Best RV & Motorhome Campsites In Croatan National Forest, NC
RV camping in Croatan National Forest offers a unique mix of raw coastal wilderness, quiet waterways, and scenic campground options. In this guide, the team at Riverside Camping Center in Eastern NC highlights some of the best RV-friendly campsites and helpful tips for planning your next trip.
RV Camping in Croatan National Forest: What to Expect
Croatan National Forest in NC is the only true coastal national forest in the East. Comprised of over 160,000 acres of pine forests, bogs, estuaries, and raised swamps called pocosins, it is an expansive, swampy wilderness. As such, there are few developed camping areas deep within the forest, and the options that are available deep inside the forest are typically dispersed campsites managed by the Forest Service.
If you prefer a developed campground with hookups and amenities, your best choices will be privately-owned campgrounds and resorts that border the national forest. We will cover both in this guide. As you explore your options for RV camping in Croatan National Forest, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cell phone service may be sparse or non-existent in certain areas.
- Mosquitos may be bad depending on the type of year due to the pocosin wetlands.
- Peak season availability might be hard to come by, and some spots may be first-come, first-served.
- Should you plan to utilize a remote campsite for RVs, be sure to have backup options as well as plenty of fresh water and a plan to dispose of your garbage and wastewater.
Before heading out on your next adventure, you can swing by Riverside Camping Center to get RV service in New Bern, NC.
Best RV Campgrounds: Croatan NC National Forest Edition
Due to the nature of Croatan National Forest being mostly marsh and swamp land, there are few camping opportunities within the forest. There are several campgrounds surrounding the forest on every side, however; we'll cover these in the following sections.
Full-Service Croatan National Forest RV Camping
The Lakes RV and Cabin Resort
This RV resort features full hookups and plenty of amenities, and it's also got some stunning views. You'll enjoy water access with a boat ramp and a sandy swim beach. Plus, it's just outside of Maysville, providing convenient access to the luxuries of civilization.
White Oak Shores Campground and RV Resort
A bit further south from the Lakes RV and Cabin Resort is White Oak Shores near Newport, NC. This is a Thousand Trails campground and sits along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. You'll enjoy views of the coastal marshes and close proximity to the White Oak River Paddle Route via Haywood Landing, as well as the Weetock hiking trail.
Waterway RV Resort
Waterway is another Thousand Trails resort that sits right on the water, surrounded by marsh and water on both sides. This resort has plenty of amenities, but its main draw is the coastal views, stunning sunrises, and close proximity to the water.
Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort
Located along the Bogue Sound, this RV trailer campground has plenty of amenities in an undisturbed beach location. It's only minutes away from the ocean by land or water, and has stunning views and saltwater fishing opportunities.
Whispering Pines Campground
Whispering Pines is also near the Bogue Sound. This coastal RV campground is surrounded by pine trees and features a private boat ramp and day dock for water access.
Waters Edge RV Park
Waters Edge RV park is literally on the waters' edge on the Bogue Sound, featuring a large pier that overlooks the Sound and stunning views of sunrises and sunsets over the water.
Partial Hookup RV Camping in Croatan National Forest in NC
Neuse River Recreation Area: Flanners Beach Campground Near Havelock, NC
When you want a true nature experience, camping at a spot run by the forest service is the way to go. Flanners Beach Campground on the Neuse River has private campsites separated by foliage. Depending on the site, you'll have partial hookups, and this spot has 20, 30, and 50 amp service available. It has a dump station, showers, and flush toilets. You'll also enjoy water access and beautiful hiking trails, including the Flanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop.
Cedar Point Campground
Cedar Point is near the Bogue Sound and features partial hookups. It's big-rig-accessible, has showers and potable water, as well as a dump station and flush toilets. Sites are less private than at Flanners Beach, but this location has water access to the Sound, which is a bonus.
Dispersed RV Camping in Croatan National Forest
Oyster Point Campground
This campground has dry camping spots, vault toilets, potable water, and has fire rings and hiking trails. There are designated campsites that are suitable for small RVs. Oyster Point is located on Harlowe Creek.
Croatan Puddle Dispersed Camping
This low-key spot is located in Croatan National Forest and features free dispersed sites. It's very secluded and quiet, but still provides easy access to the beach. This site is likely best suited for smaller rigs.
Other Dispersed RV Campsite in Croatan National Forest Options:
- Catfish Lake Boat Launch
- Catfish Farm Road Pull-Off
- Great Lake Boat Launch
- Long Point Boat Launch
Many national forests allow dispersed camping along forest roads or at boat launches, but it's always best to check with the local ranger station to confirm. When dispersed camping, keep in mind that these sites are first-come, first-served, may be difficult to get to, and may not always suit big rigs. If possible, it's best to scout ahead of time in an AWD passenger vehicle.
RV Camping Hookups: Croatan National Forest Guide
There are a few different styles of campgrounds you can expect in and around Croatan National Forest:
- Full hookups
- Partial hookups
- Primitive/dispersed (no hookups)
Full hookups mean you will have electric, potable water, and sewer access. Partial hookups usually mean electricity at the least, and often potable water, with a dump station available for emptying wastewater.
If you're looking for a true wilderness experience, dispersed campsites have no hookups: You will rely on your battery bank and fresh and wastewater tanks to get you through your trip.
How To Prepare Your RV for Camping in Croatan National Forest
When you're pulling your camper out of winterization for summer RV camping, you'll want to ensure that you've drained all RV antifreeze out of the pipes and tanks, recharged your batteries, and done a thorough cleaning. Summer camping in Croatan National Forest can be hot, so be sure to check that your air conditioners are in good working order, too! Our RV dealership in New Bern, NC, has a service center that can help you get your camper summer-ready.
Should you plan to do winter RV camping, you'll want to keep an eye on the weather as well as check for campground closures. Ensure that your furnace works well, too! If, on the other hand, you plan to put your RV in storage for wintertime, explore our RV winter prep guide to keep it protected all winter long.
Shop New RVs Near Croatan National Forest
If you want to go RV camping in Croatan National Forest but either don't yet have a rig or want an upgrade, visit Riverside Camping Center! We are a Forest River exclusive dealer, meaning you'll find a vast selection of new Forest River RVs from several highly sought-after brands.
Ready to make the leap? Shop new RVs for sale with us!
Want an RV but you're not in the market for a new one? You're in the right place: We also have plenty of used RVs for sale to choose from.
Our dealership is located in New Bern, NC, just outside the border of Croatan National Forest. Visit us for RV sales, service, and assistance today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV hookups in Croatan National Forest?
There are RV campgrounds with hookups surrounding Croatan National Forest, but most camping options that are deep within the forest boundaries are primitive dispersed camping without any hookups or amenities. If you prefer a resort-style experience or at least want full or partial hookups like electricity, potable water, and sewer hookups or a dump station, explore the list of campgrounds on this page.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Croatan National Forest?
The best RV campgrounds in Croatan National Forest depend on your preferences and vibes. If you want a resort-style experience with a great location and lots of amenities, look toward the Lakes RV and Cabin Resort or the Goose Creek RV and Camping Resort. Prefer a more authentic nature experience with partial hookups? Look at Flanners Beach or Cedar Point campgrounds, both managed by the Forest Service.
How big of an RV can fit in the campsites of Croatan National Forest?
The majority of developed campgrounds in Croatan National Forest lie on the outskirts of the forest boundaries, and most of them can suit RVs from large to small, even offering pull-through sites for easy access. Inside the forest, dispersed campgrounds offer primitive camping for smaller RVs, although information isn't explicitly posted. It's always recommended to scout dispersed campsites ahead of time to be prepared.