Built into the dunes of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Frisco Campground sits where low-growing oak and juniper shrubs carve out a degree of separation between sites that most Outer Banks campgrounds don't provide. The hilly terrain means no two sites feel quite alike. Some sit exposed at the top of a rise with open sightlines toward the ocean, while others tuck into shaded hollows where the picnic table feels almost private.
Site selection matters here more than at most NPS campgrounds. Reviewers consistently note that the P loop, positioned closer to the beach boardwalk, includes some of the most sought-after spots, with sites like P51 and P57 drawing mentions for their distant water views. Roger W. describes the campground as "quiet as can be," with dense shrubs providing more separation than neighboring NPS sites along the Outer Banks. That said, shade is limited across much of the campground, and summer heat combined with high humidity makes July and August genuinely uncomfortable for tent campers without a generator.
The beach is roughly a half-mile walk via boardwalk, and ORV Ramp 49 just outside the campground gives four-wheel-drive vehicles direct beach access with a permit. Fishing draws strong crowds in spring and fall, particularly for red drum surf casting. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and free permits allow campfires on the beach itself. Showers are cold water only, and one reviewer noted that the dump station requires a drive to the sister campground at Cape Point. Cell service varies by elevation within the campground, with hilltop sites getting noticeably better signal.
Two practical warnings come up repeatedly: sandspurs and prickly pear cactus grow throughout the grassy areas, and Kelley E. cautions to "bring a pad for your tent" after cacti punctured an air mattress through the tent floor. Mosquitoes can be aggressive even into November. Reservations are required and fill fast around spring and fall fishing season. The campground runs April 15 through late November at $28 per night, with water hookups available for rigs up to 49 feet. Campers looking at campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore will find a few nearby alternatives, including Frisco Woods Campground and Frisco Oceanfront RV Resort, both of which offer hookup configurations Frisco itself does not.
Come with a site number already in mind, a can of bug spray, and footwear you don't mind getting sandy.
Description
Overview
Frisco Campground is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Camping here will put you in a prime location to experience the history, culture, and breathtaking beauty of North Carolina's barrier islands.
Recreation
On a walk around the Frisco Campground visitors can enjoy the rolling topography, views of the Atlantic Ocean, and at night, the sweeping beacon of the nearby Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Boardwalks from the campground to the beach give pedestrians easy access to enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, and fishing. There is also an off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp at the entrance of the campground for beach driving with a Cape Hatteras ORV permit.
Facilities
Campers have access to modern restrooms with flushing toilets, potable water, and outdoor unheated showers. Each campsite is equipped with a paved parking pad, picnic table, and a charcoal grill for cooking. There are no RV hook ups in the campground. Dumpsters and a recycling center are located at the entrance of the campground. Wooden boardwalks make it easy for campers to travel to and from the beach.
Natural Features
The elevated dunes in Frisco Campground afford campers the opportunity to have an ocean view from some of the campsites. Dense vegetation creates a sense of privacy not present in the other campgrounds on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.
Nearby Attractions
Frisco campground is within a short drive of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The beacon gained fame in 1999 when it was picked up and moved 2900 ft. to its current location. It is also the tallest brick lighthouse in the country.
Charges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations to reservations follow Recreation.gov polices.
Fee Info
Payment is only accepted through Recreation.gov. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
OVERNIGHT USE LIMITATIONS: Restrictions limiting the duration of camping will allow all campers to have the opportunity to enjoy camping in Americas first National Seashore. Established limits are designated to prevent resource damage and impacts to sites and allow for an enjoyable recreational experience. Making reservations under another name or account to circumvent the 14-day restriction is prohibited. For more information, visit Laws & Policies - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
- Camping is limited to a total of 14 days of camping between Easter Day and Thanksgiving Day.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFrisco Campground is located in North Carolina near Frisco
Directions
North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South through the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton. Once you reach Frisco take a left on Billy Mitchell Road and proceed to the campground. West (From Rocky Mount, NC) Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Continue on NC-12 South through the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton. Once you reach Frisco take a left on Billy Mitchell Road and proceed to the campground. South (From Florence, SC) Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. (For an alternate route to NC-12 South, continue on I-95 North to Rocky Mount, NC. Take US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South). Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Continue on NC-12 South through the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton. Once you reach Frisco take a left on Billy Mitchell Road and proceed to the campground.
Address
53415 Billy Mitchell Road
Frisco, NC 27936
Coordinates
35.2345944 N
75.6088139 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/25/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 44 min from Greenville, NC
- 4 hrs 27 min from Goldsboro, NC
- 4 hrs 47 min from Jacksonville, NC
