The best camping near Jones Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jones Lake State Park adventure.

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100% (1 reviews)

Discover the natural allure of Jones Lake State Park.  

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Stay at a public campground in Jones Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Jones Lake State Park

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(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
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96%
(45)

Castle Hayne Jane's Family Farm

30 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Castle Hayne, NC
We have undeveloped farmland with small clearings for camping across from Riverside Park on the Northeast Cape Fear River. Our land is located in Castle Hayne, NC, an equestrian community just north of Wilmington. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sunbathing are available on the river. Down the road in Castle Hayne you'll find mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, restaurants and socialization (try Luck's Tavern for great live music and karaoke!) We're also located just a short trip away from unique area attractions, including Masonboro Island, Screen Gems Film and TV Studios, The USS North Carolina Battleship, Fort Fisher, Wrightsville Beach, and Historic Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy your stay with us! Here are links to fun activities nearby: Luck's Tavern Karaoke Bar: https://www.facebook.com/Luckstavern/ Castle Hayne Disc Golf Course: https://www.newhanoverdgc.com/ Hanover Stables Horseback Riding: http://hanoverstables.net Blue Clay Mountain Biking Park: http://nhcparksconservancy.org/our-parks/blue-clay/ Castle Hayne Boat Ramp: https://castlehaynewatertours.com Food Scene: Buen Dia Authentic Mexican Breakfast: https://www.buendiarestaurant.com Highway 55 Burgers: https://hwy55.com Domino's Pizza: https://www.dominos.com Paul's Place Famous Hotdogs: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pauls-place-famous-hotdogs-rocky-point Jung's Egg Roll Express: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jungs-egg-roll-express-castle-hayne Uncle Louie's: https://www.unclelouiespizzerialounge.com Nigori Sushi: http://nigorigourmet.com The Sawmill Cafe: https://sawmillcafeandcatering.com Historic Sites, Venues, & Beaches: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events/ https://www.wrightsvillebeach.com/events.html https://simplelifefishing.com/classes https://www.southendsurf.com/about
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(10)

The Secret Sanctuary Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Castle Hayne, NC
The Secret Sanctuary Farm is a co/op located on a portion of Prince George Creek that has a double Oxbow or hairpin turns in the creek. This unique feature prevented loggers from logging the property. As a result, there are many huge old-growth trees on the property as well as a variety of fauna and flora. A truly unique blend of farmland. Including an assortment of friendly animals to interact with. Woodland, wetlands, and a deep spring fed fresh water creek that connects to the Cape Fear River. This is a working farm. Please do not Open any gates to the animals. The fruits and vegetables on the farm are for the members of the farm. Eggs from our chickens will be provided for you to use for breakfast. If you happen to choose a campsite with a kitchen. There is a coffee pot and all cooking utensils. There are four permanent 4 shelters on the property. Composting toilets. Showers are still in the works. All of the shelters have their own composting toilets. Small propane heaters are available for each shelter. The first 1gallon bottle off propane is free with your stay. it will last 5-7 hrs. each additional bottles will cast $6.00 per bottle. There is also solar, powered lights, usb charging stations, fans, and air coolers. each Conestego hut has a locking front door to keep your belongings safe Campfires, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. Kayaks, canoes and lifejackets are available. All the Wilmington beaches are within 30 minutes.
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$70
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97%
(18)

Charlotte's Whispering Pine Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Atkinson, NC
If you enjoy the shade of tall pine trees, wild blackberries, and waking up to the scent of wild magnolia and jasmine, we invite you to Charlotte's Whispering Pine Farm. Here, you can take long strolls on our maintained trails, visit Gilbert the Mini Mule or Cupid and Scarlett the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and maybe catch a glimpse of our natural wildlife, including over 25 species of migratory birds, deer, rabbits, and more! Or, simply enjoy the sounds of nature and take in the night sky on our off-the-beaten path property. Just across the street, you can partake in a historical nature walk through the Moore's Creek National Battlefield, where you can also launch your paddle board and kaiaks (or rent one from us). Enjoy paddling Black River and visit some of the oldest cypress trees in North Carolina. And just 30 minutes away, you will find some of North Carolina's most popular beaches, including Topsail, Wrightsville, and Carolina Beach. As well as the USS Battleship North Carolina and a slew of other fun kid and adult friendly activities. Just to name a few: Breweries and bars galore, Defy Gravity Bounce House, Jungle Rapid's Water Park (go-carts, mini-golf, and lazer tag), movie theatres, and several fantastic eateries. Less than 1 mile from our farm: 2 Convenience Stores (ice, beverages, snacks, eggs and bacon, frozen meals, and more), Tire Shop Within 5 miles: Dollar General, Johnson's Corner Store (made to order food)
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$32
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(58)

The Pine Tree Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent104 acres · Whiteville, NC
Learn more about this land: 104 acres of private land for your enjoyment. This site would be best suited for tent campers at the moment due to no bath houses or electricity for the time being. Come enjoy your stay bring a kayak or canoe and float around the 6 acres of ponds and catch some of the many bass, bream or crappie that occupy the waters. The property is located 7 miles off highway 74/76 in Whiteville and 10 miles to Lake Waccamaw, 32 miles to Ocean Isle Beach, 45 miles to Wilmington, 36 miles to North Myrtle Beach. The road is grassy/dirt I would recommend a suv or truck for your stay. When there’s no burn ban in place or lack of rain i do try to keep firewood on-site but I recommend checking with me before your stay. Reserve your spot and experience the peace and quiet of the outdoors and listen to the turkeys and watch the deer feed in early mornings while the sun rises. If you have any questions feel free to message me! There is only one spot if you book you will have the entire property for you and your party.
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$30
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91%
(22)

Nick’s Nook

7 sites · Lodging, Tents13 acres · Chinquapin, NC
Our little private campground is a hidden jewel in the making. Each campsite is private. We are not a parking lot like so many campgrounds are these days. We are still currently working on infrastructure but are willing to host campers that are self sufficient at a reduced rate for now. We do have a fun play ground, hiking trails, a steam we lovingly named Alligator Gore (to keep the little ones out of the mud). We are pet friendly. Each site has a fire ring or fire pit. We have a full bathroom available. We have a small camp store. We have group camp sites, pull through RV / Camper sites and a few glamping cabins. Located only 40 minutes from the NC coast and much more affordable and less crowded. We are still growing so we do not have a pool yet but will have one in the future. We do have a kids and youth program with weekly crafts and other activities. Picnic tables are available on some sites. Almost across the street is a wonderful boat ramp and fishing spot on the Cape Fear River. Canoe down to a sand bank about a mile down river and have a romantic picnic. A Celtic themed restaurant, the Mad Boar, is just a 10 minute drive if you are looking for a unique farm to table experience. And Duplin Winery is just 15 minutes away with tastings and tours. Located just 10 minutes from I-40 off US 41 we are easily found. A diamond in the rough.
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$30
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The best camping near Jones Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Jones Lake State Park is known for a peculiar geographical feature known as the Carolina bays. A Carolina bay is an oval-shaped depression, named for the sweet bay, loblolly bay and red bay trees that typically grow around them. Many smaller bays are found throughout the southeast, but there aren't many like Jones Lake, which is about 8,000 feet long. And here’s where it gets strange—the “lake” is only 8.7 feet deep!

You can splash around in the shallow bay just like you’re in an above-ground pool, only your surroundings will be much prettier. There are a few other lakes, like Jones and Salters, to check out in the area as well. Encircling the bays are tranquil forests with hiking trails and a few of the best picnic spots in the state. But we’ll leave it up to you to find them.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Jones Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be warm, making early morning or late afternoon visits more comfortable. Winters are generally quiet, offering a serene park experience, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Stay on designated trails to protect the park's delicate ecosystems and your own safety.
  • Bring along water and snacks, as options for purchasing food may be limited within the park.
  • Remember to pack out all trash to keep the park clean for wildlife and fellow visitors.

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