My daughter and I are coming down from Maryland on Oct. 1st to Oriental to catch the bus to Sparta on the 2nd. I was curious as to where people are spending the night. Is there a place to camp or stay nearby? Sounds like there is a place to camp in Oriental on the last day of the ride. Will this be available on the 1st? Thanks for any help.
We have rustic camping available at the Recreational Park/Fire Department in Oriental; directions are in your riders manual. There is also a full service campground located a few miles from Oriental called the Bay River Campground their phone number is (252) 745-4879.
Yeah, I have a feeling I'll be camping there Friday night too. I would imagine the motels in the area are full. I thought about a motel up Washinton way. Might still do that.
There is camping available in at the Recreation park 1.5 miles outside of Oriental for Friday Evening. There are porta potties but no running water. Local businesses will be offering breakfast service and some Friday evening activities for those interested. I will talk with the owner of the Village Health Club (Fitness Center) in Oriental to see if they will offer shower facilities for Sat. AM. I think they will be inclined to do so as one of the riders is the owner. I will talk to him and post an answer tomorrow.
You may want to check the following lodging facilitie in Oriental:
The Inn At Oriental (B&B) 252-249-1078
Inland Waterway Inn (B&B) 252-249-1337
River Neuse Motel 252-249-1404
Oriental Marina (Condotel) 252-249-1818
The Harbor Inn 252-249-0466
Sail Loft Realty 252-2249-1787 is also working with local residents who are willing to offer rooms. Some free, some for a nominal fee. Ask for Glenda.