Best Camping in and near Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

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The carved, chiseled cliffs formed when a fault in the earth's crust shifted millions of years ago.

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Stay at a public campground in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

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Horse Ranch-a short drive from 95

8 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Elm City, NC

Pedro and Gracie Torres opened the 90+ acre ranch for lessons, clinics, horse shows, and more in December of 2017. Built by Mr. Goff many moons ago, Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. is carrying on his tradition of helping the community and providing entertainment for those of all ages who enjoy horses and/or the great outdoors! Learn more about this land: Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. is 90+ acres of livestock paradise and we’d love for you to enjoy it with us!! rolling green pastures are surrounded by woods, but all makes for beautiful scenery. Riding lessons can be arranged for an additional fee. Check our event schedule prior to booking if you’re looking for a quiet stay. We look forward to having you!

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JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC

Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunknesses allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature as camping should be. Events: November 9th Toys for Tots Bass Boat Tournament and Christmas in the Cabins starts! Cabins are currently decorated for Christmas now through New Years! The historic pond was originally much smaller. We have records that date back to our 6th Great-Grandfather, Joab Fountain, who received a royal grant from the crown in 1773 for the property and then just a grist mill, blacksmith shop and old general store. The property was passed down through the Fountain family until the late 1910's. Originally a creek dammed up for the purpose of the mill it was later dug out in the late 1940's by Lee Baysden. In a long story (that can soon be found on our website/blog) the land was auctioned off in 2007. This landowner dug it out and made it the 22-acre lake that it is today. The property also features 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and farmed fields, a total of 84 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale in the height of the pandemic. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We introduced our first Glamping A-Frame cabin in 2021 and in 2024 the Floating Cabin. We host community events such as fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, movie nights, and food trucks. We also host special occasions in the cabins from engagements, honeymoons, birthdays anniversaries. Youth groups and scouts also welcome. Ask about special pricing. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends or by check-in requests and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, deer, and more. We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites! Eight RV sites- # 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you. One Free Pump out for weekenders. $25 fee for additional pumps or 1x free every 4days. 13 Tent sites - Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam. Timber Creek are all newer sites. Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes. New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, ac, tv and wifi, covered front porch with hammock and chairs, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more. Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, The Mad Boar, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.

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River Farm on the Neuse River Trail

12 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Clayton, NC

River Farm is a fantastic stop if you are cycling the Neuse River Trail and need an over night stay. We are a peaceful campsite located along the Greenway Trail 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and 10 minutes from Clayton. The farm offers private wooded meadows with direct access to the Greenway for walking and cycling. Campers can either rent a tent or bring their own, choosing between secluded spots, shaded areas, or open spaces. The campsite is accessible via a gravel farm track and is close to the Greenway, river, and main house for bathroom access. Nearby attractions include the Bailey Sarah William Preserve with 447 acres and 16.6 miles of multi-use trails, Sandy Pines Preserve with 563 acres of trails and fishing (18 minutes away), and Robertson Mill Pond for trails and seasonal kayaking (17 minutes away). For water activities, Neuse Adventures Canoe and Kayak Rentals is just 12 minutes away. River Farm offers a tranquil camping experience with the convenience of nearby Raleigh events, including the Walnut Creek Music Park, only 20 minutes away for concertgoers.

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Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

5 sites · Tents11 acres · Coats, NC

Calling all hippies, treehuggers, Earth worshipers, and others who enjoy immersing themselves in nature! At Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary, we are all about engendering a respectful, compassionate, and harmonic relationship with each other as well as the Natural World and her amazing creatures. We have high hopes for the long-term preservation of our remarkable planet, her breathtaking habitats, stunning species, and awe-inspiring ability to support the Natural Order of all of it. For almost 2 decades, we’ve been driven by the dream of creating a place of peace and respite for all who cross our threshold. From our USDA licensed educational program to our ongoing rescue efforts, we have the ability to provide an enriching and enlightening experience for people of all ages. While camping with us, visit Betsy, the Two-toed Sloth, and Teddy, the Capuchin Monkey, plus many other ambassadors at our sanctuary who are sure to inspire you and remind us of our interconnectedness!

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Oak Grove Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Tarboro, NC

Saint Anne's Chapel and Oak Grove Retreat Center is a unique historical venue for your next camp site in the Tarboro area of North Carolina. The farm was originally established in 1832 by the Pender Family. On the current 25 acres is a restored 1920s Episcopal Mission Church with parklike grounds that is maintained year-round and has a rich and interesting history. We have host a wide variety of events over the years, including weddings, receptions, meetings, retreats, drum circles, sound healing's, festivals and more. Camping is available in the field or in the 17 acre woods. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Oak Grove - a property with a 100 year old de-consecrated Episcopal church, beautiful woods, and amazing grandfather oaks. A common site for weddings, drum circles, and other metaphysical and spiritual happenings, the property has a labyrinth, a free expression chalkboard, a Zen sand box that are free to use. A short walk down the wooded trail brings you to a small clearing with a central fire pit and several areas suitable for a tent. Situated close to a road, traffic can be heard but easily tuned out, particularly as the road gets much quieter at night. The woods are next to a large open field that is great for star gazing. Bring your hammock!

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Camp Stoney Fjord

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Four Oaks, NC

We offer primitive camping amenities for RV and Overlanding enthusiasts. We have 20 acres with water frontage along The Neuse river near Smithfield North Carolina. Natural setting with privacy as well as pond trails and some of the most undiscovered wilderness areas in eastern North Carolina. Nightly daily and weekly rates available.

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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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Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents39 acres · Trenton, NC

Wallace Meadows Farm is no doubt a special place. Established in 2012, Richard and Tisha built their home on the farm so they could run the everyday operations of Wallace Meadows Farm. They have since added an Airbnb, which is two bedrooms, two baths, living room, kitchen, with washer and dryer, They provide their guest with excellent customer service and go above and beyond to make every guest stay a memorable one. With booking of The Guest House at Wallace Meadows Farm you get to enjoy the newly built Sauna and Gym along with enjoying the firepit, horseshoes, and the table under the pergola. You can also help the farmer feed the cows, chickens and fish. Now we have recently added Campsite at Wallace Meadows Farm on the Trent River. The Campsite is on the Trent River at the backside of Wallace Meadows Farm and is complete with fire pit, chairs, bench, picnic table, charcoal grill, and Dogi Pot (so you can kindly clean up after your dog). Firewood, Charcoal, S'mores kits and Fresh Eggs available for purchase at The Campsite. Kayaks are available for rent. Fishing and hiking on the 1.1mile trail around the farm. There is a 1.1 mile walking trail around the property, catch and release pond, and fishing by the river. You can also schedule visiting our Fodder Room and feeding the cows by emailing us. Fodder Room booking available from November thru February . Visit Wallace Meadows Farm website and contact us via email.

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Sunset Cove on the Neuse River

3 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Bridgeton, NC

Need to recharge, reconnect and truly escape it all? This is your place. Our property is a unique, healing place to unplug surrounded by the beauty of eastern North Carolina. Nestled along the Neuse River with mature trees draped with Spanish moss ,we have 1000ft of riverfront as well as a peaceful pond, dock and prayer/mediation labyrinth. You will experience the most unforgettable sunsets, overwhelming peace, tranquility and a supreme connection back to nature. With only a 10 minute drive to historic downtown New Bern and a 30-40 minute drive to the beach, you can experience the best of both worlds. Many people tell us, and we know it true ourselves, there is something truly healing about our property. Come find out! Our personal home is located on the property, but we give our campers space and privacy during their visit. A few notes: -Our campsite is located on a peninsula surrounded by the river, because of the nature of the property, we do not allow children under 10 to visit. -Firewood is not provided but can be purchased at KOA just down the highway. -Fishing licenses are required for those wishing to fish -On your ride down our dirt road you will pass mobile homes about a 1/4 of a mile from us. These are our friendly neighbors that keep to themselves and do not interact with our property. If you are not comfortable driving past that, this might not be the campsite for you. This is very common in rural North Carolina. -Our campsite is for 5 people and 2 tents max. If you have more than 5 people coming please request to add additional people to your reservation. -Our bathroom has a sink, toilet and electricity. There is no shower available. -This is eastern NC, and there are plenty of wildlife and bugs. -Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. -The campsite is located on the peninsula of our property but if you are more comfortable camping away from the riverfront you are able to move over to the pond as well (there is also a fire pit there).

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Pine State Hideaway

1 site · RV25 acres · Smithfield, NC

The RV lot sits on 25 acres that is mostly wooded with a few acres that are cleared. The property does back up to a small residential neighborhood. A small creek runs through the property that can be accessed by foot. This lot sits at the end of a mile long dirt road, with plenty of room to rome.

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Jackson Farm Guest House

1 site · Lodging110 acres · Godwin, NC

This farm has been in my family since Thomas Jefferson was president. I began management of the farm in 1980 and remodeled an old farmhouse into a guest house for a family or for couples to find an escape from the chaos of city life and the modern world generally. The house sits on a gated, 10 acre wildlife preserve, beside a 3 acre pond, which adjoins our 100 acres of fields and forest. Our entire farm is in a conservation easement so it can never be developed, and we are one of the few private properties on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission "Birding Trail"; we have documented over 100 species of birds here in different seasons of the year. Our pond, private for guest house users, offers good fishing and we provide a boat. We also have over 2 miles of walking trails through our woodland and along the pond. Although we permit no outdoor fires, we do have a fireplace in the house and furnish free, seasoned firewood. We grow organic vegetables, alliums, and fresh herbs, along with a great many flowers to attract pollinators. Because some of our guests are allergic to pet dander, and because pets often frighten the wildlife away, we do not accept any pets here, nor do we own any ourselves. Learn more about this land: We offer a two bedroom private guest house with central heat and air, situated in a 10 acre, gated wildlife preserve which adjoins our 100 acre farm and which overlooks a private fishing pond (with boat). We promise no TV, radio, newspaper, telephone or internet connection, but do have a small library in the house. For the convenience of the ladies, the kitchen has no stove but does have a large, sheltered smoker/grill (charcoal provided) on a covered patio beside the kitchen, a full power microwave, and all other kitchen amenities, including a French press with a bean grinder and electric kettle; we also provide our own blend of fresh roasted coffee beans as well as tea, herb tea, chocolate and popcorn. The bathroom has a large claw footed tub and we provide bath salts and fresh organic herbs for the bath. There is a working fireplace and we provide seasoned hardwood for it. Guests may enjoy our farm which offers about two miles of woodland trails and abundant wildlife and birds but no domestic animals. NO pets are permitted at the guest house because many guests have allergies to animal dander. In short, it is a place for individuals, couples and families to find ease, to enjoy a bit of peace, quiet, and privacy and to go home refreshed, restored, relaxed. The house is so private it has a shower on the screened porch overlooking the pond. We are a little over an hour from historic Wilmington and several beach resorts, only 30 minutes from Fayetteville with museums, a fine botanical garden, and Fort Bragg, and very close to both I-95 and I-40 interstate highways. We are an hour south of the state capital city, Raleigh, with many attractions. TEMPORARY RESTRICTION:

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Old 30 Dirty Family Farm

2 sites · Tents7 acres · Jacksonville, NC

Small beginning family farm on over 7 acres with chickens, a stocked pond/lake, guest house, and small community garden. Close to NC beaches, restaurants and fun things to do. Plenty of space for RV travelers. Close to local military bases. Beautiful place to view various types of wildlife and natural scenery.

The best camping near Cliffs of the Neuse State Park guide

Overview

About

Just 11 miles southeast of Goldsboro lies a centuries-old Wayne County landmark. Explore the park from hiking trails along the impressive cliffs overlooking the Neuse River. Oaks and dogwoods line the path, framing river views in Spanish moss.

Begin your exploration at the visitor center. Museum-quality exhibits showcase the fascinating history of the region. Head to the 11-acre man-made swimming lake for a refreshing dip. You'll find an inviting sandy beach and a diving platform.

Five hiking trails explore the riverside forests. Some lead you to stellar fishing spots on the banks of the Neuse. The river is home to bluegill, largemouth bass, and several catfish species. A spacious, shaded picnic area near the lake has 30 picnic tables and 10 grills.

Year-round camping options include a family campground, 12 sites with electricity and 18 standard campsites. Neuse also offers three camper cabins with interior electricity and potable water outside.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter may bring cooler temperatures that are perfect for brisk hikes.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, before planning your visit.
Stay safe by adhering to posted trail markers and wildlife advisories.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials.
Be mindful of park closures due to weather or maintenance by checking updates online.