Freeman Park, Carolina Beach
Located on an undeveloped stretch of beach near Wilmington, North Carolina, at the tip of Carolina Beach, Freeman Park, or "the North End" to locals, is a public beach and camping area known for its fun-loving ways.
Whether you're coming down for a day or want to set up camp for a week, you can do so right on the sand of Freeman Park, which is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You have to have four-wheel drive to be allowed out on the sand, and passes are for sale at local stores for daily or seasonal use. Fires are allowed right in the sand, but bring your own wood as there is none for sale at this independent beach site.
A fishing pier with a restaurant and lively bar on the top floor are within walking distance of any spot in Freeman Park, and a convenience and grocery store is a short drive away. You may set up your tent on the picturesque shore of Freeman Park not knowing anyone, but you'll have plenty of friends by the time you leave.
Freeman Park
Town of Carolina Beach
1204 N. Lake Park Blvd., Suite D
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910-458-4614
carolinabeach.org/site_new/pages/freeman_park.html
Teeter's Campground, Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island is a few hours' ride from the mainland of North Carolina, but when you arrive you feel like your thousands of miles from civilization. A slower of pace of life rules here, and with it, an appreciation of partying and fun. Located near the ferry port and the historic British Cemetery, Teeter's Campground is known for its laid-back vibes and high-spirited ways.
It offers several full hookup sites for RVs, which are the only ones on the island, but there are also many tent sites available as well. The campground is open March 1 through Nov. 30, and the sites book quickly so call ahead for reservations.
Teeter's Campground
200 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
252-928-3135
ocracokeisland.com/teeters.htm
New River Campground, Sparta
Literally straddling the Virginia/North Carolina border, the New River Campground is a fun spot for groups of people to camp, and it offers canoe trips down the New River that extend the fun for hours.
The large sites are grassy and shaded, and many of them are located right on the river. New River Campground has full hookup sites for RVs including water, sewer and electric hookup as well as tent sites, cabins and efficiency apartments.
The campground attracts lively, but respectful groups of family and friends, and many people continue their good times by taking advantage of the shuttle service to a canoe and kayak launching point that starts a day-long float that ends at the campground.
New River Campground
6286 U.S. Hwy. 21 N.
Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-8793
canoeingthenew.com
