North River Campground

The Great Outdoors

North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is one of the most popular areas for outdoor recreation in the Southeast. While the beaches are the primary draw, with over 150 miles of pristine shoreline, there’s lots to do even if you’re not a fan of sun and sand.If you’re looking for a pleasant stroll, check out the Aviation Trail, which runs through the center of town and stops at many of the notable businesses that Orvil and Wilbur Wright would have frequented as they worked to make aviation history. You might also spread out a picnic blanket in Charles Creek Park, watching the Pasquotank River flow by as you munch on some tasty treats with the family.With soaring summer temperatures, you’ll probably be looking for a place to cool off sometime during your RV camping trip. There’s a fantastic waterpark near the town of Harbinger, close to where Highway 158 crosses over to the Outer Banks. It’s got several waterslides, large swimming pools, and a great spray park for the kids.Nothing beats the windswept beaches of the Outer Banks, though. The north end of the islands, closer to Elizabeth City, is ideal for swimming as most of the beaches have lifeguards, though it’s still important to be aware of rip currents. A couple of shops on the beaches rent kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards.

Exploring the City

The closest town to North River Campground is Shawboro, but you won’t find much to do there. Instead, head south to Elizabeth City, about 25 minutes' drive from the campground. Elizabeth City is first and foremost a harbor, so most of the interesting attractions and restaurants are found down at the waterfront. Its weekend market is especially popular, with vendors selling everything from sweet treats to microbrews to locally-produced crafts. It’s an excellent spot to pick up a souvenir of your motorhome camping adventure.If you like history, the Museum of the Albemarle is a must-see when you camp in an RV near Elizabeth City. It serves as the northeastern branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, with a strong emphasis on the area’s role in the founding of America (Roanoke Island is not far away). Its primary exhibit is called “Our Story,” and features over 700 artifacts from the Albemarle area and details the communities formed in the state’s Tidewater region.Those with an eye for the arts will love a trip to the Arts of Albemarle center, which functions as a community center and after-school arts program; the center’s gallery has an excellent collection from aspiring Elizabeth City artists. If you want to catch a live performance, the adjacent Maguire Theater has a full schedule of events.While NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway is the most well-known racetrack in the state, you can still see a great matchup in Elizabeth City at Dixieland Speedway. The ⅜-mile-long dirt track won’t have the big names, but the shorter length and passionate fans make for a pretty thrilling evening of entertainment.