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. 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 is located on South Core Banks within beautiful Cape Lookout National Seashore just off the mainland of North Carolina. The historic camp has been a favorite of fisherman and beach goers for many years. The camp can only be reached by boat, adding an element of both privacy and adventure. Visitors can travel by personal boats or reserve a spot on the vehicle ferry, which cruises across scenic Core Sound to South Core Banks and the Great Island Cabin Camp. 4WD, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended due to deep sand on the Back Road and the oceanside beaches. There are NO paved roads on North or South Core Banks. An Off-Road Vehicle Driving Permit is required and must be purchased from Recreation.gov prior to arrival. Once you arrive on the island, show proof of payment for the Off-Road Vechicle Driving Permit to the park staff at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office or law enforcement Rangers/staff on North Core Banks, and they will issue you the corresponding decal for your vehicle. 
## Recreation

 The park's sandy beaches are a prime location for fishing, exploring, beachcombing/shelling, swimming, birding or simply relaxing. Spring and fall at Cape Lookout offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Kayaking is a popular activity at the park. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline ranging from docile sound to pounding surf, Cape Lookout National Seashore has become one of the premier paddling destinations on the Mid-Atlantic Coast.
## Natural Features

 Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet. At 56 miles long, these barrier islands consist mainly of bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation and large expanses of salt marsh along the sound. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Cape Lookout Lighthouse, historic Cape Village
## 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.

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