Beach and dog-friendly camping near Wilmington
This coastal Carolina town boasts a plethora of beach camping.
96% (424 reviews)
- Wilmington
96% (424 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Wilmington
Under $50
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11 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Wilmington
100%
(6)
Canter Lakes Farm
3 sites · Lodging, 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.
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.
•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)
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$40
/ night
98%
(121)
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
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*Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575
1-843-238-5325
Water: Yes
$5.00 Fee
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*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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$32
/ night
99%
(34)
Lake Linda
7 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Hampstead, NC
Lake Linda is a private 6 acre lake that's located on our family's 40 acre property. We are just 5 minutes from Surf City, Topsail Island, and 20 minutes from both Wilmington and Jacksonville. You'll often see ducks and geese on the lake. Lake Linda is a peaceful place, but conveniently located within a few minutes of food, entertainment, and of course some beautiful beaches.
On the back half of the property, we also have a small family farm. Pasture raised pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, goats and we even a have a couple of turkeys! We sell farm fresh eggs as well as poultry, beef, and pork, all raised right here on our farm. Our pork & beef is USDA inspected and processed! We try to help our farm animals have a great life while they’re with us.
We have two sites available by the lake!
One site is on the corner of the lake by the dock. This lakeside site has a 30 amp service. This site does not have water or sewer, however we have 2 full bathrooms in our bathhouse, one even has a pet wash station! The bathhouse is only about 1000 feet away, and you’re welcome to walk or drive down to it! We can also help you fill your water tank and you’re welcome to dump in the full hook up site as long as there isn’t someone camping there.
The second lake site has a beautiful view. This lake view site has 110 outlets as well as water. It does not have sewer hookup, but we have 2 full bathrooms in our bathhouse, one even has a pet wash station! The bathhouse is only about 1000 feet away, and you’re welcome to walk or drive down to it! You’re also welcome to dump in the full hook up site as long as there isn’t someone camping there.
We also have 2 camper sites available on the farm, as well as a few tent sites. The farm is just a short walk from the lake, so no matter which you choose, you can enjoy the best of both! This is a working farm, we have cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, & turkeys! You’re welcome to meet & enjoy them! We even have a calf that was born here, and we have baby pigs regularly as well!
We’ve also recently added a bath house, with two bathrooms. Both have stand up showers, and one even has a pet wash station!
We have 2 gas grills on the property for your use as well! One is by the lake, the other is on the farm. We also place picnic tables at all sites before check in!
You can also see what Lake Linda looks like in the winter by watching Season 8 Episode 6 of ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight! During the holiday season, Lake Linda becomes a winter wonderland for all to enjoy! Lake Linda's Christmas Lights is a light display surrounding the Lake and synchronized to music. You can also see more of what we do with lights by searching facebook for Lake Linda's Christmas Lights or Surf City-Hampstead Christmas Lights.
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$38
/ night
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
98%
(150)
Live Oaks Farm
5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Holly Ridge, NC
Live Oaks Farm is a mini farm full of beautiful 200 year old live oak trees, willow trees, azaleas, other plants, and a pond.
We are a great oasis right off of Topsail Island that gets coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. We are a small growing farm with chickens, dwarf Nigerian goats, and ducks. We also offer a seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm.
You will usually see Patrick working around the property or in the wood workshop building furniture. His beautiful wife Brittany and their gorgeous kids Maddox and Everlee enjoying the outdoors as well.
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$57
/ 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
/ night
89%
(35)
Pine forest, 5 minutes to the beach
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Wilmington, NC
Learn more about this land:
Back yard has 1/2 acre, for a tent set up. Small fire would be fine. 5-minute drive to beach, area for a car/truck. Water hose for shower, Outdoor power available, Compost potty. Tent campers $50.00 a night; RV spot 60 only power is a 110 plug in* and a compost toilet, shower on a tree.
*Check-in starts at 1pm
*No late-night check-in. 7pm latest.
*Check-out at 11am.
No late night check-ins
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$50
/ night
91%
(16)
Pine forest field
1 site · RV1 acre · Wilmington, NC
Learn more about this land:There is a grill in the ground and outside shower compost toilet. Woods to explore 100 acres behind sites. This is a Trailer space up to 30 foot, with 50 amp service, water hose but no sewer to offer. dump site at State park, dont know details.
5 minutes from the Beach , walking, shopping, Restaurants.
All Carolina Beach has to offer.
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$55
/ night
Saved 1 time
Wild Horse Preserve At Grayce Wynds
1 site · Lodging30 acres · Supply, NC
We are a horse farm with a petting zoo. People tour our farm to meet and to learn about horses from wild herds in the Eastern United States. We also have a Wild Horse Village with a Jailhouse, Saloon, Chapel, Mercantile, Schoolhouse, and Bunkhouse. The Saloon is a snack bar. The Bunkhouse sleeps a family of four comfortably. We also have campsites for both tents and RVs with outdoor potty facilities and an outdoor shower. We are less than two miles from Holden Beach so you will be staying on a beach horse farm. We are 30 acres of beauty and serenity.
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$100
/ night
Circe Creek
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Shallotte, NC
Circe Creek is a quiet wooded primitive campsite 14 minutes from Holden Beach and 22 minutes from Ocean Isle. Close to downtown Shallotte, restaurants, activities, and more while also enjoying the quiet of the woods. Car camping, tents and small campers are welcome. 18 minutes to kayak launch at Varnams Landing on the Lockwood Folly River. 16 Minutes to the Bridgeview Park kayak launch on the ICW.
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$35
/ night
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Park by the Sea- Private Camp Site
1 site · RV25 acres · Wilmington, NC
This is a completley fenced in, gate lot that has water, sewer, and power. Very close to UNCW, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Atlantic Ocean, shopping etc. The lot has a cement pad, fully gated, dog/pet friendly, and partially shaded. Surfing, fishing, beach going, dining are all close by. However you have total privacy.
There is a live oak with lights in it that hangs over the fence from an adjacent Airbnb (8' Privacy Fence in between). The lights turn on for a few hours each night. The gate can be easily closed for total privacy or to let a pet run around.
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$61.75
/ night
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
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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