Onslow Beach Campsites and Recreation Area

I have reviewed this location before, July 2023, and, since then, the famcamp has not improved or fixed known conditions; water pressure is still atrocious and the bath houses are still nasty. This family camp needs to be regarded to prevent the constant pooling behind the even numbered sites, updated to move the water spigots to behind each individual site from the present location of in the middle of the site next to (very confusing to the uninitiated), and refreshed as there is potential here but, it's outdated and very cramped. Not really sure what the camp hosts do around here, other than after hours check-ins, as they don't police the sites on check-out or before check-ins. Lastly, no one is taking care of the bark parks, full of dog crap every time we've gone in there. It could be done better here for sure.

Our first time here. Work being done on pivot bridge leading into the camp/beach area so, be prepared to wait if the bridge is pivoted or there is construction need. Arrival - Pretty easy but, only one registration lane. I can see where this would be a problem if multiple campers showed up at the same time. Easy check-in process on arrival. Tips - Plan your arrival to arrive during business hours. Favorites - Can't beat the location, ~ a block off the ocean and a mere foot from the intercostal waterway. Covered patios are nice, especially to hang your sandy wet clothes from after a day in the water/sand. Fairly close to the exchange and commissary for shopping. Close to Topsail beaches out of the back gate. People are super friendly. Shark teeth hunting. The water is fantastic and guarded on the weekends by the big center pavilion. Negatives - We had a couple significant current surges which tripped our 50-amp WatchDog so, I'd definitely make sure you have a surge suppressor plugged inline to your rig. The bathhouse was pretty nasty on a couple occasions and the water pressure in there is atrocious. Not a lot of space for the doggies to run but, you can take your fur babies to the beach at the extreme ends.

You definitely can't beat the location. It is between the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway so you can fish or kayak on the IW side or enjoy the beach on the Atlantic side. The covered patios on many of the campsites are a nice feature too. The beaches are handicap accessible and they have beach wheelchairs available too.

We trucked our camper and stayed in the loop. Our sons and their families rented a beach house. It was a short bike ride back and forth to each. Had lots of great beach days and a great fireworks show on base. The little distance between our camper and the sites pavilion kept us from opening our awning and the site was a bit cramped, but that isn't what we were there for.

This is an outstanding Campground/Facility. It is right next to the beach, it has everything that attracts most campers. Full Hookups (including 50 AMP) and the only thing it lacks is a good Mart to purchase food/groceries. There is a MCX Mart but you can thing of it as a high end 7/11. Definitely nice but not the type of place you can get groceries for cooking if you are staying say, a week (hence my four starts on Amenities/Facilities). Having said that, you can find anything your heart desires by driving seven miles Nortwest to the main complex, and by anything I mean ANYTHING! Just as I read in the comments, service at the reservation office appears to find its balance by swinging from one extreme to the other and it is hit or miss. When we checked in on Saturday, the reception could not have been more helpful, pleasant and professional. My immediate thought was, "it seems they likely addressed the customer service "opportunities" here. Overall it was a wonderful and outstanding experience. We've liked it here so much that we went to the office this morning looking to book, with our fingers crossed, another week at a later time next month. The lady at the desk could not possibly have been more unwilling to help. She dismissed us right away by saying "everything is booked through November" which could very well be the true and the one question she is asked every fifteen minutes. Had she faked looking at her system for cancelations (we hadn't even provided dates to her yet), I would have been perfectly cool with it yet she did not. She spent more time dismissing our inquiry than would have taken her to look and see if there was anything available, even after I told her that the very reservation we are currently enjoying was booked a short three weeks ago. Classic Customer Service 101 that seemed unattainable today. We'll go back tomorrow in hopes that the pendulum swings in the other direction and some one at least "fakes" looking for availability. This place is simply Outstanding.

This was our first time at Onslow and we were NOT disappointed. We drove down from Maryland for an extended 2021 Memorial Weekend Vacation. From check in to check out this location was perfect and the grounds were well kept (and this is coming from a retired Air Force family). The services were amazing and the location to ocean was the best. The staff were professional and courteous. We have a 25ft travel trailer, and I booked last minute so we stayed in the circular area campsites. The site was great but a little small (if I had something to critique), but perfect for popups and tents. When we visit next time, and we will visit again, I will try for one of the bigger sites.

Our 2nd time at Onslow. We had numerous issues last years visit. Not one problem this time. Check in was a breeze, we were able to select between 3 available sites. Everything was very smooth this time around. Staff friendly and answered any of our questions. COVID precautions throughout the base. Most all beach cottages and pavilions have been rebuilt since our last trip. The sand dunes also have been replanted. The campground was full the whole time (3 weeks) we were there. Only thing different from the above description, is there no longer is any WiFi in the RV park. Excellent visit and planning on returning in the Spring, hopefully for a month.

Another great stay, clean bathhouse, clean campsite. Great people working in the front office. Hope the COVID-19 doesn't close this campground down again, my family and I look forward to returning later this summer. Stay safe and healthy. RLMcDaniel

The camping area at Onslow Beach is still available and in excellent condition.Unfortunately, while we were staying in a Cabana in September of 2018, we were forced to evacuate due to Hurricane Florence, which produced major damage to most of the lodging units. The three-bedroom Ospreys, the ocean front Studio Cabanas, and the units reserved for higher ranking officers and enlisted were all rendered uninhabitable. At this time, the only units that are still available are the lodges. They are $56/night from November 1st through March 31st and $70/night (with a three night minimum)from April 1st through October 31st. Here is the information their web site provides about the lodges: Conveniently located on the second row of the island and just a short walk to the ocean! All lodges include a living room, full kitchen, master bedroom with a queen size bed, 1 bath and a loft area. All lodging units are fully furnished to include kitchenware. Please bring your own air mattress or sleeping bags if you will be using the loft area (extra linen is provided). Lodges can accommodate 2 - 4 if using loft area. Smoking is prohibited in MCCS facilities. Pet friendly units are available at an additional daily charge.

Stayed in a 35' motor home. Had a GREAT time on the beach - even though the weather wasn't the best (rain). The cost is a bit high, but well worth it! The staff was very friendly and helpful.