Beach Camping in North Carolina

Beach Camping in North Carolina

Discover the best beach camping across North Carolina. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

19+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May - September
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Hammocks Beach State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.5
(43)
Hammocks Beach State Park
Swansboro

Primitive campsites on Bear Island place your tent steps from Atlantic waves, where dolphins surface beyond the breakers and loggerhead turtles crawl ashore to nest under starlit skies.

Tents
2
Long Point Cabin Camp
Star
4.9
(77)
Long Point Cabin Camp
Harkers Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore

Miles of uninhabited Atlantic shoreline stretch endlessly from your cabin door, where windswept dunes and golden sand create one of the East Coast's last truly wild beaches.

3
Lake Norman State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(137)
Lake Norman State Park
Troutman

Campers walk just steps from their sites to a dedicated swimming beach on North Carolina's largest lake, where calm waters stretch to distant forested shores.

Tents
RVs

About Beach Camping in North Carolina

Beach camping in North Carolina offers an extraordinary diversity of coastal experiences, from pristine Atlantic barrier islands to serene mountain lake beaches tucked into the Blue Ridge. The state's unique geography creates three distinct beach camping environments: the wild Outer Banks coastline where waves crash against undeveloped shores, the expansive Piedmont lakes with sandy swimming beaches and family amenities, and the crystal-clear mountain lakes surrounded by forested peaks.

Best Time

The ideal beach camping season in North Carolina varies significantly by region and elevation. Coastal barrier island campgrounds like Hammocks Beach and Long Point shine from May through October, with peak conditions in September and early October when ocean temperatures remain warm, crowds thin out, and hurricane season wanes.

Scenery Highlights

  • Oceanfront and lakeside sites
  • Sandy beaches and swimming
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views
  • Water sports and fishing

Campground Locations

Showing top 19 campgrounds near Beach Camping in North Carolina

Map of campgrounds near Beach Camping in North Carolina
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Map Key
1
Hammocks Beach State Park
2
Long Point Cabin Camp
3
Lake Norman State Park
4
Jackrabbit Mountain
5
Lake Powhatan
6
Tsali Recreation Area
7
Cheoah Point Cabin 2
8
Standing Indian Campground
9
North Mills River
10
Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)
11
Hanging Rock State Park
12
Big Creek Group Camp
13
White Pine South Group Camp
14
Cove Creek Lower Group Camp
15
Kuykendall Group Camp
16
South Mountains State Park
17
Cheoah Point Cabin 1
18
Curtis Creek Campground
19
Black Mountain Campground
View all 19 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming and beach loungingSurfing and bodyboarding (coastal sites)Kayaking and canoeingStand-up paddleboardingFishing (surf fishing at coast, bass fishing at lakes)Boating and water skiing

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve barrier island campgrounds like Hammocks Beach and Long Point 6-11 months in advance through the state park system or recreation.gov—these unique coastal sites fill immediately when reservations open.
  • 2For oceanfront camping, pack everything in waterproof bags or containers; salt air and sand infiltrate everything.
  • 3Bring a large cooler with plenty of ice, as coastal sites lack refrigeration, and consider a camping cart or beach wagon for the ferry crossing and beach walk to campsites.
  • 4At mountain lake campgrounds, arrive early on summer weekends to claim prime waterfront sites, as many operate first-come, first-served for a portion of sites.
19 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Beach Camping in North Carolina

Beach Camping in North Carolina FAQ

We've ranked 19+ beach campgrounds in North Carolina based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.
Beach camping in North Carolina is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.
For beach camping in North Carolina, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.
Availability Alerts

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Hammocks Beach State Park
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