Skip to main content
FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Cedar Point Recreation Area

Swansboro, North Carolina · Carteret County · Facility

The Cedar Point Recreation Area, near the mouth of the White Oak River, is surrounded by a salt marsh and a coastal forest. The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out like a sea of grass. This nutrient-rich wetland is a valuable "nursery" for commercial seafood, including fish, shrimp, crabs and …

Advertisement
34.69186, -77.08620
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Cedar Point Recreation Area

The Cedar Point Recreation Area, near the mouth of the White Oak River, is surrounded by a salt marsh and a coastal forest. The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out like a sea of grass. This nutrient-rich wetland is a valuable "nursery" for commercial seafood, including fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters.A small-craft boat ramp and fishing pier provides easy access to the river and its bounty. The shallow water is suited to flat-bottom boats. Canoes and kayaks can navigate the maze of canals through the salt march. From the boat ramp, paddle around the point, then pass under the boardwalk of the Tideland Trail. Be aware of the tides; an extremely low tide can leave some canals dry. The loop is shown on the map is about 2 miles and can be completed in half a day.The campground has 36 sites with electrical hookups, a bathhouse with flush toilets, warm showers, drinking water and a ramp for shallow water boats. Picnic tables are nearby. The Cedar Point Tideland Trail crosses boardwalks to explore the salt marsh and the life above and beneath. Common birds around the salt marsh:Osprey*, Red-tail hawk, Turkey vulture, Fish crow, Common egret, Snowy egret, Great blue heron, Tri-colored heron, Little blue heron, Red-winged blackbird, Boat-tail grackle, Belted kingfisher.Common birds in the forest:Carolina chikadee, Brown-headed nuthatch, Tufted titmouse, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, Caolinawren, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Pine warbler, Northern cardinal, Rufous-sided tewhee, Eastern bluebird, Red-bellied woodpecker, Red-headed woodpecker, Pileated woodpecker*Mostly Mar-Oct. All others are year-round residentsCommon Mammals: White-tailed deer, RaccoonOther Common Wildlife: Marsh periwinkle, Fiddler crabs, Blue crabs, Oysters, Mud crabs, numerous insects, Green anole lizard, Eastern fence lizard.Check out the brochure.

How to Get There

From Swansboro, take NC 24E, cross White Oak River, turn left onto NC 58N, go 3.3 miles, turn left on VFW Rd. Go 0.5 miles and turn left on FR 153A at Cedar Point sign.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Cedar Point Recreation Area

Heading to Cedar Point Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Cedar Point Recreation Area?

No central reservation system listed for Cedar Point Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/266524) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Cedar Point Recreation Area?

From Swansboro, take NC 24E, cross White Oak River, turn left onto NC 58N, go 3.3 miles, turn left on VFW Rd. Go 0.5 miles and turn left on FR 153A at Cedar Point sign.