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    Neuseway Nature Center & Campground

    Kinston NC

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    Located on 55 acres along the Neuse River in Kinston, NC, this nature-based, county-operated park is brimming with fun things to do. Enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, biking, picnicing, canoeing and exhibits at the Nature Center, along with many historic spots to visit in the area.

    (252) 939-3367

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    Check-in is at the Nature Center near the entrance to the park. We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in mid-November and had a number of sites to choose from. Site 1 appealed to us - nice view off the side and suitable for the roof-top TV satellite dish.

    Date of visit: Nov 2009

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    The campground is located along the bank of the Neuse River, which thanks to Hurricane Ida's heavy rains last week, was running pretty high. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the showers forecast for tonight do not cause the river to rise any higher.

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    Sites are laid out on either side of a small loop road.

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    These sites all back up to the Neuse River.

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    These are the sites further down the loop. The grassy area on the right fronts the river and is for tent camping.

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    The Exchange Nature Center is just a short walk from the campground, on park property. While you're checking in, you can also check out the exhibits, which include a number of large snakes.

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    On the side wall of the Nature Center is a climbing wall.

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    Beside the Nature Center one finds the Planetarium and Health and Science Museum. There is no entrance fee to either facility.

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    This vintage B&O Railroad caboose serves as the station for Big Daddy's Express.

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    Kids will love Big Daddy's Express, which operates on a large loop of track near the park entrance. There is a $1 fee for a ride. The railroad was donated anonymously by a Kinston citizen in 2007.

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    Big Daddy's Express is powered by this little locomotive, shown here inside its "tunnel" storage building.

    Amenities

    Dump station available

    Verizon Extended Network Service (aided by antenna and amp, data was quite fast)

    23 sites with W/E(20/30/50A)/S

    Several sites with W/E(30A)

    Rates: $12

    Coord: 35.26138 N, 77.58762 W

    Activities/Nearby Attractions

    Boating, fishing, hiking

    The Exchange Nature Center (right beside CG)

    Planetarium, Health & Science Museum (right beside CG)

    First Battle of Kinston 1862 and Battle of Wyse Fork 1865 Battlefields

    CSS Neuse Museum

    Caswell Center Museum

    Caswell #1 Fire Station Museum

    Harmony Hall (blt 1772)

    The Walk of Honor