Dispersed Camping in Carteret County, North Carolina
Showing 32 locations in Carteret County.
Alligator Tram Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping along Alligator Tram Road in the Croatan National Forest. This flat, aggregate gravel route provides opportunities for roadside camping in a coastal pine forest setting.
Atlantic Beach Waterfront Parking
Waterfront public parking areas in Atlantic Beach. Municipal regulations strictly control overnight parking, though some travelers have parked overnight without incident. Always check local signs as restrictions are heavily enforced during peak season.
Billfinger Road Dispersed Camping
A quiet gravel road corridor in the Croatan National Forest area offering vehicle-accessible dispersed camping opportunities. The road is maintained and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Bogue Forest Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along Bogue Road within the Croatan National Forest, offering standard roadside pull-offs in a dense forest setting.
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
A popular coastal fishing pier and restaurant with a spacious asphalt parking lot providing beach access, seasonal restrooms, and outdoor showers. While convenient for day use and evening fishing, multiple signs are posted explicitly banning overnight parking.
Camp Sam Hatcher
A private youth group camp owned by the Boy Scouts of America, closed to general public recreation and overnight stays.
Cape Lookout National Seashore Beach Camping
Incredible beach camping along the barrier island of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Access requires a 4WD vehicle, an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit, and taking a vehicle ferry from the mainland. Campers can set up directly on the oceanfront sand between the dunes and the high-tide line, offering direct coastal access.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Spot
Cedar Point Campground
Cedar Point Campground is situated in the Croatan National Forest at the scenic junction of the White Oak River and Bogue Sound, close to the barrier island beaches. This popular developed area offers spacious pine-shaded sites, many featuring electric hookups. Amenities include modern restrooms with hot showers, fresh drinking water, and a central dump station. It is an excellent coastal basecamp with immediate access to hiking along the Tidelands National Trail and nearby boat launches.
Dick's Sporting Goods Parking
Paved retail parking lot offering quiet, well-lit overnight parking in a dedicated side section. Conveniently located near local dining and shopping options.
Emerald Isle Boating Access
A public boating access area in Emerald Isle. While scenic and quiet during the day, overnight camping and parking are strictly prohibited by town ordinance.
Great Island Cabin Camp
A historic, remote cabin camp on South Core Banks, offering basic shelter accommodations for anglers and beachgoers. Accessible only by vehicle ferry followed by driving on deep sand trails.
Great Lake Road Dispersed
A dispersed camping corridor running through scenic coastal pine forests in the Croatan National Forest.
Harkers Island Dispersed Spot
A dispersed camping location situated near Harkers Island.
Harkers Island RV Resort & Campground
A fully-equipped private RV resort located on the shores of Harkers Island, providing full hookups, waterfront views, and direct coastal access.
Horse Island Road Dispersed
A gravel national forest corridor within the Croatan National Forest, providing dispersed roadside camping areas accessible by passenger cars.
Hunters Creek Road Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping sites along Hunters Creek Road in the Croatan National Forest, offering flat gravel pull-offs surrounded by dense coastal pine forest.
Katherine Davis Park & Waterfront Parking
A large public parking lot adjacent to Katherine Davis Park and waterfront charter businesses. It offers overnight parking that is tolerated by local merchants and public facilities, featuring heated restrooms.
Landfill Road Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping corridor along Landfill Road within the Croatan National Forest, offering standard quiet forested settings.
Little Deep Creek Dispersed Area
Dispersed camping sites nested along the Little Deep Creek forest road corridor within the Croatan National Forest.
Long Point Cabin Camp
A primitive, resilient cabin camp offering simple seaside lodging on North Core Banks. Cabins feature generator hookups, while a shared community bathhouse provides restrooms and hot showers.
Lowe's & Walmart Shared Lot
Paved parking area situated in the back corner of a shared retail lot near a scenic pond. Convenient for quick, single-night stays with nearby shopping and dining options.
Morehead City Stealth Parking
Dimly lit residential streets near the Morehead City waterfront suitable for brief, low-profile overnight stays in smaller, self-contained vehicles. Public restrooms are located nearby near the downtown waterfront.
North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Dispersed backcountry-style beach camping directly on the oceanside of North Core Banks. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential to navigate the soft sand trails and 'back road'.
North Core Banks
North Core Banks is a remote 20-mile barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, accessible only by vehicle ferry or private vessel. Visitors can camp directly on the wild oceanside beach or stay at the rustic Long Point Cabin Camp.
Oyster Point Campground
Located along the scenic banks of the Newport River in Croatan National Forest, Oyster Point Campground offers 15 shaded developed sites. The campground features basic amenities including vault toilets and seasonal potable water. It serves as an excellent base for hiking the Neusiok Trail.
Oyster Point Road Dispersed Area
A wooded gravel access corridor in the Croatan National Forest leading toward coastal marsh overlooks and public campgrounds. Offers a quiet wooded setting ideal for off-grid staging.
Pringle Road Dispersed
Dispersed spots located along Pringle Road and adjacent dirt tracks in the Croatan National Forest, offering quiet forest settings.
Riceground Branch Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping along Riceground Branch Road inside the Croatan National Forest. Tall pines and quiet surroundings provide a pleasant wilderness camping experience.
Salter Path Beach Access Area
Salter Path Beach Access features a paved parking lot next to the beach, with access to outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. While community members have occasionally stayed overnight during the off-season, official signs indicate a dusk-to-dawn parking policy.
South Core Banks Beach Dispersed Camping
Remote, backcountry-style beach camping along a pristine 20-mile barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore. Reached only by vehicle ferry, all camping is directly on the sandy oceanside beaches where high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strictly required.
The Landing RV Park
A private RV park located on Harkers Island, catering to travelers seeking close proximity to coastal marshes and boating access.