8 Best Campgrounds Near Wilmington, North Carolina

If you live on the east coast and love camping, Wilmington, North Carolina, has an abundance of gorgeous and accommodating campsites.

Whether you’re traveling in an RV or tent, or whether you want secluded forests or beachfront access, Wilmington NC campgrounds have it all. We’ve pulled together the top eight sites for your convenience. 

READ MORE: 21 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina

Best All-Around Campgrounds Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Camping means different things for different people. For some, camping is all about “roughing it” and getting as far away from civilization as possible. For others, camping means sleeping in a tent outside, but having access to modern amenities and facilities like toilets and showers. 

So, with these campgrounds, we’re looking at places that can cater to people somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but you also don’t have to dig a latrine when it’s time to use the bathroom. Overall, no matter what kind of camping you’re into, these spots should suffice. 

Wilmington KOA Campground

Kampgrounds of America is a nationwide series of camping sites, and this one caters to families. It’s conveniently located next to the highway, so you’re close to lots of shops, restaurants, and attractions. This campground offers tent sites, cabins, and RV parking, so there’s flexibility with how you can stay on-site. 

Amenities and Facilities

This KOA has everything you need to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. The on-site cabins are the most accommodating, but even if you rent a tent site, you get access to bathrooms, showers, clean water, and free wi-fi throughout the site. KOA also hosts various events weekly, including ice cream socials, dance parties, and more.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the playground, nature trail, and pool pavilion. 

What’s Close By

This KOA is conveniently located close to all the major Wilmington attractions, including: 

  • Aquarium at Fort Fisher – Underwater adventures for the whole family. 
  • Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park – During the summer, this park gets crowded, so plan your trip accordingly. 
  • Children’s Museum – Kids can learn about the world around them with fun and interactive exhibits. 

There are also grocery stores, outlets, restaurants, taverns, and the beach is less than a 10-minute drive from the campsite. 

Important Info

Rates: Rates can vary depending on the kind of site you want. Tent sites are usually around $50 per night, while cabins can be $200 or more. 

Address: 7415 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411

READ MORE: 9 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds

Carolina Beach State Park

If beachside camping is more your style, then you’ll want to book a reservation at Carolina Beach State Park. This park is on the banks of Cape Fear River, meaning you get water access within walking distance. However, if you prefer actual surf, Carolina Beach is just across the way on the eastern side of N Lake Park Blvd. 

As a state campground, the rates here are very affordable, but the amenities are not as well-kept as something like the KOA. However, this spot is good for tents and RVs, and there are also a few cabins available to rent. That said, you need to book well in advance to ensure you can get a spot. 

Amenities and Facilities

Basic campgrounds mostly have picnic tables and little else. Some sites have water access, and there are bathrooms located throughout the park. So, if you’re not next to a restroom, you can walk down the path and find one. These bathhouses also have hot showers, although they’re on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers can buy firewood from the visitor’s center. 

What’s Close By

Carolina Beach city is next to the park, so you have access to a wide variety of stores, restaurants, bars, and other activities. There are also grocery stores really close to the park entrance so you can stock up on supplies without venturing too far. The beach is almost within walking distance. If you do go out to the sand, be sure to check out the wreckage of the General Beauregard ship. 

Important Info

Rates: $26 for campsites, $36 for RV hookups, $58 for camper cabins

Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Ocean Breeze Family Campground

This campground is located south of Wilmington in Supply, North Carolina. It’s right by Holden Beach, so you have access to the sand and surf whenever you want it. Ocean Breeze is actually an RV park, so you need a motorhome or trailer to camp here overnight. The area is pretty wide open, and the sunsets are amazing during the summer and fall. 

Amenities and Facilities

As an RV park, this campground comes with water and electrical hookups, a laundry facility open 24/7, and an on-site pool. There’s also a bathhouse so you can take hot showers without having to rely on your motorhome. There’s also no charge for waste disposal, which is an added bonus. 

What’s Close By

Holden Beach is not as accommodating as Wilmington or Carolina Beach, but it has its share of shops, restaurants, and attractions. If you’re into golf, there are a couple of golf resorts close by, allowing you to take on a few holes and practice your swing. These resorts have gorgeous grounds that are sure to impress everyone in your camping party. 

Important Info

Rates: Rates are weekly and include up to six people. $325 per week or $465 per month. 

Address: 2717 Destiny Catilyn Ave SW, Supply, NC 28462

READ MORE: Best Beach Camping in North Carolina

Best RV Parks Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Camping near Wilmington NC doesn’t have to mean pitching a tent and sleeping out in the elements. The city and surrounding area have tons of RV parks and RV-friendly campgrounds. Whether you’re driving a motorhome or towing a trailer, you can get access to a wide variety of amenities. Some Wilmington NC RV parks have full-service amenities, while others just have water and power hookups. Let’s check them out together. 

Winner’s RV Park

Kicking off our list of Wilmington NC RV parks is Winner’s Park, which is a relatively bare-bones operation. Although you can get water and power at your campsite, the park doesn’t include many other amenities like a pool, clubhouse, laundry services, or other basics. So, if you’re planning a long-term stay, you’ll have to figure out those accommodations for yourself. 

However, this RV park is close to the water and is very affordable, so feel free to relax and stay awhile. You can pay by the day, week, or month, and no option will break the bank. 

Amenities and Facilities

Winner’s RV park has full hookups, meaning you get water, power, and sewer included with your rate. Free wifi is also available throughout the lot, so you’re never disconnected from the rest of the world. Cable is also available for an extra charge, and the RV park has storage for both motorhomes and boats, just in case you’re trying to go fishing or explore the water. 

What’s Close By

This RV park is smack-dab in the center of Carolina Beach, so you’re never too far from anything. If you’re parking a motorhome, many restaurants and stores are within walking distance. However, if you have a trailer, you can easily find everything you need within a short drive. Just across the highway is an inlet, and beyond that is the beach, so you can watch the sunrise in all its splendor. 

Important Info

Rates: $65/night for $30 amp hookup ($75 for 50 amp), $350/week 30 amp ($425 for 50 amp), $850/month 30 amp ($975 50 amp)

Address: 601 N. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Brevard, North Carolina

Snow’s Cut RV Retreat

Snow’s Cut River connects the Cape Fear River to the rest of the Atlantic Ocean. So, since this RV park is named after the river, it’s not hard to guess where the land is situated. The water is practically a stone’s throw away, so you can fall asleep to the sounds of a babbling brook as well as the hustle and bustle of this tourist town. 

Even though Snow’s Cut RV Retreat is centrally located within Wilmington, it feels like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Trees line the border of the park, and the entire vibe is one of relaxation and taking things slowly. Also, this is a relatively new park (it opened in 2020), so all of the amenities and facilities are still in pristine condition. 

Amenities and Facilities

As a newer RV park, you can access almost all the amenities you need for a short or long stay. In addition to full water and power hookups (including sewer and free WiFi), you get access to a community room, coin-operated laundry machines, an ice machine, and several vending machines for late-night snacking. 

What’s Close By

Technically, Snow’s Cut RV Retreat is on the southern border of Wilmington, right next to the edge of Carolina Beach. So, you can choose to go shopping or explore North Carolina by going north or south. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun time. The attractions closest to Snow’s Cut include Beau Rivage Golf and Resort, Carolina Beach State Park, and the beach. While Snow’s Cut River doesn’t have sandy banks, you can explore the waters of Cape Fear River or the Atlantic Ocean itself. 

Important Info

Rates: $120 – $130/night, $800/week, $1,100 to $1,500 per month

Address: 9533 River Rd., Wilmington, NC

READ MORE: 10 Best Charlotte NC Campgrounds & RV Parks

Woodside RV and Trailer Park

This RV park is located south of Wilmington in Southport, North Carolina. It’s close to the Intracoastal Waterway and just on the outskirts of the city of Southport. It’s location is tucked away from the main drag but still accessible to everything you need to make your stay more enjoyable. The park has basic hookups and is in a historic part of town, so the surrounding buildings have extra charm to enhance the visual beauty of your stay. 

Amenities and Facilities

As far as amenities go, Woodside just has full water, power, and sewer hookups for each RV site. So, if you’re looking for a full-service park with a pool, clubhouse, laundry services, and more, you’ll want to visit one of the other spots on our list. Woodside caters to RVers who are mostly self-sufficient but just need a place to park overnight. 

What’s Close By

Southport is a relatively small town, so it doesn’t have much in the way of attractions. However, there are various restaurants, grocery stores, and shops close by, so you can buy what you need during your visit. Plus, the town is situated on the banks of Cape Fear River, and you can take the ferry to Bald Head Island, which has some incredible natural areas and historic sightseeing spots. 

Important Info

Rates: Must contact for rate information (910-457-6564)

Address: 1648 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461-8904

READ MORE: Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Best Secluded Camping Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Part of the appeal of camping is getting away from it all and getting back in touch with nature. Although Wilmington and the surrounding areas are not exactly “remote,” you can still find secluded camping sites that help you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere while still allowing you to access the amenities of a big city. 

Whether you’re camping solo or with friends and family, here are our picks for the best secluded Wilmington NC campgrounds. 

Freeman Park

If you love the idea of looking out at the stars at night from your beachside campsite, then Freeman Park is the place to be. This state-run park is open for camping from Labor Day weekend to the Friday before Memorial Day. Spots get reserved fast, so you want to book well in advance, particularly for holidays and weekends. 

This park is slowly getting eroded by tides, so the northern half has limited vehicle access, and some areas are prohibited altogether. However, you can’t beat sleeping next to the ocean, with the sounds of crashing waves lulling you to sleep. 

Amenities and Facilities

Freeman Park doesn’t include any amenities for campers, so you have to supply everything yourself. There are bathrooms in the park, but they’re not necessarily close to the campsites, so you may have to bring your own toilet. The park does have a strict “pack it in, pack it out” policy, so you have to plan accordingly. 

What’s Close By

Carolina Beach is directly south of Freeman Park, so you can go shopping or buy supplies as needed during your visit. However, if you want beach access, you just have to walk outside of your tent and head down to the sand. The proximity of these campsites to the water is one of the selling points – imagine stargazing from the surf at night. 

Important Info

Rates: $50 per night per site

Address: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

READ MORE: Best Boone, NC Campgrounds & RV Parks

Pine Forest via Hipcamp

HipCamp is like Airbnb for landowners who have spots for campers to stay overnight. Pine Forest is located close to Carolina Beach, and it’s a very secluded campsite surrounded by trees. The landowner only makes three spots available, so you don’t have to worry about being close to too many other campers during your visit. 

Amenities and Facilities

Because this campsite is relatively secluded, you only have access to a compost toilet and a water hose for drinking and showering. Otherwise, you need to bring all of your supplies with you (and when you leave). 

What’s Close By

This campsite is pretty close to Carolina Beach, but you can also head north into Wilmington if you want to see some of the attractions in the big city. Beach access is about five minutes away from this campground, and you can visit multiple state parks nearby for fishing, hiking, boating, and bicycling. 

Important Info

Rates: $45+ per night

Address: Provided upon booking