6 Best Camping Spots Near Wilmington Beach, North Carolina

beach camping wilmington nc
Sucheta
Sucheta 
Published
| 3 min read

Located on North Carolina’s Pleasure Island, the residential community of Wilmington Beach is known for its laid-back vibe and idyllic beaches. Some of the top sites for tourists around the area include Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The coastal community is not only a good place to spend a peaceful time with family and friends, but is also a great spot for camping. Thanks to the various beaches and piers, walking and hiking trails, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, tourists and camping enthusiasts have ample opportunities for adventure. Read on for the best camping spots near Wilmington Beach, North Carolina.

Tent-only Campgrounds

1. Freeman Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Freeman Park is a well-known seaside park located on a beach. It is the only beach in the whole of North Carolina where you can drive a 4x4. Popular with camping enthusiasts, this place boasts a large campground where you can stay overnight. The park is open all year and is dog-friendly, so you can come here with the entire family. Campsite check-in is at 12pm and check-out is at 10am on your day of departure.

You can buy daily access passes to this campsite at the park’s entrance, valid until 10am the following day. They sell annual permits, too, which you need to display on your vehicle at all times. You can carry your camping equipment along, and bonfires are allowed, as well. Activities you can indulge in include fishing, swimming, and boating.

Freeman Park

Address: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States (map)

Website: Freeman Park

RV Campgrounds and RV sites

2. Snow's Cut RV Retreat

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Situated across Carolina Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, Snow’s Cut RV Retreat gives campers easy access to the beach. This RV campground opened in 2020, with three phases that have a total of 63 lots for rent. It is mandatory to reserve a spot for your RV in advance and long-term reservations are possible. Snow’s Cut RV Retreat is open throughout the year, and check-in time is at 2pm. Please note that tents are not allowed at this campground.

Soaring live oaks and pines stand tall all over the park, providing a lot of shade and a lovely vibe. You are allowed to take small pets along but do inquire about their pet policies in advance. Just across the park is the Intracoastal Waterway, which is a great place for strolling, boating, and fishing.

Snow's Cut RV Retreat

Address: 9533 River Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States (map)

Website: Snow’s Cut RV Retreat

3. Oak Island Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Oak Island Campground is a family- and pet-friendly campground about one mi (1.6 km) from the idyllic beaches of Oak Island. It can be accessed year-round, so if you want to go camping to escape the crowds, you should definitely consider this spot.

There are over 70 lots for RVs and fifth-wheel camper vans at this campground. If you don’t have a camper, you can rent one on site. You’ll get Wi-Fi access and space to store your boat. Other amenities include 30/50 amp full-service hookups and a picnic area where you can have fun with your kids and pets.

Oak Island Campground

Address: 4125 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461, United States (map)

Website: Oak Island Campground

4. Winner's RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Winners Circle RV Park and CampGround on Thursday, October 18, 2012

Winner’s RV Park is situated in the heart of Carolina Beach, a convenient walking distance from nightlife, beaches, dining venues, and fishing opportunities. This park sits on family-owned land and is managed by the Winner family. Families, fisherfolk, and pets on leashes are most welcome.

At this campground, amenities include Wi-Fi access, a boat-storage lot, and 30/50 amp service, among others. The campground is open throughout the year. It is advisable to book a spot for your RV in advance before camping here, especially during Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July.

Winner's RV Park

Address: 601 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States (map)

Website: Winner’s RV Park

5. Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mx. Granger used under CC0

This campground is suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. It comprises a total of 79 campsites, three of which are wheelchair-accessible. Additionally, there are four camper cabins, suitable for six people. If you are on a family camping holiday but prefer creature comforts, you can opt for one of these cabins.

The place boasts about 9 mi (14.5 km) of walking and hiking trails, which will allow you to see different habitats and the diversity of flora and fauna. You can also engage in activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Visit during late spring when there are fewer crowds and great weather.

Carolina Beach State Park

Address: 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States (map)

Website: Carolina Beach State Park

6. Wilmington KOA Holiday

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Who is ready to get out there and spend their week like this? Start planning a weekday getaway here: https://koa.com/campgrounds/wilmington/

Posted by Wilmington KOA Holiday on Monday, June 8, 2020

Located at a driving distance of 5 mi (8 km) from Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington KOA Holiday is a recreational campground for families and groups of friends. On the premises are hot showers, clean restrooms, a laundry room, and an RV and car wash facility. Plus, they have a camping kitchen on site where you can prepare small meals.

Along with wooded sites and walking trails, campers will find a kids’ playground, a TV lounge, and a large community area where you can sit with your companions and have a lot of fun. There is also a gem mine that you can explore. The park is open 24 hours, year-round.

Nearby attractions include Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington, and Airlie Gardens.

Wilmington KOA Holiday

Address: 7415 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411, United States (map)

Website: Wilmington KOA Holiday

Camping near Wilmington Beach will enchant you

Tents on a Campground
Source: Pixabay

If you like nature, beaches, and hiking, you should consider going camping around Wilmington Beach. Consider booking a spot at one of the campgrounds listed above and have an enchanting vacation in Wilmington Beach, North Carolina!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sucheta embarked on her career as a creative writer and editor before transitioning to SEO writing. In previous corporate roles, she not only crafted creative and technical content, but also...Read more

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