RV Campgrounds In Beaufort, NC -- Coastal Parks

34.7182° N, 76.6638° W

Quick Overview

Beaufort, North Carolina sits at the edge of the Crystal Coast, where the Newport River meets the Atlantic. This historic fishing village draws RV travelers with its waterfront charm, wild horse tours to Shackleford Banks, and easy access to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The town's boardwalk stretches along Taylor Creek, lined with working boats and seafood markets that have operated for generations.

The area offers several RV campgrounds and parks for travelers exploring the Outer Banks region. These facilities provide full hookup sites with amenities designed for coastal camping, though some locations offer free overnight stays. Most parks cater to RVers seeking convenient access to both the historic downtown and nearby barrier islands.

From your campsite, you're positioned perfectly for wild horse watching excursions to Shackleford Banks, where over 100 horses roam free on pristine beaches. The North Carolina Maritime Museum sits just minutes away, showcasing Blackbeard's ship and local maritime history. Fort Macon State Park offers Civil War history and excellent surf fishing, while the Cape Lookout Lighthouse provides a dramatic backdrop for photography. Downtown Beaufort's Front Street features antique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining that's easily walkable from most RV parks.

Full-service RV parks here typically feature concrete pads, 50-amp electrical, and boat launch access for anglers. The coastal setting means most campgrounds stay busy during fishing tournaments and summer vacation season. Budget-conscious travelers will find the area more expensive than inland North Carolina destinations, but the ocean access and historic atmosphere justify the premium pricing.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for RV camping, with fewer crowds and moderate temperatures. Summer brings peak tourism and higher campground rates, while winter provides a quieter coastal experience with occasional cold snaps. The region's year-round fishing opportunities keep some RV parks active even during cooler months.

Our listings below detail each campground's specific amenities and seasonal availability to help you choose the right coastal base camp.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Beaufort

No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!

All Dump Stations Near Beaufort

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
By The Beach RV Park	3.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Harkers Island RV Resort & Campground	6.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Coastal Carolina Campground	6.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Cape Lookout RV Park	7.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Beaufort Waterway RV Park	7.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Waters Edge RV Park	11.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Cedar Creek Resort Mhp & RV Sites	13.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Long Creek RV Park	13.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Indian Summer RV Park	14.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Long Creek RV Resort \| Havelock, Nc	14.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Beaufort by RV

Highway 70 provides the most direct route into Beaufort from inland North Carolina, offering scenic views of salt marshes and waterways as you approach the coast. This two-lane road handles RV traffic well, though summer weekends can bring slower speeds through small coastal towns. From I-95, take Exit 384 toward New Bern, then follow US-70 east for approximately 35 miles to reach Beaufort's historic district.

RVers coming from the north via the Outer Banks should budget extra time for the ferry crossings and narrow roads on Hatteras Island. The route through Morehead City on US-70 avoids ferry schedules and provides better access to fuel and supplies. Several gas stations along this corridor can accommodate larger rigs, including the Circle K in Newport and Murphy USA in Morehead City.

Downtown Beaufort's streets weren't designed for large RVs, with tight turns and limited parking near the waterfront attractions. Most campgrounds provide shuttle services or recommend parking at the town's visitor center lot on Turner Street, which offers easier access for bigger rigs. The drawbridge on US-70 over the Newport River opens for boat traffic during peak boating hours, so plan for potential 10-15 minute delays during summer afternoons.

Useful Links

More Dump Stations Nearby

Find additional dump stations near Beaufort

RV Parks Near Beaufort

Browse RV parks and campgrounds in North Carolina

RV Tips & Guides

Helpful articles for RV travelers

Get Directions

Navigate to Beaufort, NC

Detailed Forecast

National Weather Service forecast

Federal Campgrounds

Recreation.gov campground search

Nearest Hospital

Find emergency medical care nearby

Grocery Stores

Find grocery shopping nearby

Dump Station Costs in Beaufort

RV camping rates in Beaufort range from $45-65 per night for basic hookup sites, with waterfront locations commanding $70-95 during peak summer season. Premium sites with boat slips can reach $100+ per night during fishing tournaments and holiday weekends. Currently, a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offer free camping, while a portion% charge nightly fees reflecting the coastal location's premium positioning.

Seasonal pricing shows significant variation, with summer rates often double the winter pricing at most parks. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the best value, typically 20-30% below peak summer costs. Many campgrounds require 3-7 night minimum stays during major fishing tournaments and summer holiday periods.

Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide limited discounts here, as most parks focus on location value rather than budget pricing. Harvest Hosts options are scarce in this coastal area, making traditional campgrounds the primary choice for most travelers.

Grocery costs run higher than inland North Carolina, with Food Lion in nearby Morehead City offering the most reasonable prices for RV provisioning. Fuel prices typically exceed state averages by 10-15 cents per gallon due to the coastal location and limited competition among stations.

Free: 0 stations (0%)

Paid: 1 station (100%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Beaufort

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Best Time to Visit Beaufort by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

38-58°F

Crowds: Low

Quiet season with occasional cold snaps; some campgrounds close or reduce services during coldest weeks.

🌸

Spring

March-May

52-72°F

Crowds: Medium

Ideal weather for camping; fishing picks up in April; book ahead for Wooden Boat Show weekend.

☀️

Summer

June-August

72-85°F

Crowds: High

Peak season with highest rates; reserve months ahead; afternoon thunderstorms and occasional tropical weather.

🍂

Fall

September-November

58-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent weather continues through October; hurricane season requires weather monitoring; great fishing season.

Explore the Beaufort Area

Waterfront RV Resort typically offers the best combination of amenities and location access, with concrete pads and direct water views that justify the higher nightly rates. Their boat ramp and fish cleaning stations make it popular with anglers targeting red drum and flounder in the surrounding waters.

Boondockers won't find free camping options within Beaufort itself, but Cape Lookout National Seashore allows primitive camping on Portsmouth Island via ferry. This requires advance planning and boat transportation, making it more suitable for tent campers than RVers. Most budget-conscious travelers choose campgrounds in nearby Newport or Morehead City for lower rates.

Sandy Point Restaurant serves excellent local seafood within walking distance of most RV parks, while the Beaufort Grocery Company offers upscale dining in a converted grocery store. Don't miss the wild horse tours departing from the downtown waterfront - book early during summer months as they fill quickly. The town's annual Wooden Boat Show in late April draws crowds but showcases traditional Carolina boat building.

Pet owners will appreciate the dog-friendly boardwalk and nearby beaches, though leash laws apply in town. The Rachel Carson Reserve allows dogs on designated trails and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.

National Parks Nearby

Other Cities in North Carolina

Charlotte (10)Statesville (8)New Bern (8)Fayetteville (8)Henderson (8)Greenville (8)Wake Forest (7)Concord (7)Elizabethtown (7)Goldsboro (7)Wilmington (7)Durham (6)

View all cities in North Carolina →

RV Tips & Articles

Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps

Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers

Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Beaufort

What are the best RV campgrounds in Beaufort?

Waterfront RV Resort offers the premium experience with boat access and water views, while nearby Morehead City campgrounds provide more budget-friendly options. Most parks feature full hookups and concrete pads suitable for larger rigs, with several offering boat ramps and fish cleaning stations for anglers.

Is there free RV camping near Beaufort?

Free RV camping isn't available in Beaufort proper, as this coastal destination focuses on full-service parks. Cape Lookout National Seashore allows primitive camping on barrier islands, but requires boat transportation and advance permits. Budget travelers typically choose campgrounds in Newport or Swansboro for lower nightly rates.

What is the best time of year to camp in Beaufort?

Spring and fall offer the ideal combination of pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and reasonable campground rates. April through May and September through October provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities without summer's peak pricing and humidity. Winter camping is possible but some facilities may have reduced services.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Beaufort?

Yes, most RV parks in the Beaufort area provide full hookups including 30/50-amp electrical, water, and sewer connections. Many facilities also offer concrete pads, cable TV, and WiFi to accommodate modern RV needs. Several parks include boat ramps and marina access for travelers bringing watercraft.

Can I take my RV to see the wild horses?

While you can't drive RVs to Shackleford Banks where the horses live, most campgrounds are within easy driving distance of tour boat departures from downtown Beaufort. The horses roam free on this barrier island accessible only by boat, with tours departing regularly from the waterfront during tourist season.