Area Guide: Explore Beyond JCO Campground
Stay a while.... There's more to explore!
Slow mornings by the lake. A good meal at a local favorite. A day exploring coastal North Carolina, and a campfire waiting when you return.
At JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond, you can enjoy a peaceful getaway while making time for a little adventure. Our campground in Chinquapin, near Richlands, is a homebase for exploring Duplin and Onslow counties, nearby small towns, and the coast. Here are some of our favorite stops to help you plan your stay.
Local Eats: Come Hungry
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The Country Barn: A favorite stop for fresh sandwiches, sourdough bread, sweet treats, and locally made goods. Pick up something for a picnic back at camp. Donuts made on Thursdays! All new building and location coming soon just up the road from the existing location.
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Mike's Farm & Restaurant: Make an outing of the family-style country cooking, the bakery, shopping, and seasonal farm activities. Check the Calander before visiting for varying schedules. New Farmer's Marker added 2026.
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Thig's BBQ House: (That Hog Is Good, Son) Add a little southern comfort food to your camping getaway.
Close to camp
More Places on our Eat Local list
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Wallace: Shan's Place, Mik's, and the Mad Boar.
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Chinquapin: The Chinquapin Lunchroom
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Beulaville: Ann's Thai Kitchen or Duff's Cafe
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Richlands: Fuji Asian Bistro, Napoli's Pizza, Habanero's, Camino Real,
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Jacksonville: Marina Cafe (Pet friendly dining and menu), Duck's, and lots of locally owned options in the downtown district
Coffee, Sweets, and Something for the Campsite
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Triple C Sweets: Add a sweet stop for your visit to Richlands. Mason Jar specialty Ice Creams, milkshakes, and so much more.
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Honey & Leaven Co.: Put a local coffee stop on your adventure list when visiting Richlands.
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Mudroom Coffee Co: Another local favorite to add to your list in Chinquapin.
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Dulce Aroma Cafe & Studio LLC: located in Beulaville, a community-centered space where coffee and creativity meet.
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Richlands Cajun Market: Browse specialty Cajun groceries and Louisiana-made foods for something different to enjoy back at camp.
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Mike's Farm: Farmer's Market and NC Products Barn also has unique seasonal Ice Cream flavors, and coffees along with all the treats at the Bakery.
Wineries & Spirits
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Huffman Vineyards & Mama's Kitchen - Richlands
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Duplin Winery & Bistro - Rose Hill
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The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn, & Winery - between Kenansville and Warsaw
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Walton's Distillery - Jacksonville
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Mike's Farm - Beulaville (Inside the NC Products Barn)
Perfect for Planning an afternoon out or date during your stay. Check each business's current dining, tasting, tour, and event schedule before visiting.
Explore, Learn, & Make memories
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Lynnwood Park Zoo- Jacksonville. A rescue zoo that gives these animals a 2nd life. Spend part of the day exploring this outdoor animal sanctuary. Pack for the weather and check current opening days before visiting. Closed during cold months.
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Lejeune Memorial Gardens- Jacksonville. Take time for a meaningful walk among, memorials honoring military service and sacrifice. It's a thoughtful stop for visitors interested in the area's military history. Home to Beirut Memorial, Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center. Carolina Museum of the Marine also opened Summer 2026.
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Big Bike Branch Park - Jacksonville. Bring your bikes for an outdoor adventure. Check the county's latest trail conditions and closure notices before loading up.
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World's Largest Frying Pan - Rose Hill. Make a stop at this unusual small-town landmark for a fun photo during your Duplin County adventures.
Worth the Drive: Make a Day of it
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Surf City & Topsail Island: Pack for a beach day, explore coastal shops, and enjoy time by the ocean. For an educational outing, reserve a guided tour at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation center. Advance reservations are required and public dates may vary. Ecological Marine Adventures also has fun educational classes throughout the summer like Marsh madness.
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Wilmington: Plan a day around riverfront and visit the Battleship North Carolina. Explore Fort Fisher and the aquarium. Explore at your own pace, then head back to the quiet of the campground.
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Currie: Moore's Creek National Battlefield. Visit this Revolutionary War site for an outing that combines history and time outdoors. Admission is free. Currie is northwest of Wilmington.
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Swansboro: Easygoing outing exploring the downtown waterfront, browsing shops, antiques, and choosing somewhere to eat before returning back to camp.
Guest Essentials: The Practical stuff
Groceries & Forgotten Supplies
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Walmart Supercenter, Richlands
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Piggly Wiggly, Richlands
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Food Lion, Richlands
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Whaley's SuperMarket, Beulaville
Need Ice? in the Bobby's Automotive Parking Lot is a Twice the Ice self-serve machine.
Need Bait? We have Nightcrawlers and Redworms available at the office. For Crickets and Minnows check out Dempsey's or Eastern Outfitters.
Need Firewood? We sell firewood bundles at the office. during your stay you can always message us to request more wood.
Delivery to the Campground Office
Prefer to keep relaxing? Doordash and Walmart delivery may be available to the campground office. Enter our address in the app to check availability, fees, and delivery windows. Include your name and instructions to deliver to JCO Campground Office, and coordinate time to pick up.
Delivery Address: 211 Baysden Pond Rd. Chinquapin, NC 28521
Medical Care & Emergencies:
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For Emergencies call 911! Give responders the campground address and your campsite or cabin location, then notify the office as soon as possible.
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Our local Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department is just minutes away. The siren sounds every Saturday at 12 noon or for Fire Calls. Do not be alarmed.
Make room for one more day
One day for the lake. One day for exploring. And a little extra time to do absolutely nothing! Whether you're here for family camping, a cabin getaway, or a few quiet nights outdoors, leave room to enjoy both the campground, fishing lake, and the communities that surround us.
Stay Awhile. Camp, Explore. Relax. Repeat
