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Best Campgrounds near Buxton, NC

363 Reviews

Camping options around Buxton, North Carolina cluster along the scenic Cape Hatteras National Seashore with its distinctive sand dunes and coastal landscape. The area features several established campgrounds including Frisco Campground within the National Seashore and Cape Woods Campground in Buxton proper. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles throughout this coastal region, with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly locations with hookups. Several facilities like Frisco Woods Campground and Island Hide-A-Way Campground offer cabin rentals for those seeking more substantial shelter while enjoying the Outer Banks environment.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience on the Outer Banks, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when the region draws significant tourism. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds typically operate from mid-April through late November, closing during winter months. Weather patterns significantly impact camping comfort, with summer bringing high temperatures, humidity, and insects. Spring and fall generally provide more moderate conditions with fewer crowds. A camper noted, "We had a wonderful first camping trip of 2019 at Frisco NPS campground. The perks to camping here in April would be: less bugs and less people! And it's not too hot."

The camping experience around Buxton centers on beach access and coastal recreation. Frisco Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its proximity to the shoreline, with several visitors mentioning the short walk to the beach as a key advantage. Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region—Cape Hatteras KOA Resort offers full hookups and amenities like showers and a market, while National Seashore campgrounds provide more basic facilities with cold showers and no hookups. Tent and RV sites are available at most locations, though site privacy can be limited. Campers frequently mention wind as a challenge in this coastal environment. According to a review from The Dyrt, "Frisco Campground gave our group a beautiful location but it would probably be easier in a camper or RV. This is a very sandy campground with tiny cacti everywhere."

Map showing campgrounds near Buxton, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Buxton, North Carolina (26)

    1. Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    46 Reviews
    Frisco, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-5101

    $28 / night

    "The campground is in an awesome location. Walking distance from the beach or accessible by vehicle. If you have a four wheel drive, you can drive right into the beach."

    "Campground is nice overall, there are multiple bathhouses and trash bins near the entrance. There are lots of bugs and ticks, tent space vary greatly from space to space."

    2. Hatteras Sands Campground

    15 Reviews
    Frisco, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 986-2422

    $79 - $200 / night

    "This resort is situated off some canals in Hatteras. the view of the water is ok. the campsites are so close together it seems like a large parking lot for RVs and your vehicle is a second thought."

    "The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located to all of the sites. Our kids were ecstatic about the pool, spending hours there. Also, they able to kayak around the campground."

    3. Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    57 Reviews
    Ocracoke, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 928-6671

    $28 / night

    "Paved, level parking pad on sandy grass sites tucked between the dunes and vegetation in Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the outer banks by of North Carolina."

    "We spontaneously added two days onto our beach camping vacation at Bear Island and took the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke after being away from the island for 7 years. Ocracoke in itself is a gem."

    4. Frisco Woods Campground

    7 Reviews
    Frisco, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-5208

    $42 - $2025 / night

    "Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer w a desire for at least moderately secluded campsites and at least a picnic area that is a bit tucked away. ) Overall Rating: 4 for a private open"

    "Picnic table and charcoal grill outside. AC is the big draw since summer can be brutal. Access to the sound side of the island."

    5. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    29 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    "Off season and quiet, but very easy access in and out and a dune away from the Atlantic. The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow."

    "Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hit tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season. Great dog park. They were having problems with cable.went in and out."

    6. Avon by the Sea

    2 Reviews
    Buxton, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-3125

    "We were in site 25, which was back against the dune and next to the fence. It was one of the larger back in sites, that was deep and private (fairly narrow though). Overall great location!"

    "Came here to go surf fishing. 2 minute walk to beach, pier, fishing. Stayed in spot 17, electric, water, sewer. Bathrooms and showers very nice- looks new."

    7. Cape Woods Campground

    1 Review
    Buxton, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-5850

    "The campground is centrally located to the Hatteras beaches. Their rates are a lot lower than others in the area. Lots of seasonal campers but they were very quiet and respectful."

    8. Island Hide-A-Way Campground

    2 Reviews
    Buxton, NC
    1 mile
    +1 (252) 995-6628

    "Pets welcome and grocery store nearby. LNT Travel safe"

    9. Sands of Time Campground

    1 Review
    Buxton, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-5596

    10. Ocean Waves Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2556

    $55 - $67 / night

    "Ocean Waves Campground is located on the Outer Banks of NC.   "

    "Best campground on highway 12. Concrete pad for rev and nice grassy area to relax. Short walk over the dune to beautiful beach. Dog area to let you pets run. All the amenities that you could want."

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Recent Camping Photos near Buxton, NC

94 Photos of 26 Buxton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buxton, NC

363 Reviews of 26 Buxton Campgrounds

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Avon by the Sea

    Avon by the Sea- fantastic place

    Came here to go surf fishing. 2 minute walk to beach, pier, fishing. Stayed in spot 17, electric, water, sewer. Bathrooms and showers very nice- looks new. I will be staying here a lot going forward.

  • keith C.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    The Sea Monkey Ranchlette

    Amazing Outdoor shower, Sauna and Cold Plunge;)!

    The Sea Monkey is a dream! Bananas, pomegranates, oranges, and Asian pears they are growing everything and it’s an inspiring model for a little permaculture patch😍 A kitesurfer and/or sailors Paradise- and if you’re neither one of those things, but curious about bridling the elements-the professional instructors at The Sea Monkey are amazing at teaching! I highly recommend taking lessons-had so much fun!!!

  • Chip G.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    4th of July on Ocracoke

    This is a nice campground. The price is good, it is clean and the spaces are large enough and not too close. It is a bit rustic with no hookups. The ocean is just over the dune. But man, I sure wish they at least had electricity.

  • Jeffrey L P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    Beautiful Location

    Fantastic lot backing up to the water. Only negative is customer service is slow.

  • B
    May. 5, 2025

    Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    Beware-disappointed

    Paid for oceanfront and got site 38 which is further away from ocean than second row- only to see 2-3 front row sites set empty our entire weekend. They do not assign sites until arrival. Lost power for a few hours on entire campground first night and it was 82 degrees - no email or message as to what was happening. Then headed to the south beach entrance only to find it boarded up for repairs-I’m still chill-until I go to take a shower on Sunday morning at 0930 and I was locked out while it was being cleaned. Unpleasant and disappointing for $155+\night

  • Rebecca A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    The area is great

    I like this campground. Very quiet and basic. Clean and easy to get to. But do your due diligence when reserving - the sites look bigger in the photos. We boondock a lot and didn’t even bother trying to compete for one of the few sites with hookups. Our 22k trailer fit in our spit but there was barely room for the truck - she’s parked at an angle. I got a little nervous getting backed in because the sites on this loop (B12) are a little tight. But if you like walking, and love to hear the waves outside your window when you sleep this is the place. Went across the street to the marina and had lunch at the Sea Chef. Sat out on the deck with our small 12lb dog and just had a wonderful time x the even brought her a doggy bowl with water. We will stay here again!

  • R C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Good camping in the sand dunes of the OBX

    Sites are basic and close together (no wood fires allowed), you’re basically camping in the sand dunes. Short walk across the dunes to the beach. Showers and toilets are clean and good. I came in April and not sure if it’s like this all year round but my site was like a wind tunnel so be prepared for that. Location is good - close to the lighthouse and maybe 15 min south of busy commercialized Nags Head. Requires advance reservation through recreation dot gov. Only thing I didn’t like was how close the sites were to each other but other than that all was good.

Guide to Buxton

Camping near Buxton, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Oregon Inlet Campground, provide easy access to the beach. One camper noted, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially near Ocracoke Campground. A visitor shared, "Great location - plenty of beach access," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Frisco Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground was about 1/2 full on a Sunday in early November," highlighting the peaceful hiking opportunities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Oregon Inlet Campground stated, "The only good part about this place is the clean bathrooms and hot showers."
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy offered at places like Frisco Campground. One camper said, "There are some sites with views and some sites with privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground are great for families. A visitor remarked, "Great campground for families. Access to the ocean side and sound side, playground, putt-putt, indoor and outdoor pools."

What you should know:

  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Ocracoke Campground warned, "Mid-September was hot, muggy and buggy."
  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds, including Cape Point Campground, require reservations. One camper noted, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Hatteras Sands Campground, have basic amenities. A review mentioned, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest," but noted the lack of privacy.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground. A parent shared, "Our kids were ecstatic about the pool, spending hours there."
  • Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of bugs, especially in summer, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Frisco Campground advised, "Bring plenty of bug spray."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned for kids. One camper at Ocracoke Campground mentioned, "We liked it here so much we added a second day."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A review for Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground noted, "Big rig friendly."
  • Internet Access: Be aware that internet access can be spotty. One camper mentioned, "The internet is terrible so if you’re working from home, have a hotspot."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the location. A visitor at OBX Campground said, "About an hour drive to Cape Hatteras," making it easy to explore the area.

Camping around Buxton, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From beach access to family-friendly activities, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Buxton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buxton, NC is Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.

What parks are near Buxton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Buxton, NC that allow camping, notably Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

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