If you love beachside camping with warm weather and stunning views of the ocean, then you need to visit one of the campgrounds and RV Parks in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. This area is incredible, thanks to its abundance of natural areas and scenery that can’t be compared to many other places in the south.
Fortunately, camping enthusiasts have many options when it comes to sleeping under the stars near Emerald Isle. We’ve compiled a list of the seven best campgrounds in Emerald Isle so you can take your pick based on the amenities provided and the scenery they offer.
READ MORE: 21 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina
Holiday Trav-L Park Resort
Starting us off is this RV park and resort situated on the southern tip of the island. While it’s not on the water, it’s close enough where you can still hear the gentle sounds of waves hitting the shore on a clear day.
This Emerald Isle campground caters to RVs, so it comes with full water and electric hookups, plus free WiFi and cable TV.
Depending on the type of rig you have, it may feel like you’re staying at a luxury hotel, all for a fraction of the price. Holiday Trav-L Park also has its own swimming pool, laundry room, and even a wine market. The park hosts bands and other entertainers so you don’t have to travel anywhere else to get the best of Emerald Isle.
- Address: 9102 Coast Guard Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
- Amenities: Full water and power hookups for RVs, laundry services, swimming pool, dump station, cable TV, free wifi
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: If you’re an RVer, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of Holiday Trav-L and how easy it is to keep your rig running smoothly. The resort also has long-term rates if you decide you want to stay for weeks or months at a time. With the beach so close, it’ll sure be tempting.
Camp Ocean Forest

If you want to stay next to the beach but you don’t have an RV, then Camp Ocean Forest is a suitable alternative. This campground in Emerald Isle has spots for RVs, tents, and even furnished cabins if you want to have all the creature comforts of home during your visit.
This place is called the “best kept secret of the Emerald Isle,” thanks in part to its premier locale next to the beach and its more than affordable nightly rates. While it’s certainly not a resort, it offers clean campsites and parking for your trip. Depending on when you travel to the Emerald Isle, sleeping out below the stars can be a transcendent experience.
- Address: 100 Fairview Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
- Amenities: Furnished cabins
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for tent or cabin camping on the beach, Camp Ocean Forest is for you. While this campground doesn’t have the most luxurious amenities, it’s right next to the water and the rates are much more affordable than other spots in the area.
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Waterway Campground

If you’re like many people coming to the Emerald Isle, you’re bringing some kids (and pets) in tow. While standard campsites don’t cater to little ones, Waterway Campground does. Your children will have a blast playing on the beach, playing games in the billiard room, running around on the playground, and fishing in the creek nearby.
This Emerald Isle campground isn’t on the water like the RV parks we listed above, but it’s next to the main highway for convenience, and the inlet isn’t too far away. If you’re motivated to take one of the hiking trails, you can be on the sand in no time. Or, you can drive to the ocean side of the island to get the full beach experience.
- Address: 850 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NC 28584
- Amenities: Swimming pool, fishing, laundry facilities, bath houses and showers, playground, game room, basketball court, marina, picnic area
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Families traveling to the Emerald Isle will appreciate all the amenities and activities available for children and pets at Waterway. Plus, having access to a marina means you can enjoy all your boating activities (i.e., fishing, waterskiing, cruising) without having to travel too far from your campsite.
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Cedar Point Campground
So far, we’ve been looking at RV parks and multi-use campgrounds. However, if you’re really looking forward to pitching a tent and sleeping outside under the stars, you need to reserve a spot at Cedar Point Campground. This place has some of the best scenery among campgrounds in Emerald Isle, and it’s a nature-lovers paradise.
Although you’ll be outside, this campground has many modern luxuries, including hot showers, toilets, electrical hookups, fire pits, and picnic areas. So, even though you’re still “roughing it,” you don’t have to sacrifice hygiene or modern amenities to enjoy your stay.
- Address: 391 Vfw Rd, Cedar Point, NC 28584
- Amenities: Bath house with toilets and showers, water access, dump station, fire pits, electrical hookups
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Tent campers will appreciate being so close to attractions and shops on Emerald Isle while still being surrounded by nature. The sunsets are stunning here, and there are many opportunities to spot birds and other local wildlife with numerous hiking trails. Plus, some campsites are water adjacent for an even more memorable experience.
Beachfront RV Park
If you’re looking to stay in Emerald Isle for an extended period, you can purchase a permanent spot at the Beachfront RV park. This RV park is conveniently located next to a fishing pier, so make sure to bring your tackle box and fishing rod when you come. Also, if you enjoy watching sea life from the shore, you can often see rays miling around next to the dock.
- Address: 100 Eastview Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
- Amenities: Full water and power hookups. Long-term stays only.
- Pet-Friendly: Call for information
- Why You’ll Love It: This RV park is built for beach lovers, so if you’re not a huge fan of the sand, you should go elsewhere. However, those who want to see the sun rise over the Atlantic every morning and set on the other side of the island at night should reserve their spot pronto.
READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, North Carolina
Boardwalk RV Park
If no spots are available at Beachfront RV Park, Boardwalk RV Park is also an option for a long-term stay in Emerald Isle. While this Emerald Isle campground isn’t next to a fishing pier, it is still on the beach, so you’ll see sand and seagulls wherever you go.
- Address: 101 Islander Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
- Amenities: Dog park, full water and power hookups
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: This RV park is centrally located on Emerald Isle, and it’s close to a family-friendly water park (within walking distance). Plus, you can’t beat staying next to the beach with the sounds of gulls and waves there to gently help you drift off to sleep every night.
Goose Creek Campground
Our final campground near Emerald Isle is the only one not located on the island itself, but instead across the sound at Sanders Point. Goose Creek is also one of the largest campgrounds in the area, and it caters to campers of all shapes and sizes.
This place is perfect for families, as it comes with a swimming pool, playground, game room, and basketball court. It’s also right next to the water, although you won’t be swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. However, you still get incredible views of the sunrise and sunset, and there are plenty of water activities to keep you and your family busy.
- Address: 350 Red Barn Rd, Newport, NC 28570
- Amenities: Bath house with hot showers, laundry services, playground, game room, banquet hall, swimming pool
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Why You’ll Love It: Goose Creek is more of a camping resort, thanks to its impeccable accommodations and amenities. Although it’s not on Emerald Isle itself, it’s a fantastic campground and well worth a visit.
Explore Other Beach Campgrounds in North Carolina
Emerald is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts with its beautiful beaches, there are many other fantastic options to explore throughout the state as well.
If you’re looking for more beach town options, consider visiting some of the Campgrounds in the Outer Banks or Campgrounds in Wilmington, both of which have a range of campgrounds to choose from.