How much does camping cost at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Camping fees at Hammocks Beach State Park range from $6-$13/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hammocks Beach State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Hammocks Beach State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hammocks Beach State Park before I book?

Yes! Hammocks Beach State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hammocks Beach State Park?

Hammocks Beach State Park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day is noted as a peak season period.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Yes, Hammocks Beach State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Fire policies at Hammocks Beach State Park: Open fires are not permitted on Bear Island.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hammocks Beach State Park have?

Hammocks Beach State Park has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Hammocks Beach State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Hammocks Beach State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Popular activities at Hammocks Beach State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hammocks Beach State Park

4.53

67 reviews

1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, North Carolina, 28584, United States

Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Beach Camping North Carolina#1 Boating Camping North Carolina Hidden Gem Campgrounds North Carolina +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$6 - $13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on North Carolina State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 24 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$6 - $13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on North Carolina State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Hammocks Beach State Park

$6.00 - $13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $13 per night for Bear Island primitive camping, while ferry rides to Bear Island cost $6 per person.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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9103264881

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 67 reviews

1173 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beach

"Visitors generally praise Hammocks Beach State Park for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and the unique experience of camping on Bear Island. Highlights include pristine beaches, friendly staff, and the ferry service. However, some issues like bugs and ferry-related inconveniences were noted."

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Campground Map

1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, North Carolina, 28584, United States

Hammocks Beach State Park

1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, North Carolina, 28584, United States

Nearby places

Jacksonville (19 miles southeast), Swansboro (few miles), Cape Carteret, Emerald Isle.

Nearby supplies

Swansboro is a nearby town offering supplies, groceries, dining, and shopping. Additional information on fuel and camping supplies locations is null.

Driving directionsFrom I-95, take I-40 east to NC 24. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. Simmons Campground, 1/4 mile on the right. Turn right about 500 feet before the end of the road for the park main entrance and ferry dock.

The roads to the campground are paved and well-maintained, with no seasonal closures noted. Access to Bear Island requires ferry service or personal watercraft, and ferry service schedules may vary by season.

Best Time to Camp at Hammocks Beach State Park

Winter delivers the park's best camping window. Daytime temperatures reach the 50s-60s°F with nights in the 30s-40s°F. Beaches empty out, ferry crowds disappear, and bugs retreat. Beachcombing, winter birding, and shoreline fishing peak during these months. Summer brings warmth, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. It also brings relentless biting insects that defeat most bug sprays, according to multiple reviews. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures but expect some rain and mosquitoes. Pack mosquito nets for overnight stays in warmer months.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 3% in NC

Winter noted as best camping window: bug-free, empty beaches and enjoyable trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day is noted as a peak season period.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Visitor center and park gates are open year-round, gates open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (year-round) and extended to 7:00 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Current Alerts: User review mentions ferry cancellations affecting access to Bear Island. Additional active alerts are null.

About Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park sits near Swansboro on North Carolina's coast, offering two distinct camping experiences: 24 sites split between mainland drive-up camping at Simmons and primitive beach sites on Bear Island. The park encompasses three barrier islands where maritime swamp forests meet salt marshes and Atlantic beaches. Fees run $6-$13 per night. Ferry access to Bear Island adds a layer of adventure but occasionally cancels due to weather.

Hammocks Beach State Park offers two distinct camping experiences: primitive beach camping on Bear Island and traditional drive-up camping at Simmons Mainland Campground.

Historical Significance

Dr. William Sharpe gifted the land to the North Carolina Teachers Association, creating a unique chapter in African American history. The visitor center and ferry lectures detail this story alongside earlier Native American use of the islands as fishing camps. Reviews recommend reading the history panels near the restrooms.

Weather and SeasonsWinter delivers the park's best camping window. Daytime temperatures reach the 50s-60s°F with nights in the 30s-40s°F. Beaches empty out, ferry crowds disappear, and bugs retreat. Beachcombing, winter birding, and shoreline fishing peak during these months. Summer brings warmth, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. It also brings relentless biting insects that defeat most bug sprays, according to multiple reviews. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures but expect some rain and mosquitoes. Pack mosquito nets for overnight stays in warmer months.

ElevationThese barrier islands rest at sea level, where the rhythm of the tides sets the pace of life and the horizon stretches endlessly in all directions.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park spans 1,500 acres including a mainland area and three barrier islands, notably the 4-mile-long undeveloped Bear Island with unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, marshlands, and maritime swamp forests. It features pristine oceanside beaches ideal for shelling and wide open spaces near the mouth of the White Oak River.[1][2][4][5][6]

Geological RegionNestled in North Carolina's East District, this coastal treasure encompasses both mainland camping areas and three magnificent barrier islands. Here, the forces of wind and water have sculpted a dynamic landscape where maritime swamp forests give way to sweeping salt marshes, and pristine beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. This ever-changing environment represents one of the Atlantic Coast's most intact barrier island ecosystems, where nature's processes continue uninterrupted and each tide brings new treasures to explore.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Check-in at 3 PM and check-out at noon. Maximum stay limits are not defined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific guest count per campsite is not described.

Groups

No group-specific camping details were provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutBear Island sites are widely spaced primitives along the beach, each with its own trail to the water. Simmons Mainland sites are traditional drive-up spots with picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. The mainland provides easier access but less seclusion than the island.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made through the official North Carolina State Parks website (ncparks.gov). Specific third-party platforms are not mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, suggesting reservations are preferred.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not detailed. User reviews suggest potential issues with refunding when ferry schedules impact camping reservations.

AccessibilityThe park offers a golf cart shuttle service for those unable to make the half-mile walk from the ferry dock to Bear Island's beach. "They got a golf cart, and they will take you to the beach," one reviewer mentioned.

Site SizePrimitive sites on Bear Island are secluded and located on the beach. Sites at Simmons Mainland Campground offer traditional drive-up camping with no specific size details provided.

PrivacySites on Bear Island are described as secluded with private beach access. Mainland sites offer less detail about privacy.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations include packing lightly for Bear Island camping due to walking and paddling challenges. "Plan on about an hour paddle over. The water is very shallow at or around low tide.

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Hammocks Beach State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, kayaking, paddle boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can explore unique coastal ecosystems, enjoy shelling on Bear Island's beaches, or attend educational programs. The ferry to Bear Island adds an adventurous element.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal bugs, biting black flies, mosquitoes, fire ants, and no-see-ums are noted by campers. Low tide may create paddling challenges for kayakers.

Active AlertsUser review mentions ferry cancellations affecting access to Bear Island. Additional active alerts are null.

Fire PolicyOpen fires are not permitted on Bear Island.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not mentioned.

Emergency Services9103264881 represents both the Direct Line and Ranger Station, providing emergency assistance. The nearest hospital and police station information is null.

Trash & RecyclingBear Island requires visitors to pack out all trash as there are no trash facilities. The mainland appears to have trash and recycling facilities near the visitor center.

Water FeaturesBear Island features direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, and shallow waters.

Camp HostPark rangers and volunteers are described as "knowledgeable and friendly".

Weather at Hammocks Beach State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

67 reviews

Top-Rated

Hammocks Beach State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally praise Hammocks Beach State Park for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and the unique experience of camping on Bear Island. Highlights include pristine beaches, friendly staff, and the ferry service. However, some issues like bugs and ferry-related inconveniences were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Unique oceanside primitive camping, unspoiled beaches, excellent shelling, wildlife viewing, remote backcountry experience, and soothing wave sounds for sleeping.[1][4][6][9]

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback highlighted issues such as biting insects (e.g., black flies and no-see-ums), the lack of trash bins on Bear Island, and occasional overcrowding of the ferry. Some visitors also...

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check in at the mainland visitor center for Bear Island parking permits. Campfires only in designated areas. Access Bear Island via seasonal ferry (April-October), kayak, canoe, or private boat....

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is noted as bug-free, making it a great time for hiking. Summer reviews highlight the swimming and lifeguarded beaches but also mention high insect activity. Spring and fall offer mild...

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The beaches are only dotted with beachgoers, and that’s by design. It’ll NEVER get crowded." "Bring bug spray and a mosquito net." "The bathhouse is always clean and tidy, although a long walk!"

Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 on Bear Island is noted for being on top of a dune, with users mentioning the need to pack light and plan for tides and wind. Several users mentioned the secluded nature of the Bear Island...

Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

The golf cart shuttle for those unable to walk to the beach was praised. "If you’re handicapped, that’s not gonna stop you; come on because they got a golf cart," said one visitor.

Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on Bear Island but cannot be transported via the state ferry. "Dogs aren’t allowed on the ferry for whatever reason, but they are allowed on the island if you bring them by private...

Based on 67 reviews

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