Lanier's Campground

The Great Outdoors

Surf City campers looking to make the most of their seaside location will want to stop at Hammocks Beach State Park. This park consists of grasslands, wetlands, and maritime forests on the edge of North Carolina's Intracoastal Waterway. One of the main attractions in the park is Bear Island, a four-mile-long barrier island that is only accessible by ferry or kayak. Adventurers can rent a kayak from the park office and paddle out to the island while exploring the region's wetlands and swamps. Once on the island, cast a line into the calm waters and expect to hook flounder, bluefish, and trout, or bring along a picnic and enjoy lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.If you're looking for a seaside park with a bit of history, plan a trip to Fort Macon State Park. On North Carolina's barrier islands, the park features the remnants of a fort dating back to the Civil War. Visitors can tour the fort, see artifacts relating to its use and construction, and even visit the Coastal Educational Center to learn more about the area's ecosystem. After exploring the fort, you can stroll through the park's dunes and marshes, with over a mile and half of trails to explore. Birdwatchers will love Fort Macon State Park, with over 300 different species of birds spotted in the area. Fishing is also possible here, and anglers can expect to catch sheepshead, flounder, and spot croaker in these waters.Campers looking to explore some of the inland areas of North Carolina should consider visiting Jones Lake State Park. This park is ideal for a relaxing day out and consists of pine forests surrounding the serene Jones Lake. The lake's shallow, warm water is ideal for swimming, and the sandy beach is well-equipped with a bathhouse and concession stand. Kayaks, canoes, and small boats are welcome at the lake, and the park has a boathouse where you can rent kayaks and canoes. While there aren't too many species of fish in the lake, fishing is still possible, and the most common catches include catfish, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. The park also has over four miles of trails that loop around the lake.

Exploring the City

During your Surf City campervan rental trip, you'll more than likely want to branch out and visit some of the state's beautiful seaside cities. Wilmington is one of North Carolina's biggest ports and contains several historic maritime attractions. The Battleship North Carolina is one of Wilmington's biggest attractions, and this massive vessel was an integral weapon for U.S. forces during World War II. Visitors can take guided tours of this decommissioned boat while learning about close calls with Japanese forces and the ship's impressive battle record. During the tour, visitors will be able to imagine what it was like to be stationed on the ship, see how the crew lived, and view artillery used during battle.Wilmington has some of the best museums in North Carolina, and one of the most popular is the Cameron Art Museum. This well-respected museum contains thousands of paintings in its collection, ranging from local to international art. There is a wealth of local art on display, which is well-worth seeing, including work by Minnie Evans, Elliott Daingerfield, and Romare Bearden. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits from international artists.One of the best attractions for families in Wilmington is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Some of the fantastic critters you'll see in the aquarium include mesmerizing jellyfish, adorable seahorses, and gnarly sharks. The aquarium also features a touch tank where you pet stingrays, sea stars, and sharks as they swim along.