Cape Hatteras National Seashore camping options include both primitive and developed campgrounds within a short drive of Buxton, North Carolina. The unique barrier island geography creates frequent strong winds and salt air conditions that affect camping equipment. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F with high humidity and nighttime lows around 70°F during peak season.
What to do
Beach driving access: 5 minutes from Frisco Campground, allowing vehicles with proper permits on designated sections. "There is a beach access ramp right next to the ranger station if you want to drive your 4wd vehicle on the beach," notes a visitor.
Watersport rentals: Half-price for guests staying at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground. "We also noticed kayaks, surfboards and stand up paddle boards for rent! The rental hut was precious and the employee just as kind as can be," shares one camper.
Ferry excursion: 2-hour trip from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island offers wildlife viewing and access to historic sites. "Take the ferry over to Ocracoke. Tent camped for the night. Our little spot had a paved drive that I could back into, a grill and a picnic table," explains a visitor.
Sound wading: Knee-deep water access for cooling off without ocean waves. "Water is a leg high walk to the hammock," reports one camper at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground. "Water is at perfect temperature."
What campers like
Elevation views: Sites at Frisco on higher dunes provide panoramic perspectives. "The sites on the hill have a breeze and view of the ocean," writes a reviewer. "Sites along the back side of the perimeter loop have a view of the ocean while sites on the front side of the perimeter loop are closer to the boardwalks leading to the beaches."
Sunset viewing: Premium spots at St Clair Landing Family Campground face directly west over Pamlico Sound. "The sunset over the sound is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "This campground is on both sides of the highway with ocean and sound views."
Easy village access: Walking distance to restaurants and shops from Teeter's Campground. "The location is fantastic. Everything is walking distance... restaurants, shops and the marina," reports a camper. Another adds, "You can walk everywhere you need to go."
Waterfront proximity: Multiple options for direct water access. "Our campsite was just feet from the shore of the Pamlico Sound. Beautiful sunsets. Shallow water for play, fishing, and water sport," shares a camper at Frisco Woods.
What you should know
Sand hazards: Cactus and sandspur plants grow naturally in many campsites, particularly at Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore. "3 stars bc there are small cacti and sand spurs everywhere. We could not walk our 3 dogs at all!!! When they did go potty we spent several minutes picking out sands spurs and cacti from their paws and fur," warns a visitor.
Flooding concerns: Heavy rain events can make some campgrounds unusable. "The campsite was nice with clean bathrooms and toilet facilities. But during my first nights stay we had a very heavy thunderstorm which lasted several hours. This caused my tent to flood as the grass fields of the campsite were totally waterlogged," reports a visitor at Hatteras Sands.
Tent setup challenges: Strong wind conditions require extra stabilization. "The wind was really strong and it made setting up our tent a challenge! Thanks to our friendly neighbors, they were able to get it grounded for us. Bring rope/canopy weight in case this happens," advises a camper.
Bug activity: Mosquito populations surge during periods of low wind. "There were no bugs due to the wind. However.. we heard that if it wasn't windy.. bugs were a big issue so canopy/mosquito net would be wise!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several rv parks Buxton, North Carolina area offer swimming pools as alternatives to beach swimming. "Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," notes a visitor at Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground. "So many amenities and fun things planned for Easter weekend."
Sound swimming: Protected water areas suitable for younger children. "Shallow water for play, fishing, and water sport. Great camp store. Wi-fi available in spots," comments a camper about Frisco Woods.
Kid-friendly facilities: Look for sites with playground equipment. "There is also a small gated dog run, which is nice, because we haven't seen another one while being at the Outer Banks!! There is also a swingset - perfect for younger kids - to be able to play on just a walk away from our site!"
Storm preparations: Keep kids occupied with indoor options during weather events. "Staff could use a little bit of work. One staff named Liza was not pleasant to deal with during a storm. Would recommend dealing with TJ though."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Waterfront spots at Frisco Woods Campground offer the best experiences despite tight spacing. "There are great sites along water way, ponds, and the bight. Get one of those," advises an RVer. "A paved road with concrete sites but parking a large rig might be difficult because of the narrow width of the road."
Setup constraints: Limited turning radius at some campgrounds creates backing challenges. "When we got to our site we saw that it was incredibly cramped and was a 90° back in with too many cars at adjacent sides to make it even possible to make the turn."
RV size limitations: Length restrictions vary by campground with most capping at 35 feet. "We stayed in a small Class C with full hook-ups," reports a visitor to Frisco Woods. Another camper notes, "Our 37' motorcoach was about the biggest is like to pull in. If the campground had been packed it would have been touchy at best."
Reservation timing: Book 6-8 months ahead for premium sites during summer months. "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."
