Jacksonville, North Carolina was incorporated as a town in 1842 and named after former U.S. President Andrew Jackson. In 1862, a raiding party led by U.S. Navy Lieutenant William B. Cushing captured and briefly occupied the town. For many years, the economy in Jacksonville was held up primarily by naval stores, lumber, and tobacco crops. Today, Jacksonville is the 14th-most populous city in North Carolina, with a population of around 75,000.
Jacksonville is a vibrant city known for being home to the largest Marine Corps base on the eastern seaboard. The city has a rich history and features a number of serene beaches, lush parks, unique museums, and family-friendly attractions. A few of the destinations that are always worth a visit in town are the Lynnwood Park Zoo, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and Cracked It! Escape Games. If you're a museum enthusiast, consider stopping by the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort, or the Montfort Point Marine Museum.
If the sun comes out while you're visiting Jacksonville, there are several great places you can visit for some outdoor fun. You could go paddling at Hammocks Beach State Park, embark on a Bayonet Enterprises Day Cruise, or take your bike out on the trails at Big Branch Mountain Bike Park. You may also want to stop by the beautiful Lejeune Memorial Gardens or the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival - This annual festival starts with a parade and is followed by fireworks, street dancing, and top-notch entertainment. The event takes place in downtown Sneads Ferry in late July.
Mullet Festival - Swansboro's annual Mullet Festival takes place in the downtown area in early October, and attendees will enjoy a parade, a street carnival, arts and crafts, games, music, and much more.
Ocean City Jazz Festival - Anyone who enjoys jazz music should come out to this annual festival in North Topsail Beach, NC in early July. The award-winning festival is all about showcasing and appreciating jazz.
Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina, and it gets its name from the Native American tribe that once lived there. The lush park features dense hardwood forests that contain some of the tallest trees on the East Coast. The Congaree River also flows through the park, and many visitors take the opportunity to embark on a wilderness canoe tour.
If you travel west toward the southwestern corner of North Carolina, you can visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park, which is home to a diverse variety of plants and animals, contains forested ridges, mountain streams, and breathtaking views. You can explore the beautiful natural area via hiking, auto touring, biking, or horseback riding. You can also try your luck at angling in the area's many rushing streams.
Another national park worth visiting is Shenandoah National Park, which is a glorious mountain retreat tucked into Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Visitors to the park will enjoy incredible panoramic views, and they'll also have opportunities for hiking, scenic driving, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. For something truly memorable, you could visit the park's stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
Located in Seven Springs, North Carolina, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is a 1,097-acre stretch of breathtaking cliffs along the Neuse River. At the park, you'll find a swimming lake, boat rentals, scenic hiking trails, a campground, and a visitor center.
If you head down to the coast, you can visit the gorgeous Carolina Beach State Park. The park's marina features some of the best fishing spots in the state, and there are also miles of peaceful hiking trails to explore. The area features a unique variety of flora and fauna, and you may even spot a Venus flytrap.
Jones Lake State Park comprises 2,208 acres that include Jones Lake, beautiful forests, and lovely camping areas. Visitors can go fishing, swimming, boating in the lake, or hiking through the lush trails. For anyone feeling like relaxing, there's always the option of lounging on the beach by the lake.
Why not spice up your trip by visiting one or more of North Carolina's great monuments and landmarks? You could start with the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which is located on the Outer Banks islands. There, you can reflect on the miracle of flight and the way that it came to be.
Another impressive landmark on the Outer Islands is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The 210-foot-tall lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the country, and visitors have the option to climb it or simply gaze upon its majesty.
If you head to Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina is a destination worth visiting. The preserved ship served during World War II and was the first vessel of its kind commissioned for the U.S. Navy. When you visit, you can climb aboard the impressive ship to put yourself in the shoes of those who served aboard it.
One camping area to consider during your visit to the Jacksonville area is Lanier’s Campground. The park features a whopping 465 RV campsites, which are available for $40 to $65 per night. Many of the sites feature full hookups, and guests at the park have access to rec areas, a pavilion, a snack bar, and even a restaurant.
Another quality option is Cabin Creek Campground, which features 93 RV sites available for between $32 and $39 per night. The campground is located near the beach and features various activities, such as mini-golf, horseshoes, and a driving range.
You could also stay at the Raleigh Oaks RV Resort. The RV park contains 150 full-hookup RV campsites available for $40-$55 per night. The park is clean and well-maintained, and it features many games and activities. There are also all sorts of RV supplies available for guests to purchase.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Jacksonville, NC, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Jacksonville?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Jacksonville from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Jacksonville?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
