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Crockett Landing

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Crockett Landing Overview

Crockett Landing Location & Map

North CarolinaCarteret CountyBeaufortHwy 70 Otway

Crockett Landing About

For North Carolinians who love to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, Crockett Landing in Beaufort, NC, isn't just another campground; it's an experience unto itself. Described by visitors as "absolutely the coolest campground" they've ever encountered, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and unparalleled hospitality. It's a place where the hard work and passion of its owner, Paul, have transformed 15 acres on Wards Creek into a haven for wildlife and adventurers alike.

Crockett Landing stands apart with its commitment to creating a truly exciting and adventurous camping experience. Unlike many conventional campgrounds, it offers more than just a place to pitch a tent or park a small camper. Guests are invited to explore boardwalk-type trails winding through the marsh, enjoy breathtaking views of diverse wildlife, and even take to the water with complimentary kayaks, canoes, and a paddle boat. This focus on engagement and exploration, combined with private, serene campsites, makes it a favored destination for both romantic getaways and memorable family adventures.

The personal touch provided by Paul, the owner, is a recurring theme in visitor testimonials. His friendliness and dedication to making each guest's stay exceptional are what truly elevate Crockett Landing from a simple campground to a cherished destination. If you're looking to connect with nature, enjoy stunning sunsets, and experience camping unlike anywhere else, Crockett Landing is calling your name.

Location and Accessibility

Crockett Landing is beautifully situated at 213 Hwy 70 Otway, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA. This prime location places it just off Highway 70, which is also an Outer Banks Scenic Byway, making it easily accessible for travelers across North Carolina and beyond. Despite its convenient highway access, the campground maintains a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, nestled on 15 acres along Wards Creek.

The location in Beaufort, a historic and charming seaport town, means campers have the best of both worlds: a tranquil natural setting at the campground and vibrant town amenities just a short drive away. Atlantic Beach and Morehead City are approximately 20 minutes from the campground, offering additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Furthermore, Crockett Landing serves as an excellent base for exploring the iconic Crystal Coast. It's only about 7 miles to the end of Harkers Island Road, where you can catch a ferry to the renowned Cape Lookout National Seashore, famous for its lighthouse and wild horses. This strategic positioning makes it an ideal spot for local North Carolinians to enjoy a true coastal adventure without extensive travel.

Services Offered

  • Private Campsites: Crockett Landing offers very private campsites nestled among live oaks and juniper trees, ensuring a secluded and personal camping experience for guests. They accommodate tents and small campers (16ft-ish and under with no hookups).
  • Communal Deck (The Landing): A large, 700 sq ft communal wooden deck ("The Landing") is available right on the water. This space is perfect for gatherings, enjoying sunsets, and observing wildlife. It can also be reserved for private parties.
  • Complimentary Watercraft: Guests have access to kayaks, a canoe, and a paddle boat for exploring Wards Creek, provided by the campground at no extra cost. This is a significant highlight, offering immediate water access and recreation.
  • Clean Bathhouses: The campground provides well-maintained bathhouses for guests, ensuring comfortable and hygienic restroom and shower facilities.
  • Well Water On-Site: Potable well water is available throughout the property for guest use.
  • Rustic Outdoor Kitchen (Cafe Blue): Guests have access to a "Cafe Blue," which is described as a rustic outdoor kitchen. It includes a propane grill and stove, as well as dishware, pots, and pans for communal use, enhancing the self-catering camping experience.
  • Games and Recreation: A tote at the Cafe Blue is filled with various games like badminton, volleyball, frisbees, wiffle ball, corn hole, and paddle ball, promoting active fun for all ages.
  • Hiking Trails: The property boasts an extensive network of trails, including boardwalk-type paths through the marsh and sand trails through the forest (Fiddler Trail, Osprey Trail, Longleaf Trail, Hunter's Trail), allowing for immersive nature walks and wildlife observation.
  • Fishing Opportunities: Guests can enjoy fishing directly on the property, either from the dock (which has a cleaning station) or other accessible spots along the creek.
  • Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, allowing guests to enjoy traditional campfires and s'mores under the stars.
  • Wildlife Observation Areas: Multiple observation areas are strategically placed throughout the property to allow guests to observe and enjoy the abundant wildlife, particularly various bird species and marine life.
  • Pet-Friendly: While specific rules should be confirmed, the reviews imply a welcoming attitude towards pets, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.

Features / Highlights

  • Unmatched Uniqueness: Crockett Landing is consistently highlighted as a truly unique campground, unlike any other. This distinctiveness stems from its thoughtful design, diverse natural environments, and the owner's personal touch.
  • Exceptional Host (Paul): The owner, Paul, receives rave reviews for his friendliness, helpfulness, and dedication to creating an "exciting and adventurous" experience. His hospitality is a significant drawing card for return visitors.
  • Direct Water Access & Amenities: The availability of complimentary kayaks, canoes, and a paddle boat, along with easy access to Wards Creek, is a major highlight, offering immediate opportunities for water-based recreation.
  • Stunning Wildlife Viewing: The property serves as a haven for wildlife, with numerous bird species and marine life, providing incredible opportunities for nature observation, especially from the communal deck and trails.
  • Diverse Trail System: The campground features a network of well-maintained trails, including unique boardwalks through the marsh, offering varied hiking experiences and scenic walks.
  • Private & Secluded Campsites: Despite the communal amenities, the campsites themselves are noted for their privacy, making them ideal for both romantic getaways and peaceful family camping.
  • Communal Outdoor Kitchen: The "Cafe Blue" with its shared propane grill, stove, and dishware is a highly convenient and unique feature, fostering a sense of community among campers.
  • Beautiful Sunsets: The location on Wards Creek provides spectacular views of sunsets over the water, offering a memorable evening experience for guests.
  • Close to Coastal Attractions: While feeling secluded, the campground is only a short drive from the historic town of Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and ferry access to Cape Lookout, offering a wide range of off-site activities.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, publicly advertised "promotions" in the traditional sense (e.g., "buy one night, get one free") are not widely detailed for Crockett Landing, the very nature of its offerings and pricing structure can be seen as a form of value and special offer. The inclusion of complimentary kayaks, a canoe, and a paddle boat for guest use is a significant added value that many other campgrounds would charge extra for. This alone makes a stay at Crockett Landing a more enriching and cost-effective adventure for water sports enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the personalized service and accommodating nature of the owner, Paul, as highlighted in customer reviews, suggest a willingness to work with guests. While not a formal promotion, this level of flexibility and dedication to guest satisfaction can be a considerable benefit, especially for longer stays or specific needs. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential offerings, it is always recommended to directly contact Crockett Landing using the provided phone number. Inquiring about rates for different lengths of stay, or if there are any specific packages for groups or events, would be the best approach.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or any other questions regarding your unforgettable camping experience at Crockett Landing, please use the following contact details:

Address: 213 Hwy 70 Otway, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA

Phone: (757) 375-0266

Mobile Phone: +1 757-375-0266

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially given the unique and popular nature of this campground, to secure your desired dates and confirm any specific site requirements.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolinians, Crockett Landing in Beaufort is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a myriad of reasons. It’s not just a campground; it’s a portal to an authentic coastal adventure right in our own backyard. Its convenient location just off Highway 70 makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state, allowing for stress-free travel for weekend getaways or longer vacations without requiring an extensive journey.

What truly makes Crockett Landing ideal for locals is its unique blend of privacy, natural immersion, and unparalleled hospitality. The very private campsites, nestled within 15 acres of natural beauty, provide the perfect escape from the daily grind, whether you're seeking a romantic retreat or a fun-filled family adventure. The abundance of wildlife, coupled with the distinctive boardwalk trails through the marsh, offers an incredible opportunity to connect with North Carolina's diverse ecosystems without leaving the campground.

The complimentary access to kayaks, a canoe, and a paddle boat is a significant draw, enabling easy exploration of Wards Creek and the surrounding waterways—a true coastal North Carolina experience. Furthermore, the close proximity to Beaufort's historic charm, Atlantic Beach, and ferry access to iconic sites like Cape Lookout National Seashore means locals can effortlessly blend peaceful camping with vibrant cultural experiences and further outdoor exploration. Ultimately, Crockett Landing, championed by its friendly and accommodating owner Paul, offers North Carolinians a truly special, adventurous, and memorable way to experience the stunning beauty and unique character of their own coastal region.

Customer Reviews

5.0
9 reviews
T
Tony Zaffino
Jun 09, 2025

It is absolutely the coolest campground I've ever been to! My wife and I camp and hike and do other outdoor activities regularly. Is no place on earth like Crockett landing! The owner, Paul is very friendly and has done a whole lot of hard work to turn this piece of land into the exciting and adventurous campground he has made it to be. It has beautiful views of wildlife and awesome boardwalk type trails through the marsh. He has kayaks available for use, a canoe, and a paddle boat! You won't find very many people as cool as Paul, and you won't find another campground like this! The campsites are very private too, so great for a romantic weekend, and great to bring the family!

K
Katrina King
Apr 20, 2025

Paul is a wonderful host. You can see the detail and hard work he's put into making this a peaceful place to stop, enjoy a good sunset, and have a neat camping experience. I stayed in the TreeHouse camping spot, and it was awesome.

D
Delicia Ivins
May 24, 2025

Campsite 5 had the most beautiful sunset view and right by the showers. Paul was a lovely host. :) This was a beautiful space. Make sure to check out the treehouse for stargazing!

O
Old Dominion Outfitters
Feb 13, 2025

Peaceful place to rest and explore. Great trails and a birder’s paradise. bathroom and cooking areas were super convenient. Great fishing too 🤙

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Harry Doaner
Apr 12, 2025

Paul is a great host at this beautiful area near Beaufort. Camping area is peaceful and he has developed trails out to waters edge. He is constantly improving on the area. He is only a 15 minute drive to the ferry on Harkers Island. You can take the ferry to Shackleford Banks where you can see the wild horses and find some incredible shells and then ferry to Cape Lookout and view the beautiful lighthouse and beaches. There is also a visitor center and vehicles to rent to drive