Lake Camping Near Jacksonville, North Carolina, US: 20 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for a camping experience near Jacksonville, North Carolina with a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp! We have over 60 options specifically tailored to your preference for a lake setting. Whether you're looking for a lakeside retreat or a spot near a tranquil pond, we have got you covered. And with popular campsites like Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), JCO at Lee Baysden Pond (89 reviews), and Star Fall Station (87 reviews), you can trust that you'll have an amazing time. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and potable water, and engage in thrilling activities such as surfing, horseback riding, and boating. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $24, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot that suits your budget. So get ready to immerse yourself in nature and create unforgettable memories at our lakeside campsites near Jacksonville, North Carolina!

99% (589) • 57 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Jacksonville

Pasture Creek Farms

1. Pasture Creek Farms

94%

(74)

10mi from Jacksonville · 10 sites

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.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$25

/ night

Live Oaks Farm

2. Live Oaks Farm

99%

(167)

15mi from Jacksonville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$57

/ night

JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

3. JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

100%

(497)

17mi from Jacksonville · 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

Croatan National Forest

4. Croatan National Forest

82%

(11)

National forest 23mi from Jacksonville · 99 sites

Ever wanted to see a carnivorous Venus flytrap up close and in action? Here's your big chance.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

5. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

100%

(1)

State park 45mi from Jacksonville · 39 sites

The carved, chiseled cliffs formed when a fault in the earth's crust shifted millions of years ago.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Lake Linda

6. Lake Linda

98%

(54)

23mi from Jacksonville · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

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, beef, and pork, all raised right here on our farm. Our pork & beef 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 site is on the corner of the lake by the dock. This lakeside site has a 30 amp service. This site does not have water or sewer, however we have 2 full bathrooms in our bathhouse, one even has a pet wash station! The bathhouse is only about 1000 feet away, and you’re welcome to walk or drive down to it! We can also help you fill your water tank and you’re welcome to dump in the full hook up site as long as there isn’t someone camping there. The second lake site has a beautiful view. This lake view site has 110 outlets as well as water. It does not have sewer hookup, but we have 2 full bathrooms in our bathhouse, one even has a pet wash station! The bathhouse is only about 1000 feet away, and you’re welcome to walk or drive down to it! You’re also welcome to dump in the full hook up site as long as there isn’t someone camping there. 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! This is a working farm, we have cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, & turkeys! You’re welcome to meet & enjoy them! We even have a calf that was born here, and we have baby pigs regularly as well! We’ve also recently added a bath house, with two bathrooms. Both have stand up showers, and one even has a pet wash station! We have 2 gas grills on the property for your use as well! One is by the lake, the other is on the farm. We also place picnic tables at all sites before check in! 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.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$45

/ night

Big Cypress Farm

7. Big Cypress Farm

100%

(15)

28mi from Jacksonville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We are a family farm. Established in the 1970s we have lots of local wildlife and water fowl. We have chickens. A lake that is stocked with catfish,brim and bass /I l The sunsets are incredible. And when the full moon is over the pond it is an amazing sight. You can relax here by the pond or venture out to explore historic down town New Bern ,or head the the beach located in Morehead, Swansboro, and the surrounding areas. Check the local Restaurants and the local shops as well. Throughout the year we are surrounded by many different festivals as well. You can listen to the crickets and the birds chirping, and watch the squirrel as they jump and run from tree to tree.we are close to the beaches and are in close proximity of the national Forrest as well. And there are quite a few golf courses near to us as well. We are a work in progress and would be considered primitive Campground. So if what you are looking for is a place to escape to from every day hustle and daily grind we are you kind of place. So check us out on Facebook and have a blessed day.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$20

/ night

Canter Lakes Farm

8. Canter Lakes Farm

99%

(96)

29mi from Jacksonville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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”.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$47

/ night

Old 30 Dirty Family Farm

9. Old 30 Dirty Family Farm

100%

(8)

5.7mi from Jacksonville · 2 sites

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.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$15

/ night

Enchanted Oaks House And Farm

10. Enchanted Oaks House And Farm

33mi from Jacksonville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A Long-Standing Historic Retreat in New Bern A long gravel driveway, lined with trees planted in the 1800s, leads you to this 33-acre historic property — quiet, secluded, and unhurried. The Farmhouse: The 1870s farmhouse is fully restored with modern comforts and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms including an ensuite master, an updated kitchen, and a long screened-in porch overlooking the back fields — perfect for families, small groups, or intimate weddings. RV Sites: Dry camping on open pastureland surrounded by old-growth pecan, cedar, and oak trees. No hookups — bring your self-contained rig and settle in. Tent Camping: Pitch your tent under the oaks and fall asleep to the quiet. Primitive sites are ideal for those looking to unplug completely. The Land: A pond at the entrance, farm fields in the back, and deer wandering through at dusk. The property sits on land settled in the late 1700s — you can feel the history in the trees. Five miles from historic downtown New Bern, yet a world away.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$36

/ night

160 Acres On 1700's Waterfront

11. 160 Acres On 1700's Waterfront

45mi from Jacksonville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$15

/ night

Dirt Road Daylilies Nursery And Cam

12. Dirt Road Daylilies Nursery And Cam

100%

(8)

46mi from Jacksonville · 1 site · Tent, RV

82%

(11)

National forest 23mi from Jacksonville · 99 sites

Ever wanted to see a carnivorous Venus flytrap up close and in action? Here's your big chance.

Pets

Electrical hookup

33mi from Jacksonville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A Long-Standing Historic Retreat in New Bern A long gravel driveway, lined with trees planted in the 1800s, leads you to this 33-acre historic property — quiet, secluded, and unhurried. The Farmhouse: The 1870s farmhouse is fully restored with modern comforts and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms including an ensuite master, an updated kitchen, and a long screened-in porch overlooking the back fields — perfect for families, small groups, or intimate weddings. RV Sites: Dry camping on open pastureland surrounded by old-growth pecan, cedar, and oak trees. No hookups — bring your self-contained rig and settle in. Tent Camping: Pitch your tent under the oaks and fall asleep to the quiet. Primitive sites are ideal for those looking to unplug completely. The Land: A pond at the entrance, farm fields in the back, and deer wandering through at dusk. The property sits on land settled in the late 1700s — you can feel the history in the trees. Five miles from historic downtown New Bern, yet a world away.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$36

/ night

160 Acres On 1700's Waterfront

11. 160 Acres On 1700's Waterfront

45mi from Jacksonville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$15

/ night

Dirt Road Daylilies Nursery And Cam

12. Dirt Road Daylilies Nursery And Cam

100%

(8)

46mi from Jacksonville · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to our evolving campground and nursery! Currently, we offer two RV carports, each sized 18x30, equipped with electric and sewer hookups. We are located 6 min from Oreintal and 6 min from Bayboro. As we continue to expand, additional sites and amenities will be added to enhance your experience. Explore our daylily gardens boasting 2000 flowers, available for both viewing and purchase. Cast your line into the pond for a relaxing fishing session. If you're a boat enthusiast, feel free to bring your boats to enjoy the scenic peninsula of the Neuse River, as well as the many creeks that feed into the Neuse. Witness the growth and development of our campground and nursery, where new additions are on the horizon. Whether you're seeking a serene camping experience or have a green thumb for plant shopping, our evolving space on the Neuse River peninsula offers a unique and refreshing getaway. Just added a Dog Kennel Run!! So bring your Pups!

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$30

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Doug

January 2026

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

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!

J

Judy

January 2026

8 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

The campsite was beautiful and private. The host was friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stay and will come back again!

Lucy

December 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pasture Creek Farms

Veronika is uniquely considerate and a great host. Definitely a campground and grounds caretaker we would book with again! Thank you

A

Allison

December 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Linda

We stayed at Lake Linda’s Campground over Thanksgiving weekend for our very first family camping trip, and it was such a great experience. The hosts were friendly, proactive, and easy to get in touch with, even though they were also working the light show, hot chocolate hut and Santa photo op. These people do it ALL. Our site was easy to get in and out of, and the bathhouse was clean and well-kept, which we really appreciated as first-time campers. Waking up to the rooster and taking a family walk to see the farm animals was a huge hit with our 4-year-old. We live in Jacksonville but wanted a simple weekend getaway, and this was perfect. The campground is conveniently located near Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, Harris Teeter, and Bojangles, so anything we forgot was just a quick drive away. Thank you for having us!

P

Patty

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

We had a wonderful time on this beautiful property. Plenty of area to roam and just enjoy nature. Julie and Scott are gracious hosts and will definitely consider another trip here!!! Thank you so much for sharing your slice of heaven with us.

R

Ryan

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

Beautiful spot with excellent privacy. Tessa was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend.

Trish

November 2025

38 ft Class A

3 nights at Live Oaks Farm

We stayed at The Pond Site from 11/26–11/29 for Thanksgiving, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. The property is peaceful, beautifully maintained, and felt like the perfect escape for a holiday weekend. Patrick, our host, was incredibly kind and welcoming. He made sure we had everything we needed while still giving us plenty of space to relax. The pond itself was gorgeous, and we loved waking up to the calm water each morning. The ducks were so fun to watch, and the nearby chickens added to the charm of the place—it felt like a little slice of countryside paradise. The site was clean, spacious, and easy to set up on, with plenty of room for cooking and relaxing. We truly enjoyed our stay and would absolutely come back. Thanksgiving at The Pond was memorable and wonderfully peaceful.

M

Melinda

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Canter Lakes Farm

Good experience! Owners are very kind / flexible. The RV is nice and space to explore outside.

S

Samatha

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

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!

W

Wayne

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

It felt secluded from others at the camp itself. The site was clean and very close to the water. The host were extremely gracious.

D

DAVID

November 2025

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

R

Rachael

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

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.

J

Jake

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

Another great stay at JCO! Can’t wait to come back 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!

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..

B

Barbora

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Canter Lakes Farm

This spot was something me and my dog Mia needed. She is big swimmer and the fact there was no other campers makes me very comfortable. We enjoyed very much. I would love if this spot have plugs for other campers, because I am planning to buy my own camper and spend more time outside. I am person who will not go out once gets dark,so bathroom would be nice to have inside the camper. The owners were very responsive and they immediately fixed one issue I had there. WiFi worked perfectly. I would turn the camper to have the door faced to the pond and maybe also put closer to the pond :-) Other than that we have good time and would love to come back with my own camper or using the owners one.

T

Tammet

October 2025

29 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Dirt Road Daylilies Nursery And Cam

We LOVE camping here. And so dies our furbabies. The hosts are very friendly and welcoming, like your part of their family. Beautiful stars at nite, feels so close you can touch them.

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.

A

Andersen

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

10/10. Great Lake view and boat launch point. Had everything I needed and easy to get to.