Beach and dog-friendly camping near Wilmington

This coastal Carolina town boasts a plethora of beach camping.

95% (407 reviews)
95% (407 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wilmington

Available this weekend

Under $50

10 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Wilmington

100%
(18)

Canter Lakes Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Rocky Point, NC
Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails. The sunset and sunrise is always beautiful here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are also very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.
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$40
 / night
98%
(122)

Green Acres Private Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRIC or NO WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRICAL OR WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent Located minutes from Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Calabash! Located Between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach! Minutes away from Beaches, Attractions, Shops and Dining! Private and secluded grass-covered fields perfect for Boondocking and Tent Camping. Each site has a Picnic Table, Umbrella, Firepit and Complementary Citronella Oil Lamp. Pets are welcome! 5 gal Camp Showers available to Rent. Communal BBQ Grills. (Charcoal Not Included) Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Goods and Supplies available for Purchase or Rent during booking checkout. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! For upcoming event schedules, specials and discounts! NEARBY DUMP STATIONS: *Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort 7200 KOA Drive Southwest Sunset Beach, North Carolina 28468 1-910-579-7562 M-Sat. 9am-4:30pm, Sun. 9am-2:30pm $20.00 Fee ____________ *Myrtle Beach State Park Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575 1-843-238-5325 Water: Yes $5.00 Fee ____________ *Willow Tree Resort 520 Southern Sights Drive Longs, S.C. 29568 1-866-207-2267 $15.00 Fee ** Trailer Campers, Please Spray Your Undercarriages, Tires And Ground Supports With Outdoor Ant Spray Before and Upon Arriving.**
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$33
 / night
95%
(83)

Untouched at Livingston Creek

20 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bolton, NC
Livingston Creek Farmers Harvest is a unique find. From the century old farmhouse to the untouched forest to the farmland in between, the 20 acres offers travelers a moment of respite. Come and share in the solitude, renew a rebirth of your serenity at Livingston Creek! Learn more about this land: Livingston Creek Farmers Harvest sits on 20 acres of Our Corner of God's Country! We feature a century old restored farmhouse with its charm preserved that will take you back in time... it's available for parties! A seafood market, produce market and nursery are on site too. You can pet and feed the live farm animals... donkeys, chickens, ducks and rabbits to name a few! Pitch your tent under the stars and share your nights with all things wild in SouthEastern North Carolina... beaver, squirrels, birds, wild turkeys and more! North Carolina's sandy shores are 20 minutes away... so bring your paddle board and sunscreen!
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$25
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100%
(137)

Star Fall Station

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Shallotte, NC
Once a three car garage now converted into a working artists studio, this property is a creative and peaceful home. The owner, a former contractor and artist Martha McKinley Murphy and Shane have changed this into a place where sculpture, art and harmony blend into a haven and retreat enjoyed by many. Learn more about this land: Our four acres is an open view for the wonders of star gazing. Come enjoy a place where the artist in all of us can be peacefully camping or take a drive less than 4.5 miles away to Ocean Isle Beach. Be a shell collector or enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing at some very close places to enjoy the waters. A screened outdoor living room overlooks our half acre pond with a wooded backdrop. Under our giant magnolia tree, one can see gorgeous sunsets and enjoy a picnic dinner. Our private outdoor shower is spacious and is next door to an outdoor kitchen. Campers can enjoy our raised bed garden areas when in season or collect organic eggs from our free range hens. Attached to our home is a workshop/studio area where families and friends can gather for a small event, class or meal.
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$35
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly camping near Wilmington guide

Overview

Wilmington lures campers with its historic urban center and close proximity to nature. With dozens of parks and preserves to visit within a thirty minute drive, plus many miles of coastline, Wilmington is a top-notch spot for campers looking for a natural getaway or RV park that isn’t too far from creature comforts. Rare wildlife, clean beaches, and lush woodlands await you in this mid-sized North Carolina city.

Where to go

Masonboro Island Reserve

Just five miles from downtown Wimington, Masonboro Island Reserve is an 8.4-mile long barrier island. This preserve is federally protected and features a wide array of wildlife and beach access, thanks to its pristine marshes, tidal flats, and other ecosystems. This is a nesting ground for both Loggerhead and green sea turtles. Camping is allowed, but it’s best to camp where people have already camped to reduce impact on the environment.

Carolina Beach State Park

This family-friendly state park offers shaded campsites in the woods along with hot showers and bathrooms. This tent and RV campground has both tent sites and full hookups. Camping here will allow you unfettered access to one of the State’s most popular state parks, which has hiking trails and biking paths, two public boat ramps, and fishing—all just 20 minutes from Wilmington.

Freeman Park

Freeman Park is a great place to enjoy old-school beach vibes and camp in seclusion year-round without getting too far away from civilization. Note that there are a limited number of tent camping campsites here, all of which need to be booked in advance. Freeman Park allows dogs and four wheel drive vehicles, and fires are only allowed from October 1 to March 31. Otherwise this is a great spot to watch the sunset and sunrise while enjoying the ocean waves.

When to go

The best times to camp on the Carolina coast are spring and fall, which avoids hot summer months and out-of-school crowds. However, hurricane season is also a factor between June and November, so be sure to stay updated with current weather reports and stick to a camping trip that occurs earlier in the spring if you’d rather play it safe.

Know before you go

  • Since most of these destinations are quite near to Wilmington, be sure to take note of rush hour traffic and plan accordingly ahead of holidays.
  • Swimming isn’t allowed at Carolina Beach State Park due to the hazardous coastline.
  • Most campsites must be reserved in advance, so book well in advance of your trip.

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