# Croatan National Forest

**Location:** New Bern, NC | **Difficulty:** Easy | **Length:** 40+ miles

**GPS:** 34.8987, -77.0234

**Vehicle requirements:** Stock high-clearance 4WD or AWD with all-terrain tires. No lift or lockers required.

**Best season:** Year-round

Coastal plain forest between the Neuse River and the Atlantic Ocean. Sandy trails through longleaf pine savanna, pocosins, and swamp habitat, unlike any other forest on the East Coast.

**Region:** Southeast • **Trail type:** Hidden Gem • **Rating:** 4.1/5

**Highlights:** Coastal forest, Longleaf pine, Unique habitat, Near coast, Easy terrain

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Great Island Cabin Camp (Core Banks, North Carolina)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/north-carolina/great-island-cabin-camp)
- [South Core Banks -- Beach camping (Great Island, North Carolina)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/north-carolina/south-core-banks-beach-camping)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/croatan-forest