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.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Hammocks Beach State Park
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.
Long Point Cabin Camp
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.
Lake Norman State Park
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.
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
Explore Beach Camping in North Carolina
Browse 19 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
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.
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.
Popular North Carolina Campgrounds Book Fast
The best beach camping in North Carolina book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Hammocks Beach State Park
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