Bear Island offers year‑round primitive camping in three areas:

• Campsites 001–008: Primitive oceanfront sites on the beach.
• Beachfront Group Campsite: Improved group site located on the oceanfront.
• Campsites 012–014: Primitive, boat‑in‑only sites on the sound side with no ferry or bathhouse access. Access by canoe, kayak, or private boat.

 Important Information

• The bathhouse is closed and winterized from mid‑November through March.
• Open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island.
• During high tides, use the path behind the beachfront campsites due to erosion.
• Concession stand and lifeguards operate Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
• Campers must check in at the visitor center before the visitor center closes to obtain an overnight parking permit. No late check‑ins are allowed.
• Campers are responsible for their own transportation to Bear Island.
• From approximately May–October (sea turtle nesting season), white lights are prohibited at night. Use red‑lens lights only on the beachfront.

Located outside the main gate at 100 FFA Camp Road, Swansboro, NC 28584, the Simmons Mainland Campground is open year‑round and offers:

• 12 full hook‑up sites
• 7 non‑electric sites
• 2 primitive sites
• 1 group campsite
• 4 camper cabins (2‑night minimum year‑round; 3‑night minimum on holidays)

Additional Information

• Reservations are available within a 6‑month booking window.
• Check‑in at the visitor center begins after 3:00 p.m.
• The Simmons campground bathhouse is open year‑round; the outdoor sink and water fountain are winterized December through March.

Campground hosts "live in" the park and assist park staff in maintaining the campgrounds and in serving campers. They typically answer questions, provide directions to local amenities, and inform campers of the rules and hours of the campground. They may also help register campers when the visitor center or park office is closed for the day, or they may sell firewood.

Campground hosts serve as the point of contact between campers and on-call rangers. They would report incidents, suspicious behavior, and other situations that may need to be addressed by staff.

Campground hosts serve as volunteers, so they do not get paid. A volunteer work schedule will be arranged with the park's host coordinating ranger. Those interested in serving as campground hosts should be willing to work flexible hours and be prepared to work on weekends and holidays.

Hosts will stay on the host campsite free of charge. Campground hosts serve for 1 month.

Hosts need to be willing to learn about the operations and general information about the park and the local area, in order to effectively assist campers. They must follow and comply with all North Carolina State Parks rules and regulations.

Hosts with pets are permitted, but they must follow pet rules at all times: dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and they must be kept in the host's vehicle during quiet hours.