Great Island Cabin Camp, near Harkers Island, North Carolina, is a unique spot that offers a rustic escape right by the stunning [Cape Lookout National Seashore](https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-carolina/near/cape-lookout-national-seashore). With cabins that provide a cozy place to stay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect getaway for those who love nature.

The cabins are basic but clean, featuring bunk beds and a gas kitchen, though you won't find any electricity here. Visitors have enjoyed the chance to ride their ORVs along the beach and explore the historic Village of Portsmouth, which is just a short trek away. As one camper put it, “It is our paradise,” thanks to the beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere.

While the campground doesn’t have many amenities—no showers or picnic tables—there are vault toilets and a covered pavilion for some shelter. Campers have noted the importance of bringing bug spray, especially during the warmer months, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty, Great Island Cabin Camp is definitely worth considering.

## Overview

 Great Island Cabin Camp sits on South Core Banks within Cape Lookout National Seashore, just off the North Carolina coast. This historic, remote camp has long been a favorite destination for fishermen and beachgoers. Because it is only accessible by water, visitors arrive either by personal boat or by reserving space on one of the vehicle ferries that cross scenic Core Sound to South Core Banks.4WD, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended due to deep sand on the Back Road and along the oceanside beaches. There are no paved roads on South Core Banks. An Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Driving Permit is required and must be purchased on [Recreation.gov][1] before your trip. Upon arrival, present your proof of purchase to staff at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office, and they will issue the appropriate decal for your vehicle.
## Recreation

 The parks sweeping sandy beaches invite visitors to fish, explore, beachcomb for shells, swim, watch coastal birds, or simply unwind in a place that still feels wild. Many anglers consider spring and fall at Cape Lookout to offer some of the finest fishing on the entire Atlantic Coast.For paddlers, Cape Lookout is a dream. With 112 miles of uninhabited shorelinefrom calm, glassy sound side waters to exhilarating surfthis seashore has become one of the premier kayaking destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether youre seeking peaceful solitude or an adventurous workout, the waterways here offer unforgettable experiences. The parks sweeping sandy beaches invite visitors to fish, explore, beachcomb for shells, swim, watch coastal birds, or simply unwind in a place that still feels wild. Many anglers consider spring and fall at Cape Lookout to offer some of the finest fishing on the entire Atlantic Coast.
## Facilities

 Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic beachfront cabins, each with a porch and space for individuals, families, or small groups of up to 12. Cabins range from 288 to 960 sq. ft., and Cabin 2 is accessible. All units are wired for guest-supplied generators (5,500 watts max or equipped with a GFI), which are needed for electricity.Each cabin includes bunk beds with mattresses, a private bathroom with a sink and shower, hot water, a table and chairs, and a small kitchen with cabinets and a propane stove/oven. Refrigerators are not provided. An outdoor grill is located beside each cabin, and additional bathhouse facilities are centrally located in camp.Guests must bring their own linens, bedding, cookware, food, coolers, first-aid supplies, and any other necessities. Most visitors also pack flashlights or lanterns. Ice and fuel are available at the camp office.
## Natural Features

 Cape Lookout National Seashore stretches like a slender ribbon of sand between Ocracoke Inlet and Beaufort Inlet. Spanning 56 miles, these wild barrier islands offer a rare, untouched coastal landscapewide, windswept beaches backed by low, grass-topped dunes, open salt-spray flats edged with thickets of maritime vegetation, and broad, shimmering salt marshes along Core Sound. Its a place where the scenery is simple, natural, and beautifully unspoiled. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Top Attractions Within Cape Lookout National Seashore1. Cape Lookout Lighthouse (South Core Banks)The iconic black-and-white \_ diamond \_ lighthouse.Great for photography, picnics, and exploring the light station area.2. Cape Lookout Village Historic DistrictRestored historic buildings, including the Keepers Quarters Museum.Scenic walking paths through a preserved coastal community.3. Shackleford Banks (West of South Core Banks)Home of the famous wild Banker horses.Excellent beachcombing, shelling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.Accessible by passenger ferry from Beaufort or Harkers Island.4. Portsmouth Village (North Core Banks)A preserved 19th-century village with walking trails, museum buildings, and marsh views.Accessible by ferry from Ocracoke.5. South Core Banks & North Core Banks BeachesMiles of undeveloped shoreline for fishing, swimming, shelling, and exploring.Known for some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast.6. Kayaking & Paddle RoutesCalm sound side waters for beginners.Challenging surf for experienced paddlers.112 miles of shoreline to explore.7. Birdwatching HotspotsExcellent year-round birding: terns, plovers, oystercatchers, herons, and migratory species.Prime viewing in spring and fall.\_ Nearby Mainland Attractions1. Harkers Island Visitor Center (Gateway to the Park)Exhibits, Junior Ranger program, park film, bookstore.Ferry departure points to Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks.2. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center (Harkers Island)Celebrates decoy carving, fishing culture, and Down East heritage.Great views from the observation tower.3. Beaufort Historic District & WaterfrontCharming coastal town with shops, restaurants, and maritime history.Water tours and wild horse cruises.Home to:North Carolina Maritime MuseumRachel Carson Reserve (wildlife area across the channel)4. Ocracoke Village (Near North Core Banks)Accessible by state ferry.Small, historic village with shops, restaurants, beaches, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse.5. Fort Macon State Park (Atlantic Beach)Restored Civil War fort.Swimming beaches, trails, and ranger programs.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Please note: Customers who cancel a cabin reservation less than 14 days prior to the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Refunds resulting from storm closures will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

[1]: http://Recreation.gov

Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

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Marshallberg

The Best Camping Near Marshallberg, North Carolina

But we did camp along the beach on the island.

I've stayed here on two separate occasions both with larger groups of people. There's plenty of real estate and no need to worry about being on top of one another. There are limited facilities (a few vault toilets and a covered pavilion). You can seek shelter indoors at the Light Keepers quarters during the high season (regular business hours) if needed. There are several boardwalks that meander around the island and numerous sandy paths connecting the sound side to the ocean side.

There is a large raccoon population on the island so store your food and water accordingly. We did experience a raccoon running off with a dry bag full go food that wasn't secured to a permanent structure. It can be buggy if there's not much wind, but generally there is a breeze blowing across the island.

If you don't have your own personal water craft to get to the island, you can take a private ferry to the island. There are several companies that offer reasonably priced tickets to and from the island.

Again, this isn't a review for the cabins here per se, but relevant in that there is more camping available.

Didn't stay at the cabins

What a hidden gem! Cabins are clean but very rustic - bathroom, bunkbeds (with clean and comfy mattresses), gas stove, stink, platic table and chairs, and a porch - just straight up fishing cabins, nothing fancy. But they are situated directly behind the dunes from miles and miles of totally prestine beaches. The only on-island supplies are ice and gasoline, so you must pack in everything. Tap water is potable but tastes very desalinated, so bottled water is recommended. If you crave isolation and wide open spaces - dont miss this gorgeous place! Be sure to bleed your tire PSI all the way down to 18 and drive 10 miles down the dune road to the lighthouse. Totally dreamy and not to be missed!

Dreamy hidden gem!

Great Island has become my family's favorite places, having The Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Core Sound on the other of this narrow barrier island is our paradise, It is boat in only and only 4 wheel drive accessible, no paved roads. You can camp on the beach or stay in one of the NPS cabins. Abundant wildlife, empty beaches, our kind of heaven in the summer months, hot fishing spot in the fall.

Great Island Cabins and Camp, Cape Lookout, NC

Camping on Portsmouth Island is about as off-the-grid as I’ve ever been! We went in early October and had the beach to ourself, as far as the eye could see. The (abandoned) Village of Portsmouth is a must see! Bring lots of bug spray... the mosquitos are relentless! 

Tent camped on the beach

Took our ORVs on the ferry to the island and stayed in a cabin. The cabins come in different sizes but none have power. They have huts for generators to sit in to help with the noise. We brought a window a/c unit and it kept the place cool (highly recommend) had water, shower, toilet and gas kitchen. We rode our 4 wheelers down the 30+ mile beach. On one end of the island there's a historic museum like town and light house. 

Photos of Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

Real photos from real campers