Reviews

Karly Clouse

We loved our stay! The site is close to the beach with an easy access path and a great place to hose off all the sand. Every single interaction we had with the staff was phenomenal, everyone was incredibly sweet and accommodating. The only thing I could agree with from previous reviews is that the sites are tight- but we were directed right to the site and there is enough room just not as much as some other sites we've seen before. The bathrooms were immaculate and by far the best bathrooms we've seen on our camping adventures. Pool was perfect with enough shade and great for young kids. 10/10 from this family. We will be back!

Patricia Tilley

Emerald Isle RV resort is absolutely beautiful! The ocean water is blue green! Beaches are wonderful. Staff is very courteous and friendly. Resort is clean and well maintained. We loved our stay. Will definitely be back. Mike and Pat Tilley

Kyle Bannow

So this was our first time at Emerald Isle RV Resort. I'm not sure what all the 1 stars are about because our experience was great. The sites we good, the bath houses were immaculate and the staff were more than accommodating. The only downfall, which is my own fault for not reading it, was that they don't supply fire pits. You can bring your own but it should probably be noted a little better on the website. Other than that we had an amazing weekend. The location of being right on the beach was great and the kids loved the playground. We will definitely be back.

Mitchell Bishop

My recent stay at Holiday Trav-L-Park, now known as Emerald Isle RV Resort, was a mixed bag, and I feel compelled to share my thoughts about the experience under its new ownership. Having visited this beachfront gem in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, for years, I was eager to return, but the changes since the new owners took over left me disappointed. Location and Amenities: Still a Highlight Let’s start with the good. The location remains unbeatable—right on the Crystal Coast with direct beach access that’s hard to top. The three beach accesses (two handicap-accessible) are a major draw, and the proximity to the ocean is perfect for families or anyone looking to soak up the sun. The amenities, like the swimming pool, splash pad, and go-kart track, are still enjoyable, and the kids loved the weekend bands and food trucks. The sites are grassy with picnic tables, and the bathhouses, while not perfect, are generally clean. The coffee and bagel shop is a nice touch, and the snack bar on the beach (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) is convenient. It’s clear why this park has been rated highly in the past for its oceanfront camping experience. The Downside: New Ownership and a Shift in Vibe Unfortunately, the new owners—whom some longtime campers describe as “Yankee outsiders” due to their apparent disconnect from the local community—have changed the park’s atmosphere for the worse. The personal touch that made this place feel like a home away from home is gone. Previous staff were known for their warmth, often greeting returning campers by name. Now, the staff seems indifferent, and interactions feel transactional at best. Checking in used to be a friendly process with a personal escort to your site, but this time, it felt rushed and impersonal. I overheard other campers grumbling about the same issue, noting that the staff “just don’t care anymore.”…….I cannot get past this. It’s just like the sales experience of buying a new car. Sometimes the quality of service and value is more important than the dollar amount at the end of the day and for this….I cannot suggest this place to anyone. The end of an era as some might say.

Anna Maria Bach Pedrocchi

Absolutely recommendable! We were there with an RV, the campsite had a gorgeous lawn. When booking, make sure that the site has a sewer if you need one. Not all of them have one. The toilets were very clean and the showers spacious. The location of the Resort is amazing with direct access to the beach. The beach is very natural and the water clear. The swimming pool area was very inviting, nice and clean and is open until 8 pm. The resort is lively and in perfect shape. The Office staff was very helpful and attentive. We had a great time there!

Jennifer Corriveau

Visited for my sister's wedding. Resort is oceanfront with bath houses and laundry area. Playground for the kids and a pavilion for concerts and events. There is also a pool. We didn't stay there but my sister and her husband love it and we visited their RV.

Doug L.

Has been a few years since I have been. The last time it had recently been purchased so there were little changes. This time, they have reduced the staff to a skeleton crew, cut office hours, and contracted out most services. I did not use bathrooms this time, but some things like outdoor showers and hoses were in disrepair. Sand was everywhere around the station. Grass was tall as the sites can't be mowed completely as it is a contracted service, so mowing occurs when sites are occupied. Despite all of this, it is a hard to beat location.

Ligia Ardelean

I see a lot of people mentioning price and I have to agree it is quite high ($250/ night for us) but we accepted and booked 2 nights initially due to proximity to the beach. The facilities were pretty clean and the staff were friendly. The sites are very close together and we booked the premium site. Luckily we had great neighbors. What made us have a sour experience is finding out from the other premium neighbors that we basically paid $100 or so more than them per night. We asked front desk how much it would be more for an extra night and they quoted $160 so we accepted. We asked why it varies so much and how others paid so much less than us (we were getting $140-$160/night from the others but we laid $250). We were told “a lot of variables”. We booked 4 months in advance so it wasn’t a last minute booking or anything. We found out they take Good Sam discount. We didn’t know with the first booking and they wouldn’t apply it now. Oh well..In the future I would probably book elsewhere and drive to the beach. Also- don’t leave your stuff unattended. We went to have dinner and left out beach chairs and they were gone upon returning.

Patricia Apple

We have been staying at this campground for decades. Since it has changed hands, we have seen the experience of staying here decline. Of course the most notable change is the price. We have had to cut back to four days instead of five. What is the deal with no hot water in the showers? It's been days, and it has been reported! If you are going to charge premium prices, you should provide at least a reasonably comfortable experience. No excuse for this and it has NEVER been an issue before We we forced to shower in the other bath house, further away. One reason we select the site we do is proximity to the bathroom house. That was an inconvenience. But the other bath house air conditioning was not working. Quite uncomfortable! Please, please take these issues to heart and make the experience something people won't be mad about paying your prices for.

Kennie Bean

Loved going to this campground. We highly recommended this place at one point in time. We have been there at least once a year since we purchased our camper. Now they have changed their pet policy. You can only have 2 dogs no matter the size or the breed. This elimates us from going back because we have 3 small pomeranians. Boarding 1, 2 or all 3 is just added expense that should not be there. We purchased a camper just so we could travel with our dogs.

Justin Hilliard

We had a great stay. Site 57 was awesome and close to the ocean. Sites were a little close but neighbors were nice. Only issue was when leaving a truck was parked in the street, blocking one of the exit roads, and there was a sign further down the road as well, was not notified of this prior to leaving site. Was hard maneuvering to find the other route out of the campground.

Tim Walters

Very enjoyable. Stayed 3 nights in September. Site was level and easy to pull through as well as pull out of. Some sights are not very easy and a large rig may have trouble. Roads are narrow and turns are a bit tight. However, it was a very short (5-8 minute) walk to the beach which was gorgeous. Sand area was wide and plenty of space. Local restaurants were open and food was good and plentiful. All in all it was a great place to stay. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The pool was clean and large. They also had a game room and putt putt course. The weather is can sometimes be a challenge this time of year but one evening of rain did not slow us down. We will most likely be back. Site 25R.

Gillian Birnie

This place is absolutely awesome!! I am a very novice RV owner and this was my first ‘proper’ trip with full hook up and honestly I didn’t have a clue. Everyone here is so helpful and really and truly went above and beyond to help. We were so welcomed, even in our tiny 17ft RV. We will absolutely be back. Shame the weather wasn’t with us this weekend, but our experience was really amazing. The place is absolutely immaculate, the pool is great and you can walk to a great range of shops and eateries. Loved it!!! Thank you all for your support and help!!

Mark Suggs

Great campground! Best place to stay at Emerald Isle! Staff is awesome! Everything you need is close by within walking distance! Great place for families!