The camping scene in the greater Wilmington area is just as diverse and inviting as the city itself. From incredible all-inclusive campgrounds that has all the amenities of a world-class resort, to smaller and rustic destinations on the edge of a riverfront landscape, every taste can be accounted for in this expensive destination.
Campgrounds in and around Wilmington
From locales that are an easy ride away from the beach, to destinations that are close to the bustling downtown area, Wilmington campgrounds have a lot to offer when it comes to both location and amenities.
Peruse the following options for your next camping adventure for a taste of what a Cape Fear camping trip can entail.
Wilmington KOA
This campground with roughly 100 sites is located just northeast of the downtown area in the Ogden region, and boasts both tent and RV sites with electric, 50 amp power, and sewer hook-ups, as well as cable TV and Wi-Fi. Additional amenities within the resort-style facilities include a seasonal pool (open from 4/1 until 10/1), a “Kamping Kitchen,” a pavilion, and available propane and firewood.
Winner's RV Park
Located in the heart of Carolina Beach, this shoreside RV park features 21 spaces with full hook-ups, (which includes 30/50 amp electrical service), cable and available Wi-Fi, and an on-site boat or RV storage lot. The RV Park is close to both Carolina Beach and Wilmington, and is within walking distance of local beaches.
Carolina Beach Family Campground
This coastal campground with approximately 100 sites can accommodate both tent and RV campers, and features electric, sewer, and water hook-ups, as well as free wireless internet access and cable TV. Additional amenities on-site include an in-ground pool with sunbathing area, a laundry, large bathhouse and general store, and two popular riverfront parks that are an easy walk away.
Freeman Park
This popular park on the northern edge of Carolina Beach features rustic tent sites for visitors who want to spend their time adjacent to the shoreline. Sites are rugged, with a strict trash-in and trash-out policy (or take out what you bring in), but are nicely close to the on-site beach access, public restrooms, and other seasonal amenities.
Carolina Beach State Park
Well-known as one of the largest and most popular state parks in the lower Cape Fear area, this campground features 83 sites for RVs and tent campers, which includes sites with sewer, water and 50 amp electric service. Amenities within the expansive park include hiking trails, a boat launch, picnic areas, kayaking, a visitor’s center, and an on-site beach.
Woodside RV & Trailer Park
Located north of Wilmington in the town of Holly Ridge, this campground is nicely close to Topsail Beaches as well as the shops and amenities of northern New Hanover County. The campground features full hook-ups at every site, as well as Wi-Fi, a camp store, a laundry room, a game room, and extensive outdoor amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court, and playground. Planned activities are also regularly available throughout the year.
Oak Island Campground
Located in the town of Southport – roughly 25 miles south of Wilmington – the Oak Island Campground features a collection of sites for tent and RV campers with 30/50 amp Full Service Hook ups (which includes water, sewer, and electricity), a picnic area, a storage facility for boats and campers, and wireless internet access.
Ocean Breeze Family Campground
Situated in the town of Supply just south of Wilmington, the Ocean Breeze Family Campground offers tent and RV campsites with 20, 30, and 50 amp electricity, high definition cable TV, lead free spigots at each site, and community-wide grounds upkeep. Additional amenities include a laundry room and bathhouse, as well as a locale that’s 1 mile from the Holden Beach shoreline.
Holden Beach RV & Campground
Located south of Wilmington in the barely-inland town of Supply, the Holden Beach RV & Campground features RV and tent sites that can include full-hook up sites, and premium lots in a scenic section of the wild setting. Addition amenities include cable and Wi-Fi, a free dump station, a laundry room, and a bathhouse with hot showers.
Virginia Creek Campground
Located in Hampstead, which is just north of Wilmington proper, this smaller campground features 20 sites with electric, water, and sewer, as well as accommodations for both tent and RV guests. Pets are also welcome at the campground, which has a nicely quiet locale along Crooked Creek Trail.
Seasonal Information for Wilmington Camping
Camping in and around Wilmington is generally available all year-round, thanks to a moderate climate with an average temperature of 40-50 degrees in the winter months, and anywhere from 70-90 degrees in the summer months.
With that being said, campers should note that a “cold snap” in the wintertime is certainly possible, with air temperatures and / or wind chills dropping down to freezing or even lower. As such, tent campers will want to pack along portable heaters in the winter months in case the sporadic temps take a sudden nose dive.
In addition, campers throughout the region – and especially in the coastal areas of Carolina Beach, Holden Beach, and all the barrier island shorelines – will want to keep an eye out for hurricanes. The hurricane season spans from July 1 through November 1, and while it’s unusual for the Wilmington area to get a direct hit, the region can still be susceptible to high winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding. Use caution, and plan a vacation accordingly.
Otherwise, Wilmington is a fine camping destination throughout the year, and especially in the spring, summer, and fall months when the temperatures are at their most inviting, and the local beach towns are thriving. The downtown area attractions are open year-round, so regardless of time of year, Wilmington campers will always find something to do in the surrounding neighborhood, or just a short drive away.
Tips and Tricks for camping in and around Wilmington
- Bug spray is a must, especially in soundside or riverfront areas where the calm waters can easily attract mosquitos in the summertime. Visitors will want to watch for snakes and other reptiles as well.
- Visitors will want to make reservations well in advance for summertime camping in the local beach towns like Carolina Beach, as well as for weekends that coincide with local festivals like the spring Azalea Festival or the fall Riverfest. During these times of year, campsites can fill up quickly, so advanced planning is key.
- Most all area campgrounds are pet friendly, but an extra fee – or a special designated area -may be entailed for pet owners who want to visit. Note ahead of time when making a reservation whether you’ll be bringing along any furry family members to avoid any confusion from the get-go.
- A number of RV parks allow year-round or monthly tenants, allowing travelers to enjoy a home away from home in the Wilmington region. Ask for long-term spots if you’re in the market for a continual retreat in this scenic region of coastal North Carolina.
- Visitors should note that many community amenities – such as summertime programs, outdoor swimming pools, and / or clubhouses or game rooms – can be seasonal and only available during the prime summer and shoulder season months. Ask ahead to ensure everything you require for a dream camping destination is available.
- Need more space, a central locale, and / or more amenities? Try a Wilmington vacation rental. Wilmington is home to an array of vacation rentals that are situated in the heart of the downtown region, and which offer all the comforts of home, and then some.
With a wide array of amenities and distinctive locales that can span from the Northern Cape Fear region to the South Carolina border, the campgrounds in the Wilmington region are certainly inviting and wonderfully unique.
Plan a trip hitting the local beaches, exploring the cool inland regions of Hampstead and Holly Ridge, or just spending long days exploring the incredible downtown region. All of these adventures are yours for the taking when you stay in this altogether charming region of the southeastern North Carolina coastline.
