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35 campgrounds and RV Parks near Cape Carteret, NC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
35 campgrounds
3977 campsites
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From $40/night
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Best campgrounds near Cape Carteret, NC
Waterway RV Resort
Cedar Point, NC (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(336 sites)
+7
Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort For Campers
Emerald Isle, NC (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(300 sites)
+13
Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort
Newport, NC (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(771 sites)
+5
White Oak Shores Camping and RV Resort
North Carolina (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(250 sites)
+8
Whispering Pines RV Park and Campground
Newport, NC (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(184 sites)
+6
Deep Creek RV Resort and Campground
North Carolina (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+5
Waters Edge RV Park
Newport, NC (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(89 sites)
+3
The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort
Maysville, NC (17 miles away)
+9
Fulchers Landing RV Campground
Sneads Ferry, NC (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+3
Seahaven Marin RV Park
Sneads Ferry, NC (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(39 sites)
Beaufort Waterway RV Park
Beaufort, NC (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+6
Beaufort Waterfront RV
Beaufort, NC (23 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Internet Toilets Showers Laundry Playground Tables Fishing Pool Dump station
Camping near Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Cape Carteret sits at the western edge of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, at the junction of NC 24 and NC 58, minutes from Swansboro, Emerald Isle, and Bogue Sound. The town works as a compact base for RV travelers: the barrier-island beaches of Bogue Banks lie a short drive south, the Croatan National Forest wraps the mainland to the north, and Hammocks Beach State Park is just across the White Oak River near Swansboro.
Private RV parks in the immediate area include Waterway RV Resort, Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort For Campers, Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort, White Oak Shores Camping and RV Resort, and Whispering Pines RV Park and Campground. Most of these sit within a short drive of the beach, with full hookups and pull-through sites suitable for larger rigs.
Public camping is anchored by the U.S. Forest Service. Cedar Point Campground, near the mouth of the White Oak River in the Croatan National Forest, offers 36 sites with electrical service (20/30/50 amp), flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, boat ramp, and interpretive trails through salt marsh and coastal forest.
Things to do around Cape Carteret
The beach is the main draw. Emerald Isle's ocean strand is about 15 minutes south across the high-rise bridge, with public accesses, a fishing pier at Bogue Inlet, and calm sound-side swimming areas suited to families. Fort Macon State Park, at the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, combines a restored Civil War-era fort, a coastal education center, and shoreline suited to swimming, surf fishing, and beachcombing.
Hammocks Beach State Park, in Onslow County southeast of Jacksonville, comprises a mainland area and three barrier islands including the 4-mile-long Bear Island, with a passenger ferry to an oceanside camping beach and rentals for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard exploration of the surrounding marshes. On the mainland, the Croatan National Forest covers roughly 160,000 acres of pine forest, pocosin wetlands, and tidal shoreline suited to hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Historic Beaufort, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and Cape Lookout ferries from Harkers Island round out day-trip options.
Camping spots and RV parks near Cape Carteret, NC
When to visit Cape Carteret
- spring
March - May
70° / 54°F 95 mmWarm days, cool water; Bear Island ferry resumes in April
- summer
June - August
86° / 73°F 160 mmHot and humid; peak bookings; afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
72° / 57°F 130 mmWarm ocean, fewer crowds; hurricane risk peaks in September
- winter
December - February
55° / 43°F 90 mmMild and breezy; Bear Island water and showers winterized
The Crystal Coast has a long shoulder season. April through early June brings warm days, cooler water, and fewer crowds; September and October offer warm ocean temperatures with lighter traffic once schools reopen. Peak demand runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when Bogue Banks beaches and private RV resorts fill weeks in advance. The passenger ferry to Bear Island operates April through October, which effectively defines the window for oceanfront tent camping at Hammocks Beach.
Summer weather is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September; travelers should monitor forecasts and confirm cancellation policies during that window. Insect pressure is real in the forest and marsh: mosquitoes are active from spring through fall, especially at dusk, and repellent is worth packing.
Winter is mild but breezy. Water and showers on Bear Island are shut down from approximately November through March, though Cedar Point and the Simmons Mainland Campground at Hammocks Beach remain open year-round.
Top Hosts near Cape Carteret, NC
Tyler8 trips - Joined May 2023
Great camper easy to use. Very comfortable bed!
Kelinda R. - May 2024
Tyler was an excellent host
Paul M. - Nov 2023
C. & K.1 trip - Joined May 2026
We absolutely loved our time in the Brinkley!! C& K are amazing hosts! They provided so many essentials that made our trip so enjoyable. Linens, toiletries, garbage bags, soap, detergent and softener were already there and ready to use. The layout is perfect for 2, although it can accommodate more. A/C units handled the 95 degree Myrtle beach weather in July and the shower pressure was great. Everything shown in photos is factual and clean! Don't hesitate to book!!
Jennifer V. - Jul 2026
How to book campsites near Cape Carteret
Public campgrounds in the area use two separate reservation systems. Cedar Point Campground in the Croatan National Forest takes reservations through Recreation.gov, with 32 of its 36 sites reservable online or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 and 4 sites held as first-come, first-served. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance and can be booked up to six months out; cancellations do appear closer to arrival.
Hammocks Beach State Park uses the North Carolina State Parks reservation system, with a six-month booking window. The Simmons Mainland Campground is open year-round, while Bear Island's primitive tent and group sites require advance reservations and are accessed by the seasonal ferry, private boat, canoe, or kayak. The camping fee at Bear Island includes one ferry round trip per day for multi-night stays.
Private parks such as Waterway RV Resort, Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort For Campers, Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort, White Oak Shores Camping and RV Resort, and Whispering Pines RV Park and Campground book directly through their own websites or by phone. Weekly and monthly stays are common in shoulder seasons.
What to expect on the ground
Cape Carteret itself is a small residential town with grocery stores, hardware, a Walmart-anchored corridor along NC 24, marine supply, and casual seafood restaurants. Fuel and propane are easy to find. Cell coverage is generally strong on the mainland; expect weaker signal deeper in the Croatan.
Roads to the beach are two-lane and back up on summer weekends, particularly the bridge onto Emerald Isle on Saturday changeover days. Private RV parks in the area typically offer full hookups, pools, and family amenities. Public sites are more rustic: Bear Island includes primitive oceanfront sites reached by ferry and primitive boat-in sites on the sound side, all leave-no-trace with pack-in, pack-out rules.
Open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island, and from approximately May through October (sea turtle nesting season) white lights are prohibited at night on the beachfront, with red-lens lights required.
Own an RV? Earn up to $26,695/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Cape Carteret, NC
How much does an RV rental in Cape Carteret cost?
RV rental in Cape Carteret is an affordable way to experience the Crystal Coast compared to oceanfront hotels. On RVezy, travel trailers typically run $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes sit between $225 and $350 per night. You will save the most by booking midweek, traveling in the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October, and choosing a travel trailer if your tow vehicle can handle it. Tip: filter for cheap RV rental Cape Carteret options with delivery included, so you avoid towing fees and can settle in at Emerald Isle or Salter Path stress-free.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cape%20Carteret%2C%20North%20CarolinaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Cape Carteret, NC?
A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Cape Carteret. North Carolina does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement for personal motorhomes or travel trailers under standard weight limits, so your everyday license works. RVezy requires approved drivers to be 25 or older, and your ID is verified during booking. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple it is, you will be cruising Highway 24 toward the beach in no time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Cape Carteret protected if something goes wrong?
Every RVezy booking in Cape Carteret comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance included, so you can hit the Crystal Coast with confidence. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the RV and provides meaningful financial peace of mind (this is protection, not traditional auto insurance). During checkout, you choose from different coverage levels based on how much protection you want, the guest picks, not the host. Combined with around-the-clock roadside help for flat tires, lockouts, or breakdowns on Highway 58 or further afield, you are covered from pickup to drop-off.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy for an RV rental in Cape Carteret?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy applies a standard cancellation policy to every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after you book, so you can lock in your Cape Carteret RV trip with confidence. The exact refund depends on how far in advance you cancel, and it is worth knowing Carteret County sits in the Atlantic hurricane zone from June through November. Cancellation terms are set by RVezy, not individual hosts, and details are clearly outlined during checkout. Tip: book early for summer weekends at Emerald Isle, knowing you have flexibility if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Cape Carteret RV trip?
Yes, and the Crystal Coast is one of the most dog-friendly stretches of the North Carolina coast. Many hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental Cape Carteret options, just use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see them instantly. Dogs are welcome on leash at most Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach public beach accesses (seasonal rules apply in summer), and Hammocks Beach State Park allows leashed pets in designated areas. Cedar Point Tideland Trail in nearby Croatan National Forest is a scenic boardwalk loop where dogs love the salt-marsh views. Tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and ask about nearby pet relief areas.
ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campground or rental home in Cape Carteret?
Yes, RV delivery Cape Carteret is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who would rather skip the towing or driving learning curve. Many local hosts will deliver your motorhome rental Cape Carteret or travel trailer directly to spots like Holiday Trav-L-Park in Emerald Isle, Waterway RV Park in Sneads Ferry, or a private beach house driveway in Indian Beach. They will level the RV, hook up water, power, and sewer, and walk you through every system before they leave. Just filter by Delivery on RVezy and enter your destination to see exact fees. Tip: delivery often costs less than expected within a 30-mile radius and saves you fuel and stress.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cape%20Carteret%2C%20North%20CarolinaHow far can I drive from Cape Carteret on an RV trip?
You have great range from Cape Carteret. Hosts set their own mileage policies, and many offer generous daily allowances or even RV rental with unlimited mileage, so always check the listing details. Popular road trips from Cape Carteret include Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach (about 90 miles south, roughly 2 hours), the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras National Seashore (around 200 miles by road via US-64), New Bern's historic district (about 40 miles north), Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountains (about a 7-hour drive), and Charleston, SC (around 270 miles south). Tip: an RV road trip from Cape Carteret pairs perfectly with a stop at Croatan National Forest just minutes inland.
visitnc.com/crystal-coastWhere are the best campgrounds near Cape Carteret?
You have great options nearby. Top campgrounds near Cape Carteret include Waterway RV Park in Sneads Ferry (full hookups, about 30 minutes south), Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort in Emerald Isle (oceanfront sites with a pool, about 15 minutes away), Goose Creek Resort in Newport (family-friendly with a lake, about 25 minutes), Cedar Point Campground in Croatan National Forest (waterfront sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service, minutes from town), and Whispering Pines RV Park in Newport (quiet, wooded, pet-friendly). Tip: Cedar Point fills up fast for summer weekends, book through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance to lock in your spot.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234051When is the best time for an RV trip in Cape Carteret?
Cape Carteret is a true year-round destination, but the sweet spot is mid-April through early June and again from mid-September through October, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 70s to low 80s F, humidity drops, and beach crowds thin out. July and August bring hot, humid days in the upper 80s and low 90s F plus peak family travel, ideal if you want full beach energy. Winter is mild (50s to low 60s F) and great for quiet kayaking in Bogue Sound or hiking Croatan National Forest. Tip: the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 with the peak in August and September, so consider a flexible booking and watch the forecast.
weather.gov/mhx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay in Cape Carteret?
You will be more than okay, Cape Carteret is one of the easier places in North Carolina to learn the RV ropes. Roads like Highway 24 and Highway 58 onto Emerald Isle are flat, wide, and RV-friendly, with no mountain passes or tight switchbacks. Your host will give you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering propane, slide-outs, the generator, water, and waste tanks, and you can message them anytime during your trip. Many first time renting an RV guests choose delivery so they never have to drive it themselves. Tip: book a two- or three-night stay at Holiday Trav-L-Park for your first outing to get the full RV experience with the beach just steps away.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cape%20Carteret%2C%20North%20CarolinaWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Cape Carteret trip?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in Cape Carteret booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical issues. Whether you are parked at Cedar Point Campground, crossing the high-rise bridge to Emerald Isle, or driving back from Beaufort, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also a message away for quick questions like resetting the inverter or relighting the water heater. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Tip: save the roadside number in your phone the day you pick up the keys.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Cape Carteret RV rental to other states or across the border?
Yes, most hosts allow interstate travel, so a Cape Carteret RV trip can easily roll into Virginia Beach (about 5 hours north), Charleston, SC (about 4.5 hours south), or the Great Smoky Mountains (about 7 hours west). Just confirm travel range with your host before booking, since each listing has its own policy. Travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and the insurance setup, message the host directly to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Tip: popular multi-state loops from Cape Carteret include the Outer Banks to the Virginia coast, or south through Wilmington into the Lowcountry.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Cape Carteret RV trip?
Fuel is one of the biggest variables, but it is manageable. Class C motorhomes around Cape Carteret average 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), Class A motorhomes get 6 to 10 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10 to 14 MPG when towing). North Carolina gas prices generally run near or slightly below the national average, and you will find convenient fuel stops along Highway 70 in Morehead City before you cross to the beach. For a typical 5-day, 300-mile trip in a Class C, budget roughly $120 to $180 for fuel. Tip: fill up in Morehead City rather than on Emerald Isle, prices tend to be lower off the island.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Cape Carteret?
Book early and you will have your pick of the prime spots. For summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) at popular places like Cedar Point Campground in Croatan National Forest, reservations open six months in advance on Recreation.gov, and oceanfront sites at Holiday Trav-L-Park in Emerald Isle can fill 4 to 6 months out. Hammocks Beach State Park's primitive sites on Bear Island book through the North Carolina State Parks reservation system and go fast for July and August. For spring or fall trips, 4 to 8 weeks out is usually plenty. Tip: if your dates are flexible, target Sunday-through-Thursday stays for better availability.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234051What are driving conditions like around Cape Carteret?
Driving an RV around Cape Carteret is straightforward, the terrain is flat coastal plain with no mountains, tunnels, or steep grades. The main routes (Highway 24, Highway 58, and Highway 70) are wide, well-maintained, and used to RV and boat trailer traffic. The one spot to drive mindfully is the high-rise B. Cameron Langston Bridge from Cape Carteret onto Emerald Isle, it is tall and breezy, so go steady in high winds. Summer Saturdays bring beach turnover traffic on Highway 58, so aim to travel before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Tip: hurricane season runs June through November, check the National Weather Service forecast out of Newport/Morehead City before any long drive.
weather.gov/mhx/What amenities do campgrounds near Cape Carteret offer?
You will find everything from full-service resorts to back-to-nature spots. Most private parks like Holiday Trav-L-Park (Emerald Isle), Waterway RV Park (Sneads Ferry), and Goose Creek Resort (Newport) offer full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, and pools. Cedar Point Campground in Croatan National Forest provides water and electric at most sites plus a centralized dump station, but no sewer hookups. For freshwater fills and dump stations on the road, most state parks and select private campgrounds accommodate self-contained rigs. Tip: confirm 30-amp vs 50-amp service when booking, your RV host will tell you exactly which plug your rental needs so you can match the site.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234051What is included inside a typical RV rental in Cape Carteret?
Cape Carteret RVs are road-trip ready. Most rentals on RVezy include a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, dishes), a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control (air conditioning is essential for coastal North Carolina summers), comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on floorplan, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, camp chairs, and a generator for boondocking. Some hosts offer Wi-Fi hotspots as add-ons, helpful since cell coverage can dip on the back roads of Croatan National Forest. Tip: check the listing's amenity list and message the host with any must-haves, beach chairs, paddleboards, and bike racks are common extras here.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Cape%20Carteret%2C%20North%20CarolinaAre there add-ons available, and how does pickup work?
Yes, hosts offer a wide range of add-ons that make your Cape Carteret RV trip easier. Common options include linen and kitchen packages, bike racks, kayaks or paddleboards (great for Bogue Sound), generators, outdoor grills, and pet bundles. Pickup is typically at the host's location in Cape Carteret, Morehead City, or Swansboro, with a full walkthrough included, or choose delivery to your campground or beach rental. Mileage policies vary by listing: many include 100 to 150 free miles per day, with overage fees clearly listed. Tip: if you are planning day trips to Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Hammocks Beach State Park, look for a campervan rental Cape Carteret with unlimited miles to keep things simple.
ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-parkHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at booking using a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which keeps everything tracked and protected. A refundable security deposit is held on your card before pickup (the amount varies by RV) and released after drop-off, assuming no damage or excessive cleaning. To avoid any deposit hiccups, document the RV's condition with photos at pickup, follow the host's fuel and tank dump policy, and return it on time. Tip: ask your host where to dump tanks and refuel locally before drop-off, most recommend stations in Morehead City or Cape Carteret so you can hand back the keys clean and confident.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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