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- Columbia
JOYCE is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
What to expect
Tent site
4 guests max
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Potable water available
Bins available
Picnic table present
No showers
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be availableCheck out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
Tent-only sites
1 site
Instant book
Gator Creek Camping
96%
(38)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Picnic table
Reviews
96% Recommend38 ratings · 34 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Gator Creek Camping
Great spot to tent camp close to the OBX! My family and I really enjoyed this place.
I
Isayara V.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Second time camping on Joyce’s land. It’s quiet, private and secluded. If camping here in the summer months bring some industrial strength bug spray, those flies are no joke!
Tres B.
25 reviews
We had an excellent stay at Joyce’s property. It is very private, clean, and the site was cleared and flat so there was plenty of room for our car, camper and screen house. Instructions for getting in were simple and easy. We’ll stay there again when we are back in the area.
L
Lauren T.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
It's a wonderful place to camp. Would be a great base camp with plenty of space if a group wanted to explore the area. Was quiet and relaxing. The owner has made it inviting.
T
Tamara L.
4 reviews
Staying on Joyce’s property was delightful. It was secluded and private and so peaceful. The property was well-maintained, clean, easy to navigate. The cooking area featured a cooking shed, a large fire ring, a sturdy picnic table, and a spigot with a hose. The restroom insisted of a tidy tent and composting bucket. There was an outdoor shower stall that we utilized, even though it was chilly. The hike to the beautiful waterfront area was short and slightly overgrown, but easy to navigate. We had such a good time and hated leaving. We will be back for sure!
Sarah A.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
A beautiful, private spot to camp. As to be expected adjacent to a swamp, mosquitoes were annoying, but keeping a small smoky fire going helped.
A
Alyson S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Beautiful site -- we heard coyotes at night, watched the moon set, and saw the stars through the trees.
B
Barbara B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Amazing spot for quiet and secluded getaway!! Perfect location! In the backyard of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and between the ARNWR and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Both a photographers dream! Joyce is extremely responsive and flexible! Thank you Joyce for your kindness and opening up your amazing camp for others to use!
C
Carrie F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Great place with plenty of space full of quiet and privacy. Joyce provided great communication as well. Would definitely stay here again.
R
Ron S.
6 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
I did a one night primitive camp at Joyce's land. It is near gamelands but was mostly quiet, especially after dark. I slept well and if I had stayed longer, I would have done more fishing! Thanks for the hospitality!
Carrie J.
4 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
An amazing spot to find some peace among the beautiful Carolina wetlands.
B
Bob C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Gator Creek was a perfect place to get away from everything for a night. Joyce's land is well-cleared and accommodating for whatever flavor of camping you're there for. It was the ideal distance to be close enough to civilization, yet quiet and private enough to feel at home in the woods for a night. Joyce was very responsive and kind, answering all questions we had promptly. We would be happy to stay there again!
T
Tucker S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
16 ft car ·
Gator Creek Camping
Joyce was very kind and allowed me to set up near the fire pit and outside toilet. The near by water area was pretty, especially at sunset. This is a great place for anyone who wants to be in solitude and stick to the campsite. Except for the local hunters who briefly set off some rounds in the day time, it was incredibly quiet. The site is in a very small rural community with only a single convenient store, but there are no shops or local entertainment. Would recommend for anyone into having a complete wilderness experience.
N
Nikki C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
16 ft car · With pets ·
Gator Creek Camping
It met my standards for a place to boondock while visiting the area. Secluded, but right off highway and easy entry. Bring bugs spray or nets, as you will be around wetlands/nature.
E
Epittsp0910 E.
8 months on Hipcamp
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.
K
Kelly S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
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.
B
Brian M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
16 ft campervan · With pets ·
Gator Creek Camping
Camp is very secluded and quiet. Great for star gazing.
K
Kent B.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had such a wonderful time camping at Gator Creek! Very nicely kept with ample wildlife.
O
Olivia S.
1 year on Hipcamp
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!
Ted S.
2 reviews
We enjoyed it!! it rained the last couple of days, but we made it work:)
C
Christmas G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Great spot for tent camping with dogs. Great place to view the stars. Shower is a little overgrown but otherwise perfect spot.
T
Toni W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
15 ft campervan ·
Gator Creek Camping
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.
Tres B.
25 reviews
Gator Creek was absolutely perfect for my needs. I wanted a private, secure campsite close to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and I got that and more. A private gun range?! The option to use the owner's porta-potty, running water and more stars than I've seen in a long time at night?! The barred owls calling during the night was fabulous as well.
Joyce was very kind and answered questions about the area for me.
I'll definitely be headed back to the ARNWR soon, and I'll certainly stay at Gator Creek.
Thank you, Joyce. if you ever decide to sell that place, please give me a shout.
Ted S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
Great spot for primitive camping! Loved the privacy and solitude. The locked gate added much appreciated security for our day trips. Will definitely be back again!
R
Ruth D.
3 reviews
Had a good time, not very picky when we stay at sites but the out door shower was filthy and had overgrown plants in it. Our host also failed to mention that there had been some flooding so getting there and onto the property wasn’t to much of a hassle but it was a slight inconvenience. Finally kinda in the main area there is a game camera sitting on a tree. I don’t care to much but I could see this being a major issue for someone else staying and not wanting to be filmed
E
Ethan A.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Gator Creek Camping
We loved staying at Joyce's land at Gator Creek. It was the perfect outpost for exploring Alligator River and checking out The Lost Colony Play. Very grateful for the spot, wore some mosquito net and sat outside at night and listened to the pulsing life and looked at the stars. Really a treat, as there are not many secluded camp spots around this important piece of Earth. Thanks Joyce!
P
Pat R.
4 years on Hipcamp
For $25 a night it was adequate. The fire pit was nice and it was really nice that there were picnic tables at both sites. There was plenty of space to camp on flat sandy ground.
The not so good. The porta John had dried up mostly with the solid contents remaining. It was very smelly and full of maggots. Although the grass was cut it was tall under the picnic table and around the water spigot access. The outdoor shower photo is several years old. There was a small tree growing in the outdoor shower in addition to many weeds. The on-demand water heater pictured looked to be in disrepair upon arrival, so we did not attempt to use it. This was very disappointing given I booked the spot based on the fact it offered a hot shower and we were spending at least one of our 3 days at the beach. I was also under the impression the host lived onsite or I would have asked more questions prior to arrival. Lastly, the name of the spot is Gator Creek. So I was expecting easy access from the property to a creek. The listing does state you can access it through the woods, but July is definitely not the time of year to access it due to the dense forest and overgrown path. This too was disappointing as the host suggested we walk up the main road to the bridge, but it was in the 90's with 100+ heat index so walking up an asphalt road to look at the water was not appealing.
Jen P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Gator Creek Camping
This was a perfect spot for us to make a base camp while we fished and viewed wildlife around alligator river.
N
Nathan B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Second time camping with Joyce and had such a relaxing time! Very quiet and secluded spot with zero light pollution at night so the stars shine extra bright. A quick 30 minute drive to the outer banks if you decide to leave this oasis for some reason. Plenty of land to explore while you’re there. Saw a couple critters this time including a hummingbird and a little black rat snake. Can’t wait for our third trip to Gator Creek!
B
Ben B.
6 reviews
Gator Creek was a great base camp. I spent four nights tent camping in early February. From the property, I travelled 30 ish minutes to the northernmost OBX ORV ramps and spent most of my day time on the beach. Windy and cold but fun! drove a few miles on the sand and I cooked dinner over the fire.
The cabin yard was a cool place to camp out. The fire pit, table, and (almost finished) cook shack create a great environment to be immersed in the outdoors!
**A note about my visit - the neighbors are active hunters in the area. They did not exercise caution with regards to Joyce's property line.** Joyce is aware and has responded accordingly.
J
Josh C.
5 reviews
Location
Columbia, Tyrrell, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Joyce A.
Joined in June 2022Things to do nearby
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