Oyster Point Campground

4.16

197 reviews

Forest Road 181, New Port, NC, 28570

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Forests in North Carolina site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Forests in North Carolina site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Oyster Point Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for single non-electric campsites is $10 per night, with a maximum of 8 people per site. Double sites cost $20 per night, accommodating up to...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

252-638-5628

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 197 reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciousfriendlysites

"User reviews for Oyster Point Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive about the peaceful setting and affordability to complaints about bugs, maintenance, and lack of amenities. Many highlight the friendly campground host as a positive feature."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Road 181, New Port, NC, 28570

Oyster Point Campground

Forest Road 181, New Port, NC, 28570

Driving directionsFrom Newport, take SR 1154 to Forest Road 181 and turn right.

The road to the campground, Forest Road 181, is gravel and described as having severe potholes and soft shoulders, which can be difficult for RVs and low-clearance vehicles. Some reviews mention that the road has been graded recently, but others warn about the possibility of vehicles getting stuck.

Nearby places

Newport (approx. 7 miles), Morehead City (approx. 12 miles), Atlantic Beach (approx. 14 miles). Travel times vary based on traffic conditions.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found in Newport and Morehead City. Food Lion and Shortway Brewery are specifically mentioned as nearby resources.

Best Time to Camp at Oyster Point Campground

The coastal climate here dances between extremes, with summer bringing sultry days wrapped in humidity and alive with the symphony of insects—mosquitoes and flies claim their territory during these warmer months. Savvy campers often discover the campground's true magic during late fall and winter, when crisp air replaces the summer swelter, biting bugs retreat, and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and campfire conversations under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer brings high heat, humidity and abundant mosquitoes/flies per many reviews; less pleasant then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as one of the best seasons: cooler temps and fewer bugs in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can be pleasant but insect activity increases as temperatures warm; mixed reviews.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in NC

Winter praised for cool temps and far fewer insects; open year-round and highly recommended off-season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1st - December 31st (entire year is considered peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures may occur due to hurricanes or tropical storms. Check weather forecasts before arriving.

About Oyster Point Campground

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Newport River, Oyster Point Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience within the expansive Croatan National Forest. This intimate hideaway features 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with the essentials for a comfortable stay—sturdy picnic tables for riverside dining, fire grills for evening cookouts, level tent pads, convenient parking spurs, and classic lantern posts that cast a warm glow as darkness falls. Whether you're casting a line into the river's gentle current, paddling through pristine waterways, hitting the trail for a forest adventure, or using the campground as your base for exploring charming coastal towns and windswept beaches, Oyster Point delivers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and accessible recreation.

Oyster Point Campground offers primitive camping with non-electric sites. It accommodates both tent and RV campers but has no hookups.

Historical SignificanceOyster Point holds a special place in the hearts of long-distance hikers as the gateway to the legendary Neusiok Trail—a challenging 21-mile journey that weaves through the forest before connecting with the Croatan Saltwater Trail. This humble campground stands as a testament to the incredible ecological tapestry of the Croatan National Forest, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have begun their adventures into one of North Carolina's most diverse natural landscapes.

Weather and SeasonsThe coastal climate here dances between extremes, with summer bringing sultry days wrapped in humidity and alive with the symphony of insects—mosquitoes and flies claim their territory during these warmer months. Savvy campers often discover the campground's true magic during late fall and winter, when crisp air replaces the summer swelter, biting bugs retreat, and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and campfire conversations under star-filled skies.

ElevationResting gently at sea level, the campground embraces its coastal heritage, offering the unique experience of camping where forest meets tidewater in perfect harmony.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering loblolly pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their needles whispering ancient coastal secrets. The Newport River flows past your campsite, its waters eventually joining the vast Bogue Sound in a timeless dance of fresh and salt. Venture beyond your tent and discover the mysterious beauty of cypress swamps, where knobby knees rise from tea-colored water, and thick bog vegetation creates an emerald maze that harbors countless species. This is coastal pine forest at its finest—wild, beautiful, and wonderfully alive.

Geological RegionYour camping adventure unfolds within the remarkable 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest, a coastal treasure in eastern North Carolina where ancient pine forests meet maritime influences. The campground's prime location along the Newport River places you at the intersection of diverse ecosystems—watch as the river winds its way toward Bogue Sound, eventually joining the famous Intracoastal Waterway. This unique geological position creates a rich tapestry of habitats, from upland pine savannas to tidal marshes, making every exploration a journey through multiple worlds.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days with a mandatory 16-day break before returning.

Guests Allowed Per Site

8per single site, 16 per double site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are large and well-spaced for privacy, some of which have paths leading to the Newport River.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, both online and via the mobile app.

Walk-in Availability1 campsite is first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved ahead of time. It requires in-person payment upon arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cancelled within 3 days of arrival may result in loss of one or more nights' fees. Refunds are not provided for early check-outs, inclement weather, or Scan & Pay transactions.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, large, and well-spaced for privacy. Some sites offer paths to water.

PrivacyMost campsites are private and well-separated by vegetation. However, recent tree thinning due to maintenance has reduced privacy in some areas.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to water (such as 9, 11, and 15) are recommended for views and kayak access. Sites with higher numbers tend to offer more privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It is also the trailhead for the 21-mile Neusiok Trail.

HikingOyster Point Campground serves as a trailhead for the Neusiok Trail, a 21-mile trail that winds through cypress swamps, pine forests, and bogs. Some reviews noted the trails were overgrown or poorly maintained in sections.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the Newport River, which is adjacent to the campground. Anglers can enjoy both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.

BikingWhile biking on the Neusiok Trail is an option, some sections of the trail are overgrown or poorly maintained, limiting biking opportunities.

BoatingThe campground offers a small hand launch for kayaks and canoes. The Croatan Saltwater Trail is accessible from the campground, offering paddling opportunities between the Bogue Sound and Neuse River.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's location in the Croatan National Forest provides opportunities for observing local wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing deer, crabs, and a variety of bird species.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBiting insects are common during warm months, including mosquitoes, flies, and no-see-ums. Hurricanes and tropical storms may also impact the campground due to its coastal location.

Active AlertsSeasonal closures may occur due to hurricanes or tropical storms. Check weather forecasts before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings at each site. Firewood is not sold but can be gathered from downed trees.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesCarteret Health Care hospital in Morehead City (approx. 12 miles away). Police and emergency services are available in Newport.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though some reviews noted overflowing receptacles and litter near campsites.

Water FeaturesDirect access to the Newport River and nearby trails leading to Bogue Sound. The campground offers canoe and kayak launching points.

Camp HostCampground hosts, frequently mentioned as Tonya and others, are described as friendly and helpful. Hosts assist with reservations and ensure campsite availability.

Weather at Oyster Point Campground

Reviews

4.2

197 reviews

Satisfactory

Oyster Point Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Oyster Point Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive about the peaceful setting and affordability to complaints about bugs, maintenance, and lack of amenities. Many highlight the friendly campground host as a positive feature.

Review Summaries

Based on 197 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spacious and private campsites, friendly and helpful campground hosts, and peaceful atmosphere. Access to the Newport River and Neusiok Trail were considered major draws.

Based on 197 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the abundance of bugs, especially mosquitoes and flies, during warmer months. Other issues cited were poor road maintenance leading to the campground, litter, and lack of...

Based on 197 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray, preparing for primitive camping conditions, and visiting during cooler months to avoid bugs. The Neusiok Trail and kayak access are noted as highlights.

Based on 197 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and fall are noted as the best seasons for camping, with fewer bugs and cooler temperatures. Summer camping experiences are commonly marred by high heat, humidity, and bug infestations.

Based on 197 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved this campground! The sites were nice and large, the fire pit was nice, and the view of the lake was absolutely gorgeous." — Baylee Jennings "The camp is nice but it should be closed during...

Based on 197 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is frequently recommended for its proximity to water and privacy. Site 09 is noted for having a path to the water. Site 01 offers a river view and easy kayak access. Site 05 is described as...

Based on 197 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews lack detailed accounts of accessibility features for disabled campers, though some mention the presence of a campground host available for assistance.

Based on 197 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but several reviews stress the importance of keeping dogs on leashes, with some users reporting conflicts with other campers over pet management.

Based on 197 reviews

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