From picturesque beaches that straddle the state border, to sunny destinations found just inland of the Cape Fear River, the Southport region is dotted with an array of campgrounds that will entice visitors of all outdoorsy tastes.
The options are nicely varied, and can range from RV resorts where all amenities are accounted for, to rustic and primitive destinations that straddle the water’s edge. With a variety of unique features, picturesque settings, and locations that are close to all the attractions the Brunswick and Cape Fear regions have to offer, campers will find ample ways to relax in the sunny Southport area.
Campgrounds and Camping destinations in and around Southport
While there’s just one campground that is directly within the heart of Southport itself, visitors will find multiple camping options both north and south of this coastal community.
Check out these destinations that are dotted throughout the Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Cape Fear areas to find a camping destination that’s just right for your vacationing party’s taste.
Woodside RV Park
1648 N Howe St
Southport, NC 28461
This quiet family-friendly RV Park that’s just two miles from the Southport Historic District and five miles from area beaches has mostly paved sites that can accommodate RV visitors. Full hook-ups are available which includes water, electric, and sewer, and the facilities also include a playground. Visitors should note that there is no bathhouse, so tent campers and pop-ups cannot be accommodated.
Oak Island Campground
4125 Long Beach Road SE
Oak Island, NC 28461
Located on the mainland of the coastal town of Oak Island, and just three miles from the town of Southport, this campground features a laid-back and family friendly atmosphere that can accommodate RV visitors. (Trailers for rent may also be available.) Amenities at the Oak Island Campground include 30/50 amp hook-ups with water, sewer, electricity, on-site yard maintenance, a picnic area, wireless internet access, a laundromat with washers and dryers, and a storage facility less than ¼ mile away for boats and campers.
Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort
7200 KOA Drive SW
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
This camping resort in the sunny coastal town of Sunset Beach is just a few miles away from Southport, and features both tent sites, full hook-up sites for RVs with 30 or 50 amp service, and even cabins for rent. Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort has a nice array of amenities to entice guests to visit, which includes a fully stocked fishing pond, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a playground, a stocked campground store, a camping kitchen, horseshoe pies, and free wireless internet access and daily coffee. The campground also has an on-site bathhouse with restrooms and shower facilities.
Green Oaks Campground
3342 Holden Beach Rd SW
Supply, NC 28462
This campground that’s found just a short cruise away from the Holden Beach shoreline has a small set-up that’s nicely private and family oriented. Amenities at the campground for RV and tent campers include full hook-ups with water, electric and sewer, an on-site bathhouse, laundry services available, and flush toilets. In addition, the campground is pet friendly, and is also walking-distance close to an array of restaurants, shops, and miniature golf.
Holden Beach RV Park
2650 Liberty Ln SW
Supply, NC 28462
This campground that specializes in RV sites but which can accommodate both tent and RV campers has a stunning wooded setting just two miles from the beach that offers plenty of privacy and a family-friendly atmosphere. Amenities within the campground include full hook-up sites with power, water and sewer, wireless internet access, cable TV, walking trails, picnic tables, a laundry room, a dump station, a playground, and shower and bathhouse facilities. Nightly, weekly, and monthly stays can all be accommodated, and the campground is also pet friendly.
Holden Beach Pier Campground
441 Ocean Blvd. W
Holden Beach, NC 28462
Located on the edge of the ocean and just steps away from the Holden Beach Pier, this campground offers 60 full hook-up sites for RV visitors with a locale that can’t be beat for seashore fans. (Apartments and rooms to rent are available as well.) Amenities at the beachside campground include electric, water and sewer hook-ups, flush toilets, a bathhouse, and walking-distance access to a myriad of Holden Beach activities and attractions.
Ocean Breeze Family Campground
2717 Destiny Catilyn Ave SW
Supply, NC 28462
This campground that’s located just inland of Holden Beach and west of Southport is a sunny camping destination that features spacious sites designed to fit any sized RV or camping vehicle. A picnic table is located at each lot, and amenities at the 115-site campground include free wireless internet access, a seasonal swimming pool, a playground, an adjacent lake, a storage area, a central office, and a bathhouse with showers.
Wishing Well Family Campground
520 Seaside Rd SW, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
This inland campground that’s close to the North Carolina / South Carolina border has easy access to both the local beaches and a wide array of nearby golf courses. The Wishing Well Family Campground features tent sites and a total of 15 RV sites with full hook-ups that include 30 amp service, and additional amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers, picnic tables, a nature trail, and more.
Wilmington KOA
7415 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28411
This campground that’s situated just north of Downtown Wilmington features an array of resort-quality amenities for visitors. The campground features roughly 100 sites for RV and / or tent campers, as well as full hook-ups with 50 amp electric, cable TV, and wireless internet access. Area amenities within the campground include a community camping kitchen, an outdoor swimming pool, and seasonal and family programs that are generally available in the warm weather months. Supplies, like firewood and propane, are also available for sale.
Carolina Beach Family Campground
9641 River Rd
Wilmington, NC 28412
This campground in the heart of Carolina Beach features about 100 sites for RV and tent campers, as well as a wealth of amenities including full hook-ups with sewer, water and electric, free wireless internet access, and available cable TV. The campground also features an in-ground pool with sunbathing area, a community laundry, a bathhouse, and a general store for visitors.
Carolina Beach State Park
1010 State Park Road
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
The 761 acre Carolina Beach State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations for beach and nature lovers in the Cape Fear area, and the extensive park features 83 sites for tent and RV visitors. Area park attractions include miles of hiking trails, waterfront beaches, picnic areas, a visitors center, and an on-site boat dock and marina, and the individual sites can include full-hooks ups with water, sewer and 50 amp electricity. Special ranger-led programs are also available in the warm weather months, typically from at least Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Seasonal Information for Southport Campers
Because the Brunswick and Cape Fear regions are close to the coast and the southern region of the state, temperatures are generally mild enough all year long for campers. Summer temperatures are typically in the 80-90 degree range, while wintertime temps can hover in the 40-50 degree range, which means that campers can usually be comfortable any time of the year.
Campers should note that the region sometimes gets a cold snap where temperatures can drop below freezing – generally from December through March – so bringing along appropriate gear, such as portable heaters, may be a good idea depending on the weather forecast.
In addition, campers arriving in the summer and fall months, (roughly July 1 until November), will want to keep an eye out for hurricanes and coastal storms as well, which can cause high winds throughout the area, and coastal flooding in areas that are close to the beach and the Cape Fear River.
Otherwise, visitors can look forward to a mild and enjoyable camping trip throughout the year, with the most moderate temperatures arriving in the spring and fall months. Campers should note that the majority of area campgrounds are open all year long, however some may close for the winter months, and others may offer seasonal amenities – such as outdoor pools and family programs or events – that are not available for off-season guests. Be sure and call your campground of choice ahead of time to see if any seasonal considerations may apply.
Tips and Tricks for Southport Camping
- Be sure and bring along the bug spray, mosquito netting, citronella candles, and anything else that will make your campsite bug free. Mosquitos can be thick in the summer, especially near marshy or wooded areas.
- Make a reservation as far in advance as possible. Many area campgrounds can fill up on long summer holiday weekends, or for special regional events like Southport’s 4th of July Fireworks celebration, or Wilmington’s annual springtime Azalea Festival.
- Long term options are also available at many campgrounds and RV parks for visitors who want to stay a while. Ask ahead for available monthly and annual rentals / rates.
- For a truly rustic experience, check out primitive camping options at Freeman Park, just north of Carolina Beach, or Masonboro Island, which is located in between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Though there are no marked sites, both of these destinations can accommodate primitive campers.
- Need room to move, or want to stay a while? Check out area vacation rentals. Southport has a number of vacation rentals that are close to the historic downtown area, and which can offer all the amenities of home and then some.
With miles of beaches and waterfront to go around, the Southport area is a dream for campers of all varieties. Bring along the RV or the tents and discover a temporary home by the coast that has plenty of amenities and a world of views. From pretty inland campgrounds that are close to mainland attractions, to RV parks and campgrounds that are steps away from the shore, all outdoor fans can be accommodated in the diverse and distinct Southport region.
