Hawkins Creek Campground

While every part of North Carolina has epic outdoor recreation and scenery, Hawkins Creek Campground is surrounded by some of the Tarheel State’s very best parks and beaches. Within an hours’ drive, you can find yourself at wonderful nature parks like Hammocks Beach State Park, a delightful slice of land by the coast. Hammocks Beach State Park consists of a few different areas, with land concentrated around the mouth of the White Oak River. Most of the park is located on Bear Island, a heavenly place devoid of development, giving it a wild and free feel. You can reach Bear Island or one of the park’s other islands by taking a ferry trip across the channel, enjoying its untouched beaches and primitive camping facilities, among other things.

Fort Macon State Park occupies another island, over by Morehead City to the east. This historic site is equal parts beautiful and fascinating, and you can tour the massive fort that still stands on-site. Learn about key conflicts during the Civil War, or tour the many rooms and chambers observing artifacts from different eras.

Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore are two premium places to visit if you want to take a trip to the Outer Banks. These amazing stretches of coastline on the undeveloped islands have absolutely dreamy views, especially at sunrise. Cape Lookout National Seashore is a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing. Anglers can cast a line from the shore, and shell collectors can search the coastline for treasures of various shapes and sizes. At Cape Hatteras, you can paddle around Roanoke Sound or spend a day lazing on the sandy beach. Seek out the Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island lighthouses, and if you time your visit right, you may even have the opportunity to climb the lighthouse towers.

For some more outdoor explorations, aim the Hubert camper rental towards Croatan National Forest. This massive 360,000-acre paradise contains several different ecosystems and an array of plant and animal life. Trek through swamps, wetlands, marshes, and coastal dunes to learn about nature, while enjoying the lively sounds of the forest.

The small city of Swansboro is ten miles east of the campground and offers a selection of restaurants serving up seafood, Asian, and American-style cuisine. A couple of gas stations are with a mile of Hawkins Creek Campground and more can be found in Swansboro.

For a variety of shopping and sightseeing opportunities, head to the Outer Banks or over to Jacksonville. In Jacksonville, the Lynnwood Park Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals that are being studied, rescued, and rehabilitated. During your visit, you can expect to see zebras, prairie dogs, monkeys, and a variety of sheep, among other mammals. Birds and reptiles are well-represented here, too; there's definitely something for everyone at Lynnwood Park Zoo.

The Montford Point Marine Museum is also in Jacksonville, offering a glance into the United States Marine Corps. Learn about legendary marines who fought in various conflicts, and see uniforms, weapons, and other items used in battle. There is a great memorial that you can see as well, paying respect to all servicepeople.

Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville is a fantastic place to bring the family if you are traveling with young children. This place keeps kids entertained while they learn about the natural world. Interactive exhibits, play areas, and arts and crafts rooms help bring out the creativity. In addition to zoos and museums, there are flea markets, distilleries, cafes, restaurants, and a whole lot more to see while in Jacksonville.