Croatan National Forest
Croatan National Forest is a easy 40+ miles off-road trail near New Bern, NC. It requires a stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires and is best run Year-round. Stock Jeep Wranglers, 4Runners, and Tacomas can complete it without modifications.
Trail Conditions
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Croatan National Forest is unlike any other national forest in America, a flat, coastal plain forest between the Neuse River and the Atlantic Ocean where longleaf pine savannas, pocosin bogs, and saltwater estuaries create a landscape more reminiscent of the tropics than typical Appalachian forests. Sandy trails wind through rare carnivorous plant habitats, past bald cypress swamps, and through pine savannas maintained by controlled fire. It's the most unique off-road experience in the Southeast.
Fun Facts
Croatan Forest is the only true coastal forest in the national forest system.
The Venus flytrap grows naturally only within a 75-mile radius of Wilmington, NC.
Pocosin wetlands found here are one of the rarest habitats in North America.
The forest takes its name from the famous 'CROATOAN' carving at the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
🛞 Tires
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
Closest campgrounds to Croatan National Forest:
- Great Island Cabin Camp · Core Banks · 36 mi
- South Core Banks -- Beach camping · Great Island · 36 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of New Bern, NC
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.