In the Croatan National Forest (address for rangers may be Havelock), there are a couple of campgrounds - one is nearer New Bern. The other one, which we have stayed in a couple of times, is at Cedar Point.
The Cedar Point campground in Croatan is nice and woodsy, has electric at the site, and water available. Easily accommodates 26' or larger. Sites can be booked on Reserve America now (as of a couple of years ago.) There are picnic tables and hiking trails in the marsh area with signage. I think there was a playground, but the Reserve America listing will tell you more. A lot of people kayak in that area, and rentals are easy to find in Swansboro very close by.
The location is very convenient for stores, restaurants and activities for the family. The campground is 5 or 10 minutes away from Cape Carteret, where there is a small shopping center at the corner of Rts. 58 and 24 with good grocery store, etc. There's also a family entertainment complex called Golfin Dolphin/MacDaddy's with things like bumper boats, GoKarts, mini golf, batting cage, driving range, video arcade and bowling alley/upscale sports bar.
Just across the Rt. 58 bridge, you are on Emerald Isle for Atlantic beaches and lots more attractions including movie theaters, pier, etc.
