Travel l Park Emerald Isle

Bring your RV to camp in Emerald Isle. (Photo: Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images )

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Emerald Isle is a small town on the barrier island of Bogue Banks off of the North Carolina coast. With miles of white sand beaches, the year-round population of fewer than 4, 000 swells to over 50, 000 as vacationers flock to the shores. While most of Emerald Isle consists of beach cottages and vacation homes, camping provides a lower-cost option to these traditional rentals. There are three campgrounds from which to choose as of 2011.

Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort

Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort (htpresort.com) includes 325 campsites, all of which include wireless Internet access and cable, water, sewer and electrical hookups. Guests of the resort have access to amenities such as laundry facilities, on-site convenience store, game room, swimming pool and playground. During the summer camping season, the resort hosts planned activities ranging from craft projects and movie nights to holiday celebrations and live entertainment. While the resort isn't directly on the beach, it's a short walk away. Restaurants such as Ballyhoo's Island Sports Grill, Jordan's House of Seafood and Michaelangelo's Pizza are close to the property.

Boardwalk RV Park

Boardwalk RV Park (theboardwalkrvpark.com) offers a camping option for those wanting long-term sites. The park only offers annual site rentals for RVs. An on-site manager is on duty to assist residents with any problems at the gated-access park. All sites include hookups for basic cable in addition to water, sewer and electrical. Amenities include a beach area, paved streets and seasonal bathhouse. Nearby restaurant options include Rucker John's, Flipperz Family Bar and Grill and Kathryn's Bistro.

Camp Ocean Forest

Camp Ocean Forest (campoceanforest.com) offers sites for both tents and RVs. Sites include cable TV, sewage, water and electrical hookups along with picnic tables. Inland and oceanfront campsites are available, with all ocean lots requiring a five-day minimum stay during peak camping season. Leashed pets are permitted. Campers have access to a dump station and bathroom facilities with hot showers. Within walking distance of the campgrounds are several restaurants including Mike's, Bushwackers and Jordan's House of Seafood.