LOCAL TO COASTAL REALTY Cathy Cagno | RENE, ABR, SRS, GRI | 336-516-4136 | localtocoastalrealty.com |
Best RV Campgrounds Near Ocean Isle Beach & Sunset Beach, NC
Intracoastal Waterway access and pool-side relaxation just minutes from two of NC's favorite beach towns
Updated June 2026 | Local To Coastal Realty Visitor Guide
Ocean Isle Beach & Sunset Beach: Two Beach Towns, One Easy Camping Base
Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach sit just a few miles apart on North Carolina's southern Brunswick Islands, and campers exploring one almost always end up exploring the other. There are no campgrounds directly on either beach itself, but two well-located campgrounds on the mainland put both towns, along with the Intracoastal Waterway, Bird Island, and Calabash, within easy reach.
Here is a look at the two RV campgrounds that serve the Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach area.
Waterway Campground (Featured) Location: 4641 Devane Rd SW, Shallotte, NC 28470 — on the Intracoastal Waterway, between Ocean Isle Beach and Shallotte Phone: 910-754-8652 Size: 47 sites, RV only (no tent camping) Amenities & Activities: • Direct Intracoastal Waterway access with waterfront sites for boats and watercraft • Full hookups available — 30-amp electric, water, and sewer • Pet-friendly • Quiet, intimate, family-oriented atmosphere • Sites well-suited for fishing and kayaking right from the campground • Nightly and weekly rentals available • Close to Ocean Isle Beach and the Shallotte River Swamp Park |
Waterway Campground is a smaller, waterfront-focused campground directly on the Intracoastal Waterway in Shallotte. With only 47 sites, it has a quieter, more intimate feel than the larger resorts in the area, and its direct water access makes it a favorite for campers who fish or travel with their own boats. Its location puts Ocean Isle Beach just minutes away.
Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort Location: 7200 KOA Drive SW, Sunset Beach, NC 28468 Website: BrunswickBeachesCamping.com Phone: (888) 562-4240 / (910) 579-7562 Amenities & Activities: • Swimming pool, frequently praised by guests as clean and well-maintained • Stocked fishing pond • Swings, volleyball net, and play areas for kids • Community area with sinks, stovetops, and picnic tables (camp kitchen) • Camp store stocked with snacks and necessities, plus complimentary coffee • Pet-friendly with a dedicated pet walk area • Primitive cabins available in addition to RV hookups and tent sites • Open year-round • Approximately 5 miles from Ocean Isle Beach and 10 minutes from the Sunset Beach Pier |
Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort consistently gets praised by guests for its cleanliness — particularly the bathhouses and showers — along with its laid-back, cozy layout. With a stocked fishing pond, a real swimming pool, and a camp kitchen for guests to use, it strikes a nice balance between resort amenities and a more relaxed campground feel. Its location puts it within easy reach of both Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, as well as Bird Island, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, and Calabash seafood.
Nearby Attractions Worth Noting Bird Island — a short walk from the Sunset Beach Pier, home to the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox where visitors leave letters and notes tucked into the dunes Sunset Beach Pier — great for fishing or simply taking in views Calabash, NC — renowned for its seafood restaurants, just minutes from both campgrounds Shallotte River Swamp Park — zip lines and swamp tours near Waterway Campground |
Quick Comparison: Standout Features Waterway Campground — Direct Intracoastal Waterway access, 47 sites, quiet and intimate, great for fishing and boating, close to Ocean Isle Beach Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort — Pool, fishing pond, camp kitchen, year-round, close to both Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach |
Falling for the Brunswick Islands?
Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are two of the most desirable up-and-coming coastal markets in North Carolina, known for their quieter, small-town feel. If a stay at either of these campgrounds has you dreaming about owning property near the water, whether that's a beach cottage, an investment rental, or a future retirement home, I would love to talk through what's available in the area.
Cathy Cagno | Owner & Broker
RENE | ABR | SRS | GRI
Local To Coastal Realty
336-516-4136 | localtocoastalrealty.com
DISCLAIMER All resort information, amenities, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. Please confirm current details, rates, and reservation policies directly with each resort or campground before planning your visit. This content is for informational purposes only. |
© Cathy Cagno | Local To Coastal Realty | localtocoastalrealty.com