Best Camping in and near Croatan National Forest

67% (6 reviews)

Ever wanted to see a carnivorous Venus flytrap up close and in action? Here's your big chance.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Croatan National Forest

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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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Black Barn Farm

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Newport, NC

"HYTTE" is a Norwegian word that translates to "cabin" or "cottage' in English. Hytte are small, wooden houses that are often built in the countryside or forest. They are typically rustic and simple, with basic furniture and utilities like a table ,chairs, bed and heat source. They are not equipped with running water or electricity. Ours have solar! The idea of hytte includes freedom, frugality and a simple life. We offer #4 Steinhytte-the stone cabin, #5Trehytte- the wood cabin ,#8 Rosahvalhytte-the pink whale cabin and #9 Furuhytte-the pine cabin. Come embrace what the Scandinavian people have been doing for hundreds of years. Unplug, unwind, relax and enjoy nature. See it through the eyes of your childhood. Play. Live. Breathe. Welcome to our little piece of heaven! Our property offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy and a variety of camping options. Set up camp in a tent, a screened hammock, a car, a bus or RV, or stay in one of our primitive dry camping cabins. All camp areas are private from our home, with a porta potty and well water available. Please be aware-we are a working farm. There is sometimes noise and if you are sensitive bring earplugs, headphones, etc... The ducks chatter and talk the night away, the dogs do bark if Bambi-Baloo-Thumper or their chicken siblings hang too close to the pens. We have wildlife here! Owls, coyotes, bear and deer some are more musical than others. Please be aware! Never put your hands where you can't see! North Carolina has several poisonous snakes and although we don't see them often, we are playing in their playground-the great outdoors. There are mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants (esp. after a good rain) and critters outdoors. Always bring bug spray even if you think you may not need it! To avoid unwanted interaction, keep tents/screens on cabins zipped or closed when not in use. Make sure food is "buttoned up" for the night and be aware of any crumbs or scraps dropped on the ground or in cabins. This will invite unwanted guests of all types. Be aware and observant where you walk and use a flashlight or headlamp at night. We will not be responsible for injury, bites, stings, etc... Be smart and camp safe! There are MANY things to do in our area that are low cost to free, which is an added plus for any families coming to visit! Just ask me and I'll give you suggestions depending on your budget. Plenty of stuff for grown-ups too! Walmart Express is less than three miles away and Walmart Supercenter is less than five miles away. Smithfields BBQ, Chinese and Bojangles are close by. There are two wonderful restaurants nearby El Mexicano and Riverside a Pizza/subs place that will deliver camp side too! Be sure to mention what site number you are camped! If you love the ocean, the beach is just a short distance away. Emerald Isle is ten miles away, Ft. Macon is twelve miles away. These both have public beaches and Ft. Macon offers hot showers if you don't opt for our cold one! Hikers will love the nearby trails and abundant hiking options from poccosin (bogs) swamps to the Mountain to Sea Trail. Our property is perfect for outdoor adventure and exploration. If you prefer a more relaxing stay, you can stay on our property and enjoy a refreshing swim in our pond or cozy up by a campfire. Bring your s'mores gear to belly up to a picnic table. Birdwatching is a popular activity here as we are a family-run bird farm with a variety of feathered friends including ducks, chickens, guineas, geese, turkey and even an emu or two! We have recently added (this Spring 2024) baby goats and also have cows. Napoleon and Rosie are Dwarf pygmies and Brielle is a New Zealand Kiko. Napoleon, Elle and Rosie love children and kids are welcome to come visit them under the supervision of Miss Jennifer. Fresh eggs are available for breakfast, straight from our farm to your plate. We offer mini tours of the animals when we feed up and kids like to help gather eggs. Just reserve the "Feeding time" and a head count. We are passionate about birds and love to share our knowledge with our guests. The porta toilet is located at the end of the emu pen and well water is available in front of the barn. There are buckets available to bring water to your site. Any vehicle over 6' will have to enter/exit on West (left) side of the pond due to low clearance. Cold water shower available. (Let me define...high tech redneck style; a hose with multi option spigot.) Our property is also conveniently located near the historic towns of Beaufort and New Bern, perfect for a day trip. There are nearby stores and farmers markets where you can get fresh veggies, and we are always willing to suggest places to go. You can also visit Fort Macon, Hammocks Beach, Carteret County Speedway, the NC Aquarium, local farms, live music at The Gardens and more. Go see a local mud bog on Saturday nights or check out the local Bogue Sound distillery and fabulous seafood restaurants, which is just a short drive away. Bring your boat because we have plenty of space to park and can direct you to whichever type of waterway you want to be on. There are nearby private fishing charters, horseback riding and ferry adventures to go see the ponies. Better yet go visit the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort and get inspired to sign up to build your own boat. They offer excellent sea themed classes for the children during the summer. Sign up early because they fill up fast. Just one of our neat local treasures. Come have an assisted outdoor oyster roast! You go pick up your fresh local oysters (in season) from people we can recommend, and we can help walk you thru the "how to". We will have all you need: pot, burner, knives, new condiments and table ready to go so all you have to do is cook eat and enjoy! Go clamming! We can provide you with all you need to go get your dinner! (in season) Rake, floating bucket, a hat and the knowledge of where and when to go. A boat or kayak is recommended. We do have a kayaks available with a deposit to take it offsite. This is bookable through the extras. We know people/locations to get you going for beach fishing, kayaking, hunting, and tons more. Don't forget there are many festivals, parades and floatillas nearby to enjoy. Mumfest in New Bern is always awesome and don't forget the NC Seafood Festival. During Winter carriage rides can be arranged through historical New Bern. We are open year-round, and Wintertime is a delight at the beach. Come visit us during the holiday season to enjoy the lights and cuddle up to a cozy campfire. The cabins are heated by propane, and we can have a tank ready for you when you arrive for an extra charge. A single 20 lb tank typically lasts four days. Light a luminary to float on the pond to make your New Year begin just right even just for a special occasion! We ask that no one smokes inside the cabins for the safety of yourself and allergies to other campers. Thank you in advance and please police your butts. We try to keep the area tidy. There are trash cans by #4, #5 and #9 also the large dumpster behind the barn. Please do not feed anything to our birds! Each species has a specialized diet and just one food item wrong could kill them. We love sharing our pets with you and Miss Jennifer is always willing to answer questions. Make sure to get the coupon codes for the active military, vets, repeat campers, Fall/Winter discounts! So come unwind, unplug, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in nature. Remember how to play and have fun like in your childhood. We look forward to hosting you! Please be sure to plug in our discount codes for the best pricing! Only one discount can be used at a time /per stay. Repeat campers! $5 OFF YOUR STAY We appreciate you! C9MOQGQH We LOVE OUR VETS-30% off your stay. Active duty/Enlisted/Veterans...Thank you for you service and sacrifice! This can also apply to EMTs, Nurses, Doctors and firefighters! EFHEXJEJ Fall/Winter Season Discounts 10% off...It's just cool. Available Sept-Feb DBN6PKIY Discount not applicable for week of Thanksgiving (11/19-11/26) and Christmas (12/17-12/26). Bookings are for a total of seven days max per site. If you need additional dates just PM Jennifer. We have a zero-drug policy, and we love our 2nd amendment but cannot allow firearms (this includes BB guns), fireworks or ATV's due to insurance. We are a family run, family-oriented camp. Please be respectful to your fellow campers. You can always ask questions and we are here to help you have the best camp experience available. Please be respectful of others while here and learn to be a kid again. We ask that no cooking or smoking in done inside the cabin!

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Cedar Island Ranch

83 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Island, NC

If you only camp once in your life, make it Cedar Island Ranch. Here, you can ride a horse along miles of undeveloped beach that hasn’t changed since long before the Spanish explorers set eyes on it. Rent kayaks, paddle boards or canoes, go fishing or have a romantic weekend on the beach. We’re open year-round for your vision of a family vacation paradise or a perfect honeymoon. We’re open year-round. Bring your home or stay in the comfort of our 2-bedroom Suites or beautifully renovated Motel Rooms. Most RV sites have ocean or bay views – 17 are directly on the bay water. Twelve pull-through sites directly face Cedar Island beach with fantastic views. Our RV park has 61 spaces with water plus 30- and 50-amp electric service. When the guests ask, we provide. So, we’ve got everything you need for an unequaled coastal experience right here. The Cedar Island Ferry terminal to Ocracoke Island and on to Cape Hatteras is right at our doorstep. You’ll have free Wi-Fi, clean bathroom facilities, and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff to help. Bring your boat. We have a private ramp and a state ramp into deep water and Atlantic access.

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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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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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Big Cypress Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · New Bern, NC

We are a family farm. Established in the 1970s we have lots of local wildlife and water fowl. We have chickens. A lake that is stocked with catfish,brim and bass The sunsets are incredible. And when the full moon is over the pond it is an amazing sight. You can relax here by the pond or venture out to explore historic down town New Bern ,or head the the beach located in Morehead, Swansboro, and the surrounding areas. Check the local Restaurants and the local shops as well. Throughout the year we are surrounded by many different festivals as well. You can listen to the crickets and the birds chirping, and watch the squirrel as they jump and run from tree to tree.we are close to the beaches and are in close proximity of the national Forrest as well. And there are quite a few golf courses near to us as well. We are a work in progress and would be considered primitive Campground. So if what you are looking for is a place to escape to from every day hustle and daily grind we are you kind of place. So check us out on Facebook and have a blessed day.

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Pasture Creek Farms

10 sites · Tents70 acres · Hubert, NC

Raw coastal land. Water activities: paddle activities, swimming ,wading, canoe, small boats Stocked ponds, throw back only (extra fee). Dirt roads and game trails for walking or hiking. Close to beach. Firewood available for purchase on site. Water available (ask host) Dry and primitive camping. Lots of wildlife. Convenient to beach, intracoastal water way, and boat ramps.

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Escape near Cape Lookout

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Davis, NC

Secluded campsite with 4 RV spots, 3 electric and water, 1 water only (quiet generator allowed here) and 1 tent only site. All spots are waterfront, located on Core Sound. There is a dock to tie up your water crafts, such as kayaks and paddle boards. Boats are welcome to park in our overflow parking area and a public boat ramp is 0.25 miles away. Take the Davis ferry to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout just a few minutes away! 3 sites with 30 amp power (sites 1, 2 and 3) we welcome generators at the other sites, so long as they are quiet. All with water hookups except tent site 5. One can also pitch your tent right by the water (site 5). Enjoy swimming in the sound, fishing from the private dock, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks and your canoes!!!! Enjoy it all and only share the space with 4 other sites. Personal boat parking available, public dock is 0.25 miles away. Or take the Davis ferry, a minute away, to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout! No waste dump on site, but one nearby, information available upon request. They charge $25. Enjoy the property’s sound access to Core Sound. Fish, kayak, canoe or paddle board in nature’s beauty. 20 minutes from shops and restaurants of Beaufort and Morehead city. There is also a ferry to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island, a peaceful 20-minute drive away. Really great access to a quiet and beautiful part of the outer (inner) banks. Everything you’d ever want to do at the beach is within 30 minutes and the sunrise on the sound is gorgeous. Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at dusk. Recommend spray or a bug light. Carteret County is now spraying our site for mosquitoes! With Cape Lookout National seashore and Fort Macon State Park under 20 minutes from us, you also have tons of outer-bank activities to choose from.

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Crockett Landing

9 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Beaufort, NC

15 beautiful acres on the North River in Beaufort, NC. Just off Highway 70 which is an Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Trails and private campsites throughout the property as well as a large communal deck (The Landing) by the river for gatherings and multiple observations areas to observe and enjoy the wildlife throughout the property. Bathhouses for guests and well water throughout property. Fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, etc on the property. Atlantic Beach and Morehead City only 20 minutes away. Close to several stores and gas stations as well as countless fishing spots and about 7 miles to the end of Hawkers Island Rd where you can catch the ferry to Cape Lookout. Crockett Landing is a haven and sanctuary for wildlife and those who want to connect with nature and have a good time. There is a tote at the Cafe Blue full of games like badminton, volleyball, frisbees, wiffle ball, corn hole, paddle ball etc. The Cafe is an outdoor kitchen for guests to use as they like. Propane grill and stove available including dishware and pots and pans.

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Live Oaks Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Holly Ridge, NC

Live Oaks Farm is a mini farm full of beautiful 200 year old live oak trees, willow trees, azaleas, other plants, and a pond. We are a great oasis right off of Topsail Island that gets coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. We are a small growing farm with chickens, dwarf Nigerian goats, and ducks. We also offer a seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm. You will usually see Patrick working around the property or in the wood workshop building furniture. His beautiful wife Brittany and their gorgeous kids Maddox and Everlee enjoying the outdoors as well.

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Happy Haven

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Sneads Ferry, NC

I have approximately 2 acres partially wooded located off of a gravel road. Country feel close to the coast! North Topsail Beach is about a 5 minute drive and many other waterways with boat ramps . We are located 20 minutes south of Camp Lejeune and about 30 minutes north of Wilmington. I have a fenced in back yard for kids and or pets. A few playgrounds set up. Firepit available. Charcoal grill available. I will allow limited access to indoor bathroom. Limited access to use of kitchen depending on circumstances.

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The Hammock

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Stonewall, NC

Secluded 6 acres of lush pine and hardwood. 6 Large camping/RV sites. A fire pit at every site. Walking path to the Bay River with a private beach. Kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, bird watching, walking and hiking. Public boat ramp just 5 miles away. Personal hot tub, available upon request for Maple Grove at booking with advance notice. Kayaks, and Paddle Board limited availability for additional fee per day or 4 hours. 10 minutes to the town of Bayboro. 20 minutes to Oriental, the sailing capitol of NC.

The best camping near Croatan National Forest guide

Overview

About

Find the best of both worlds here at a coastal national forest with 159,000 acres of beauty. Croatan is graced with pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs, and raised swamps. Numerous campgrounds, recreation areas, picnic areas, and boat launches make it easy to enjoy the land.

The forest is a water-sports enthusiast's dream. It's bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound. A diversity of wildlife here includes wading birds, ospreys, deer, black bears and alligators.

Standout remote lakes include Catfish Lake and Great Lake. Both are ideal for camping, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Great Lake is the largest lake in Croatan. It's 6 miles from the highway and far, far away from the chaos of civilization.

Hikers looking for low-traffic trails and primitive camping love Neusiok Trail. Three lean-tos along the 21-mile trail are free to use.

Island Creek Forest Walk Trail is a 3.7-mile moderately trafficked loop trail that welcomes mountain bikes and dogs.