Camp Sites

Camping in Jacksonville & Surrounding Areas

Hammocks Beach/Bear Island - Swansboro North Carolina

What type of camping is available at Hammocks Beach State Park?
Primitive Back Pack camping is the only camping available at Hammocks Beach State Park. Also, all campsites are located on Bear Island. There is no camping available on the mainland nor Huggins or Jones Islands.

Where are the campsites located on Bear Island?
11 of the 14 campsites are located along the beachfront approx. 1/8 of a mile apart. The other 3 sites are located on the sound side of the island toward Bogue Inlet. Please see the park map located under the Maps and Directions page.

Where and when can you register for a campsite?
Campsites can be reserved on line please click on the 'make a reservation' link on the left or call the call center at 1.877.7CAMPNC (1.877.722.6762). You MUST check in at the visitor center PRIOR to going to the island.

Where do I check in?
At the visitor center/visitor services desk on the mainland, during park hours on the day you camp.

Why do I need to check in?
A parking pass is required for all vehicles left in the visitor center parking lot overnight. Parking pass are obtained when you check in. Vehicles may be towed if left in the parking lot without a parking pass.

What do I need to check in?
You will need a copy of your reservation confirmation along with a valid Driver License. The name on the confirmation and drivers license MUST be the same.

How much does it cost to camp?
The cost is $13 a night, per site. This includes a $3 surcharge which covers the cost of the reservation system.

How many people may occupy a campsite?
Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 2 tents.

What does each campsite have?
Sites 1-11 have picnic tables, 12-14 do not. The sites are very primitive.

How close are the campsites?
It varies, #1-11 are roughly 30-40 yards apart. You may be able to see the neighboring campsites.

What campsites are boat accessible?
Sites 12-14 are considered boat accessible, due to there location near Bogue Inlet on the sound side. Campers are strongly discouraged from hiking to these sites as there is at least a 2-mile hike that may require crossing water that may possibly be waist deep.

Can you have fires on Bear Island or in your campsite?
No, open fires are not allowed in the park. We recommend propane or backpack camp stoves.

How do you extend your camping permit on Bear Island?
We strongly recommend that you pay for the number of nights for which you intend on staying. Often campers decide to extend their stay once they have reached the island. Keep in mind the campsite you are occupying may be reserved by someone else for the additional day(s) or you may need to move to an available campsite. Any changes to existing reservations will be charged a $10 service charge.
Are there campsites on the mainland?
No.

Are there any other campsites in the area besides Bear Island?
Yes, the Croatan National Forest / Cedar Point Campground is nearby and is a great campground.

Does the park give refunds for bad weather or any other reason?
Any changes or cancellations made prior to the scheduled arrival date will result in a $10 service charge. Cancellations made on the scheduled arrival date will be charged one night's camping for each reservation as well as the $10 service charge. No refunds will be issued for no-shows, cancellations, or early departures after the date of arrival. Refunds will be made using the same method of the original transaction, e.g. credit will refund credit, etc. This applies to all methods of payment, including credit card, gift card, check and cash payment. If a camper does not show up on their first reservation night they must contact the park by 3pm the next day to inform them of their arrival. If the park doesn't hear from the camper by 3pm the next day their site will then be considered a no-show and site will be rented out.