Waterway Campground, Cedar Point, NC

For North Carolinians seeking an idyllic coastal escape, where the Intercoastal Waterway meets the charm of the Crystal Coast, Waterway Campground in Cedar Point offers a unique and appealing destination. This RV resort has been a beloved spot for many families and individuals, some returning for nearly two decades, drawn by its prime location and convenient amenities. It promises a serene backdrop for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the North Carolina coast, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Situated directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, Waterway Campground provides unparalleled access to one of the state's most vital aquatic arteries. This makes it an ideal choice for boaters, anglers, and anyone who cherishes water-based activities. Beyond its strategic location, the campground is noted for its array of facilities, including clean bathhouses, a refreshing pool, and practical laundry services, all designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its guests. The long-standing popularity of Waterway Campground among locals speaks volumes about its consistent appeal and the pleasant experiences it offers.

While a single, highly concerning review regarding safety issues has surfaced, it is important to contextualize this with other, more consistent positive feedback highlighting the camp's long-term appeal, cleanliness, and helpful staff. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Waterway Campground, detailing its location, the services and features it generally offers, and why, for many North Carolinians, it remains a suitable base for exploring the vibrant Crystal Coast.

Location and Accessibility

Waterway Campground is strategically located at 850 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NC 28584, USA. This address places it directly on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), a crucial navigable inland waterway stretching along the Atlantic coast. Cedar Point itself is a charming town situated in Carteret County, a gem of North Carolina's Crystal Coast region.

The location offers excellent accessibility for North Carolinians, particularly those residing in the eastern and central parts of the state. Cedar Point is easily reached via major highways such as US-70, which connects to larger cities like Raleigh and Fayetteville. The campground's position on Cedar Point Boulevard provides direct and clear access, making it convenient for RVs of all sizes to navigate to and from the property.

Being on the Crystal Coast, Waterway Campground is also within close proximity to a wealth of local attractions and services. Nearby towns like Swansboro and Emerald Isle offer additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The convenience of this location allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of the campground while still having easy access to essential amenities and the many recreational opportunities that define this beautiful stretch of the North Carolina coastline, including fishing piers, water activities, and local historical museums.

Services Offered

Waterway Campground positions itself as an RV resort and offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient stay for both transient and annual campers.

RV Sites with Full Hookups: The campground offers 336 RV sites, all of which are full hookup sites. These include water, cable, sewer, and both 30 & 50 amp electric service, catering to a wide range of RVs, including big rigs.
Bathhouses: Guests consistently mention the availability of bathhouses. Reviews specifically highlight that the "bathhouses are clean," which is a crucial amenity for campers.
Swimming Pool: A significant recreational service, the campground features a swimming pool for guests to enjoy, providing a refreshing option, especially during warmer months.
Laundry Room: For extended stays or just for convenience, a laundry room is available on-site, allowing campers to easily manage their clothing and linens.
Boat Access / Boat Ramp: A major draw, the resort "sits on the Intercoastal Waterway and has boat access," including a boat ramp. This is an invaluable service for boat owners, allowing them to easily launch and retrieve their vessels.
Trash Pick-up and Lawn Service: For long-term or annual residents, services such as trash pick-up at the site and lawn maintenance are provided, enhancing the convenience and neatness of the property.
Cable TV and Wi-Fi: Sites are equipped with cable TV, and Wi-Fi is available, ensuring campers can stay connected and entertained.
Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): The campground generally welcomes pets, though specific restrictions likely apply to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all guests.
Picnic Tables: Each RV site is typically equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and relaxation.
Open Year-Round (or nearly): The campground is open 350 days a year, providing extensive availability for campers.

Features / Highlights

Prime Intracoastal Waterway Location: The most significant highlight is the campground's direct frontage on the Intracoastal Waterway. This offers campers unparalleled access to boating, fishing, and watersports, along with scenic views of the waterway.
Direct Boat Access and Boat Ramp: For boat owners, the on-site boat access and ramp are major conveniences, eliminating the need to search for public launches and allowing easy enjoyment of the ICW and nearby sounds.
Comprehensive Full Hookups: All 336 RV sites offer full hookups (water, sewer, 30 & 50 amp electric, cable TV), making it an exceptionally comfortable and self-sufficient camping experience for RVers.
Clean Bathhouses: Positive reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the bathhouses, indicating a commitment to maintaining essential facilities to a high standard.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a swimming pool, laundry room, and generally spacious sites caters well to families, providing activities and conveniences for all ages.
Long-Term and Transient Options: Waterway Campground is designed to accommodate both annual residents and those seeking limited transient spaces, offering flexibility for various types of stays.
Proximity to Crystal Coast Attractions: Guests can easily access popular Crystal Coast attractions such as fishing piers, water activities, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and local historical museums.
Shade and Landscaping: While not explicitly detailed for every site, the general description of an RV resort implies a level of landscaping and potentially shaded sites, contributing to a pleasant outdoor environment.
Helpful Office Staff: Reviews mention the "office is very helpful," indicating good customer service and a welcoming atmosphere from management.

Promotions or Special Offers

Waterway Campground, often operating as Waterway RV Resort and affiliated with larger networks like Encore RV Resorts, does offer various promotions and special offers, which is typical for privately owned or managed RV parks. These are distinct from state park pricing models and are designed to attract different types of campers.

Based on general information for RV resorts and the mention of "Special Offers from Waterway RV Resort | Encore RV Park North Carolina" on their website (rvonthego.com/north-carolina/waterway-rv-resort/offers), potential promotions could include:

Membership Discounts: Waterway RV Resort is listed as accepting discounts/memberships such as Coast to Coast, Good Sam Club (10% discount), and Thousand Trails. This is a common way for RV parks to offer value to frequent travelers.
Seasonal Rates: While specific seasonal offers aren't detailed, RV resorts often have varying rates based on peak season (summer, holidays) versus off-peak times, and potentially weekly or monthly discounts for extended stays. Daily rates are listed as $98.00, which can vary by site type and time of year.
Online Specials: It's common for RV resorts to advertise special deals exclusively on their official website or through their affiliated reservation platforms. Checking the "Offers" section of the rvonthego.com website for Waterway RV Resort would be the most direct way to find current promotions.
Event-Based Promotions: Resorts might offer special rates or packages around local events or holidays, though this would be advertised directly by the campground.
Extended Stay Discounts: Given its designation as an "annual campground with limited transient spaces," there are likely more favorable rates for longer-term or seasonal rentals compared to daily or weekly transient stays.

For the most accurate and current information on any promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended that potential guests visit the official Waterway RV Resort website (likely through rvonthego.com) or contact the campground directly.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, rates, or to make a reservation at Waterway Campground (also known as Waterway RV Resort), please use the following contact details:

Address: 850 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NC 28584, USA

Phone: (252) 393-8715

Mobile Phone: +1 252-393-8715

You may also find additional contact options or an online reservation portal through the official website for Waterway RV Resort, which is typically linked through the Encore RV Resorts or RVontheGo networks (e.g., rvonthego.com/north-carolina/waterway-rv-resort). It is always recommended to contact the campground directly or use their official online booking system for the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning specific site availability and current rates.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolinians, Waterway Campground in Cedar Point offers a particularly suitable and appealing option for coastal recreation, especially for those who own RVs and boats, or simply desire a well-equipped base for exploring the Crystal Coast. Despite one concerning review, the overall picture from the majority of feedback and stated amenities highlights its strong points for local users.

Firstly, its prime location directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with dedicated "boat access" is an unparalleled advantage for the numerous North Carolinians who enjoy boating, fishing, and watersports. This convenience means less time spent trailering and launching, and more time actually enjoying the state's beautiful coastal waters. For locals, having such direct and easy access to the ICW and the nearby sounds is a significant draw, allowing them to fully embrace the maritime lifestyle that is so integral to this region.

Secondly, the comprehensive amenities offered – including full hookup RV sites, clean bathhouses, a refreshing pool, and a practical laundry room – cater directly to the needs of modern campers. This level of comfort and convenience ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable stay, whether for a quick weekend escape or a longer seasonal retreat. The consistency of these positive amenities, as highlighted by a long-term guest who has been coming since 2005, points to a reliable and well-maintained establishment.

Finally, Waterway Campground serves as an excellent gateway to the wider Crystal Coast region. Locals can easily explore nearby attractions such as fishing piers, the North Carolina Aquarium, and various historical sites, making it a versatile hub for both relaxation and adventure. The combination of direct water access, robust amenities, and its prime coastal location makes Waterway Campground a truly suitable and desirable destination for North Carolinians looking to make the most of their beautiful home state's outdoor offerings.