Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground

Are you a North Carolina local looking for a fresh, modern camping experience along our beautiful coast? Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground in Swansboro is a fantastic new addition to the state's outdoor offerings, promising a comfortable and engaging retreat for RVers and tent campers alike. While the park is famous for its ferry access to the pristine Bear Island, this mainland campground provides a convenient and well-equipped base for your coastal adventures.

This campground stands out for its contemporary facilities, thoughtfully designed sites, and proximity to both the natural wonders of Hammocks Beach State Park and the charming town of Swansboro. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate a clean, accessible camping environment. Despite occasional sounds from nearby Camp Lejeune, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with the refreshing breeze off the water and abundant birdlife making for a truly memorable stay.

Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground is situated at 189 Ffa Camp Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584, USA. This location is strategically important as it serves as the mainland gateway to the broader Hammocks Beach State Park, which includes Bear Island. It's easily accessible by road, providing a straightforward drive-up camping experience for both RVs and tents.

The park is located in Onslow County, approximately 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville and conveniently near the charming coastal towns of Swansboro, Cape Carteret, and Emerald Isle. This means campers have ready access to local shops, restaurants, and additional attractions, including a downtown historic district, summertime outdoor concerts, and various water-based activities in Bogue Sound. The mainland area itself also features hiking trails, and of course, it's the launch point for the seasonal passenger ferry service to Bear Island, making it an excellent hub for exploring the best of North Carolina's southern Outer Banks.

• Large, Flat Campsites: Offers generously sized and level sites, making setup easy for any type of camper.
• Modern Utilities: Sites are equipped with modern and well-planned utilities, including electric hookups.
• Exceptional Bathhouse: Features an "awesome" and "exceptional" bathhouse with flush toilets and indoor showers, available 24/7.
• Outdoor Showers: Additional outdoor showers are available.
• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water spigots throughout the campground.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table.
• Visitor Center: A comprehensive visitor center is available on the mainland with exhibits and information.
• Ferry Service: Provides seasonal passenger ferry service to Bear Island (additional fee applies).
• Kayak/Canoe Launch: On-site launch for private kayaks and canoes to explore marshlands and maritime swamp forests. Rentals may also be available from a private concessionaire.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the mainland campground (must be leashed).
• Interpretive Programs: Educational programs may be offered by park staff.

• New Campground: Benefits from being a recently developed facility, ensuring modern infrastructure and amenities.
• Awesome Bathhouse: Consistently highlighted as a top feature for its cleanliness and quality.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are notably large, providing ample room and comfort.
• Well-Maintained Lawns: The general grounds are well-kept, contributing to a pleasant aesthetic.
• Proximity to Water: Offers a refreshing breeze off the water and easy access to coastal environments.
• Abundant Birdlife: Known for its diverse bird population, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
• Easy Access to Bear Island: Serves as the primary mainland access point for ferry trips to the undeveloped Bear Island, known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty.
• Hiking Trails: Mainland features hiking trails, including a 0.56-mile loop through longleaf pines and a trail down to the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Concession Stand: A seasonal concession stand is available (on Bear Island) for snacks and refreshments.
• Proximity to Local Towns: Close to Swansboro, Cape Carteret, and Emerald Isle, offering additional dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Open Year-Round: The mainland campground is open year-round for camping, providing flexibility for visitors.
• Big Rig Friendly: Large, flat sites can accommodate various RV sizes.

As a North Carolina State Park campground, pricing for Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground generally follows a standard fee structure set by the state parks system. While specific, limited-time promotions are uncommon, the rates are designed to be affordable and provide excellent value for the quality of the facilities and the natural setting. Campground fees for sites with electric hookups are typically very reasonable, often around $20 per night, inclusive of a small non-refundable reservation fee. It's important to note that access to Bear Island via the passenger ferry incurs an additional roundtrip ticket fee (e.g., $10 for adults, $5 for children/seniors), although annual NC State Parks passes may cover a certain number of ferry tickets daily.

Reservations for campsites at Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground can be made through the ReserveAmerica website or by contacting the North Carolina State Parks reservation line. Due to its popularity, especially during peak seasons, it is highly recommended to book your site well in advance. For the most current rates, availability, and information on any applicable discounts (such as for NC State Parks annual pass holders or senior/military discounts through the federal system if applicable), please visit the official North Carolina State Parks website or the ReserveAmerica platform dedicated to Hammocks Beach State Park. The mainland campsites are often open for reservations up to six months in advance.

Address: 189 Ffa Camp Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584, USA

Visitor Center Phone: (910) 326-4881

Reservations (ReserveAmerica): (877) 722-6762

For North Carolina residents, Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground offers a truly exceptional and convenient coastal camping experience. As a brand-new facility, locals can enjoy the benefits of modern, well-planned utilities and an "exceptional" bathhouse, elevating the comfort of their stay. The large, flat sites are perfect for accommodating any camping setup, from large RVs to family tents. While there might be occasional noise from Camp Lejeune, the overall tranquility, coupled with the refreshing coastal breeze and abundant birdlife, creates a peaceful atmosphere that makes any minor disturbance negligible. Its direct mainland access means no ferry worries for your initial setup, yet you still have the option of taking a short, scenic ferry ride to the pristine, undeveloped Bear Island for an unparalleled beach day. The proximity to Swansboro and other charming coastal towns adds another layer of appeal, offering opportunities for dining, shopping, and exploring local culture. For North Carolinians seeking a clean, accessible, and family-friendly campground with a taste of the state's beautiful coastline, Hammocks Beach State Park Mainland Campground is a highly recommended destination that blends modern convenience with natural splendor.