potable drinking water
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$42
/ night
99% (656) • 35 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Goldsboro
Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park
1. Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park
97%
(416)
38mi from Goldsboro · 6 sites
Calling all hippies, treehuggers, Earth worshipers, and others who enjoy immersing themselves in nature! At Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary, we are all about engendering a respectful, compassionate, and harmonic relationship with each other as well as the Natural World and her amazing creatures.
We have high hopes for the long-term preservation of our remarkable planet, her breathtaking habitats, stunning species, and awe-inspiring ability to support the Natural Order of all of it.
For almost 2 decades, we’ve been driven by the dream of creating a place of peace and respite for all who cross our threshold. From our USDA licensed educational program to our ongoing rescue efforts, we have the ability to provide an enriching and enlightening experience for people of all ages.
While camping with us, visit Betsy, the Two-toed Sloth, and Teddy, the Capuchin Monkey, plus many other ambassadors at our sanctuary who are sure to inspire you and remind us of our interconnectedness!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Tar River Life
2. Tar River Life
98%
(180)
41mi from Goldsboro · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River.
Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites.
The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped.
Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions.
There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure.
We are pet friendly!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$34
/ night
JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
3. JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
100%
(497)
42mi from Goldsboro · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Finalist for Best NC Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunkenness allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, dark night stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature. We truly believe that being in nature is essential for a happy and healthy human life. Quiet time enforced 10pm-6am. Check in strictly 2-8pm. We do not allow late check ins for respect of other campers and our family. We meet and greet all guests, and all vehicles must be registered.
The Jones Family owns and operates JCO (Juniper Creek Outfitters) since 2020. The Historic Pond dates back to 1773 where a grist mill, sawmill, general store, and blacksmith shop were established. The land was once our 6th Great Grandfather's and how Fountaintown was formed. The property consists of 84+ acres: 22-acre lake, swamps, creeks, and farmland. We are in a farming community. We take pride in stewardship of the land and waters to keep its natural beauty and help with keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Many animals call it home! (Heron, Ducks, Osprey, Turkey, deer, beaver, fish, and many other wildlife) We have a lake Cat named Tail. She may greet you! The Ponds are stocked with Bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and more. Catch and release. NC fishing license required.
JCO currently has 9 RV/Travel Trailer sites on main side that wrap around the lake. A Floating cabin and an A-frame Glamping cabin on main side. Across the lake we have 12 primitive tent sites that spread-out around the property. Views of lake and sunset, little pond, swamp and creek views. The lake is a Fishing lake. Kayaks and trolling boats are welcome. No gas motors. Upon booking we can send a local tourism guide for the area. We are only 50 minutes from the beach and coastal towns. Pet Friendly campsites. Check Out our social media links or ask about events coming up.
Sunrise Easter Service April 5th at 6:45am
Southeast Trail Life Junction April 10th-12th
Carolina Critters Nature Classes April 11th and May 9th
6th Annual Youth Fishing Tournaments May 2nd
Bluegrass in the Grove (Event we are sponsoring in next county) June 13th
Campfire Stories and Smores Nights (to be determined)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$25
/ night
Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park
4. Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park
99%
(54)
49mi from Goldsboro · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
50+ acres of woods, water and walking/Rolling trails with two small lakes and a STOL runway for experienced ultralight and short takeoff and landing aircraft pilots only! Room for RV’s but no power or sewer service. Room for mountain bikes, hiking, drone racing and flying, R/C float planes and RC boat racing, Flying, fishing, boating and aswimming at your own risk. Primitive camping, Trackchair and all terrain handicap accessible trail around lake. Access to potable drinking water
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$42
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Doug
January 2026
Tent
With kids
The owners were awesome and kindly let us switch spots based on their recommendation. We enjoyed paddling around the lake and were comfortable with our site. The firewood is dry and ready to burn. Lots of wildlife around here, couldn’t recommend a better local spot!
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J
Judy
January 2026
8 ft pop-up camper
With pets
The campsite was beautiful and private. The host was friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stay and will come back again!
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J
Jamison
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Really great camping spot! Good host and plenty of room
See moreR
Ryan
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful spot with excellent privacy. Tessa was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend.
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S
Samatha
November 2025
With pets
Wonderful stay from pre-checkin to checkin to checkout! I wanted a quite relaxing but comfy stay surrounded by nature w a few creature comforts and the Cabin gave me just that. The view from the cabin is so serene. I enjoyed exploring the campgrounds w my pup and meeting some of the fellow campers. The Cabin is clean, well appointed, comfy bed w a splash of holiday cheer (based on when I stayed). Contessa is an outstanding host! I stayed on the grounds for my entire wkend stay but will checkout local attractions Contessa recommended during a future stay.
JCO is a special place that’s easy to get to and not easy to forget; I’ll be back to get my overlanding on w my partner (he’s a frequent camper here). The JCO hype is legit!
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W
Wayne
November 2025
Tent
It felt secluded from others at the camp itself. The site was clean and very close to the water. The host were extremely gracious.
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R
Rachael
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Contessa and her husband were very friendly and helpful. The area was very peaceful and an otter and a nutria came swimming by our site! The bathroom was very clean and well stocked.
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J
Jake
November 2025
Tent
Another great stay at JCO! Can’t wait to come back again!!
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K
Kat
November 2025
Tent
Cory is awesome and it was lovely camping among all the various animals. The camp itself was rustic and not fancy, and that suits me just fine! Had a lovely time. Will definitely go back if I'm in the area again.
See moreB
Brenden
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Was a great stay! Very nice to have the lake all to ourselves. Would recommend to anyone wanting to get away.
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A
Ashly
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot by the river- easy to access. This was our second time camping with Nikki
See moreA
Andrew
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Quiet and beautiful. Would definitely visit again.
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T
Trevor
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Excellent spot away from the city but not to far out of the way. Right on the water side made for excellent mornings sitting around the fire enjoying coffee and enjoying the view. The host was exceptional with everything from first meet and great to departure. If you want a quite relaxing weekend away I would highly recommend this spot.
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R
Robin
October 2025
Tent
Peace and quiet place to relax and fish for shiners.
Plenty of firewood if you have a chainsaw. Plenty of flat ground for 10x10 tent. Shaded by the lake and sunny by the field.
See moreJ
Jake
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Cory's place is such a unique and fun spot. I took my 3 young kids here to enjoy the animals (second time) and it doesn't disappoint. They saw animals they've never seen in each life, and the campsite is set back just far enough that it feels private, but is close to the animals and restroom. We had a great time!
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J
Joe
October 2025
15 ft travel trailer
Nice little pond with some fish. Tossed my line in and caught something in 5 minutes. Great for little kids. Pond was glass in the morning, it felt like I was hours away in the middle of nowhere.
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Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Friendly staff and an enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone. It’s primitive camping with animals around!!
See moreA
Andersen
October 2025
Tent
10/10. Great Lake view and boat launch point. Had everything I needed and easy to get to.
See moreB
Brittany
October 2025
Tent
Great campground and the owners are wonderful. Would return again in the future.
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Chaeli
October 2025
Tent
Second time here!! Love this site so much! Will definitely be coming back for another stay in the future.
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