
WILMINGTON—Looking for a weekend camping trip? There are dozens of cheap camping options in the state, all within several hours of Wilmington.
From RV hookups to primitive sites miles away from the camp’s base, North Carolina State Parks have plenty to offer.
RELATED: How we got here: Recent activity at Freeman Park is 10 years in the making
Plan ahead by checking out the state’s camping options. If you’re feeling spontaneous, North Carolina State Parks has a “camping this weekend” feature, showing what sites are available on the weekend ahead.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Estimated drive: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Location: Swansboro
This campsite is located on Bear Island, a 3-mile-long barrier island only accessible via ferry or private boat. Campers will need to walk anywhere from 0.5 miles to 1.5-miles to reach the campsite.
Near Camp Lejeune, Hammocks Beach State Park offers tent-only camping for $10 a night. With outdoor showers and flushing toilets, this campsite has the basics.
Eno River State Park
Estimated drive: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Location: Durham
Escape the grind at the Eno River State Park, located in Durham. Over 30 miles of trails surround the shallow Eno River.
At $10 a night, Eno River State Park offers group and individual campsites with limited facilities. For campers getting ready for a night’s stay, prepare to walk .05-mile to 1.2-mile from the parking area to campsites.
New River State Park
Estimated drive: 5 hours
Location: Laurel Springs
Visit what is believed to be, ironically, one of the oldest rivers in North America, according to North Carolina State Park’s website, at New River State Park.
The 2,200-acre park has a range of campsites to choose from. Campers have the option of hot showers and electric and water hookups. At $22.00 a night, this park is just 14-miles from the North Carolina-Virginia border.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Estimated drive: 3 hours
Location: Henderson
With hundreds of campsites to choose from, Kerr Lake State Park has plenty of room. The 50,000-acre park offers RV hookups and primitive campsites.
The park reaches into Virginia near Henderson, North Carolina, and costs $7 to enter on the weekends. If you’re planning to camp, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area charges $15 a night.
Carolina Beach State Park
Estimated drive: 20 minutes
Location: Carolina Beach
If you live in Wilmington, Carolina Beach State Park is in your backyard. The park offers cabins, campsites, and RV hookups year-round.
At $27 a night, Carolina Beach State Park offers showers, coin-operated laundry options, and flushing toilets.
For more information on North Carolina State Park’s various camping options, visit www.ncparks.gov.
d tips to Johanna Ferebee at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or follow Johanna on Twitter @j__ferebee