How Much Does It Cost to Camp at Carolina Beach?
May, 25 2025
Camping at Carolina Beach sounds simple, but the price tag can catch folks off guard if you don't know what to expect. Right off the bat, here's what most people want to know: a standard tent or RV campsite at Carolina Beach State Park is $36 per night as of summer 2025. That covers two adults. If you’re bringing extras, it’s $5 for each extra adult per night.
Peak season runs from mid-March to the end of November, and spots go fast—especially weekends. Campers love the mix of shady pines, proximity to the water, and flat, sandy ground. Hookup sites (electric and water for RVs) are mixed into the same price pool, so you don’t pay a premium unless you want a group campsite. Group spots cost $114 a night and fit up to 35 people, so that works out cheap for bigger crowds.
- Breakdown of Campsite Fees
- How to Book and When to Go
- Other Costs and Hidden Fees
- Money-Saving Tips and Helpful Advice
Breakdown of Campsite Fees
So, what are you actually paying when you book a spot at Carolina Beach? Here’s the short version. If you snag a basic tent site or pull up in your RV, you’re looking at $36 a night. That’s for up to two adults, no difference in price for tent or RV camping—yep, hookups for water and electricity are included for that price if your site has them.
Bringing the whole family or a few extra friends? It’s $5 more per adult, per night. Kids under 18 camp free with at least one adult on the reservation, so families aren’t squeezed with hidden charges. Most sites allow up to six people in total and two cars, so nobody feels jammed up or left behind on the parking lot drama.
If you’ve got a crowd, there are group campsites. These are $114 a night and hold up to 35 campers. Split that with even 10 people and it’s a serious bargain on the beach. Plus, the group spots come with picnic tables, a grill, and fire ring, making them perfect for birthday bashes or family reunions.
Want a site with a view? There’s no upcharge for location, but booking early is your best shot at landing a shady nook or a site close to the water.
- Carolina Beach camping has a flat-rate policy—tent or RV, the standard fee applies.
- $36 per night covers up to 2 adults; $5 for each extra adult.
- Kids camp free (with an adult); six people max per site.
- Group campsites: $114/night, up to 35 people.
- No price bump for hookups or site location, but group event sites cost extra.
Don’t forget taxes. The listed prices don’t include North Carolina sales tax, so expect your total to go up a bit. Still, you get a lot for your money. Fresh, clean bathhouses are a plus, and you’re right by the trails and water for no extra cost.
How to Book and When to Go
Booking your spot at Carolina Beach isn’t rocket science, but the timing matters. Before you even think about showing up, know that campsites—especially ones with hookups—don’t stick around for last-minute planners. It’s all handled through the North Carolina State Parks reservation system online. You can reserve up to 11 months in advance. That’s not just a tip, it’s a survival tactic during school breaks and holidays, since sites fill up fast.
Here’s how you lock down a spot:
- Visit the NC State Parks Reservation Portal at reserveamerica.com.
- Search for Carolina Beach State Park Campground.
- Select your dates and campsite type (tent, RV, or group spot).
- Enter your details and pay the deposit (full payment required upfront).
- Check your email for confirmation and site details.
The best time to snag a site if you want a better shot at your choice? Try mid-week in April or October. Most folks book weekends from May through September, so off-season gets you cooler weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) means higher demand, humidity, and bugs—bring spray! Winter’s open, but some loops might close or have limited services.
To help you compare, here’s a quick look at how reservation windows and fees stack up:
| Booking Window | Peak Months | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 11 months ahead | March–November | $7 (online) |
Don’t bank on walk-in sites at this park, especially during Carolina Beach camping season. Think ahead to avoid headaches. If your schedule is wide open, shoot for weekdays right after kids go back to school or early spring before the summer rush.
Other Costs and Hidden Fees
Here's where things get sneaky if you’re not paying attention. While the main campsite fee covers your spot for the night, a few extra charges can sneak onto your bill if you’re not careful. The Carolina Beach camping fee does not include everything—so let's run through the real-world extras.
- Reservation Fee: Every online or phone booking through North Carolina State Parks’ reservation system adds a non-refundable $3 per transaction. If you book multiple sites, this fee stacks per reservation.
- Firewood: You can't bring your own firewood because of insect rules. Bundles are sold onsite, usually $6.50 per bundle, and they go fast on weekends.
- Late Check-In: Arriving after hours? There’s a process, but no extra charge unless you botch the check-in and the rangers have to sort it out the next day.
- Pet Fee: Good news—no fee for pets, but they must be leashed and picked up after, or you risk a fine.
- Dump Station: RV folks use the dump station for free, included with the RV spot. But tent campers can’t use it for offloading anything.
- Cancellations & Changes: Cancel a reservation and you’ll lose the $3 reservation fee plus get charged one night’s stay if you ditch it within a day of your arrival. Change your dates and pay another $3 change fee.
Here’s a quick glance at common extra costs:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reservation Fee | $3 per reservation |
| Firewood | $6.50 per bundle |
| Extra Adult | $5 per night |
| Cancellation Fee | One night’s fee (late cancellations) + $3 |
| Change Fee | $3 per change |
Most folks end up spending more than just the site fee, especially if you factor in firewood, extra adults, and booking changes. Bring cash for wood and plan ahead if you want to avoid those cancellation or change fees.
Money-Saving Tips and Helpful Advice
People love a good deal—especially when it means more cash for beach snacks and fishing bait. If you want to stretch your dollars while camping at Carolina Beach, there are lots of easy tricks that actually work.
- Book early: Reservation fees are just $3 on ReserveAmerica, and spots fill up months in advance, especially for weekends. The earlier you lock it in, the more campsite choices you get, including ones with shade or killer views.
- Stick to weekdays: Camping Monday through Thursday usually means fewer people, less noise, and better site availability. Plus, you won’t have to fight for shower time in the bathhouse.
- Share a site: Most sites let you set up two tents or an RV and a tent. Split costs with a friend or another family to cut your price per person way down.
- Bring your own firewood and supplies: Campfire bundles at the state park run about $7 each, but you can get them for half the price at grocery stores in Wilmington or nearby Carolina Beach town.
- Don’t forget your park pass: If you have a North Carolina State Parks annual pass, your parking is covered, and you might score free nights—check their promo deals each spring.
- Go during off-peak: December through February is ‘off season’ and rarely sells out. It’s cheaper, quieter, and you skip the mosquito madness. Just remember, nights get cold, so pack warm.
To give you a clearer idea of what adds up and how much you could save, here’s a look at actual costs side by side:
| Item | Buy at Park | Buy Locally |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood (bundle) | $7.00 | $3.50–$4.00 |
| Ice (bag) | $3.00 | $1.75 |
| Bottled Water (case of 24) | $11.00 | $5.99 |
| Bug Spray | $9.00 | $6.00 |
The biggest thing people overspend on? Forgetting a few basics, then having to buy them at the park store. Bring all your gear, stock up at Walmart or Food Lion ten minutes up the road, and you’ll dodge those upcharges easily.
Another pro tip: brewing your own coffee in camp is not only cheaper but also better than any you’ll buy around the park. And don’t waste money on day passes if you’re already a camper—the $36 nightly fee includes your access to all park areas, boat ramps, and showers.
All these moves save you a surprising chunk of change, so you can actually relax and enjoy the sun instead of doing math in your head over s’mores.
And when you search for Carolina Beach camping deals, be sure to check the North Carolina State Parks events calendar—sometimes they throw in ranger-led hikes or free fishing for campers, which is like a bonus on top of your savings.