Buxton camping options extend beyond the main national seashore facilities, with top locations distributed along Highway 12 and the soundside areas. Outer Banks campgrounds typically sit on sandy terrain with sparse vegetation, requiring proper equipment and staking for windy coastal conditions. Several sites offer direct access to both ocean beaches and Pamlico Sound waters.
What to do
Beach driving access: 4×4 required: At Frisco Campground, campers can drive on the beach with proper permits. According to Melissa W., "There is a beach access ramp right next to the ranger station if you want to drive your 4wd vehicle on the beach."
Sound-side water activities: Frisco Woods Campground offers direct access to Pamlico Sound for kiteboarding, paddleboarding and shallow water play. Janet G. notes, "Our campsite was just feet from the shore of the Pamlico Sound. Beautiful sunsets. Shallow water for play, fishing, and water sport."
Stargazing opportunities: The Outer Banks has minimal light pollution away from town centers. Melanie P. from Ocean Waves Campground states, "The night sky is breathtaking. The beach is usually pretty quiet, more fishermen than anything else."
What campers like
Sound-side views: Hatteras Sands Campground offers waterfront camping along inland canals. Roger W. recommends specific sites: "The sites along the waterway would be nicest. They are very cute cabins and some with water view."
Shower facilities after beach days: After sandy beach adventures, clean shower facilities become essential. Brandon M. from Ocracoke Campground appreciates that "The showers are basic and much appreciated after a long day."
Seclusion from crowds: Spring and fall seasons offer fewer crowds and more comfort. Lee D. notes at Ocracoke Campground, "The best sites are on the outside of the loops on the dune side, and these were mostly all occupied on a weekend in early April."
What you should know
Sand spurs and cacti: Multiple campgrounds warn about ground hazards. According to Kelley E. at Frisco Campground, "Bring a pad for your tent. We stayed on two different sites here and the first one had cactus and sand spurs so long they punctured our air mattress, through the bottom of the tent and two blankets."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter. Cape Hatteras KOA Resort operates year-round, with Sandy G. noting, "Went in November which is off season. Very quiet. People were super friendly. Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hot tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season."
Wind exposure planning: Wind is constant along the Outer Banks. Cape Woods Campground offers more tree cover than most facilities. The Dyrt reviewer notes, "Very clean (older bathrooms), good pool, and nice shade."
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives for ocean days: When ocean conditions aren't suitable, pools provide safer swimming options. Samuel F. at Cape Hatteras KOA shares, "They had nice sites with 50 amp and 30 amp hook ups and WiFi throughout the camp ground. Each site also has free cable with a long list of channels and they are actually good channels."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational spaces. Jason G. at Hatteras Sands Campground reports, "Our kids were ecstatic about the pool, spending hours there. Also, they able to kayak around the campground."
Low-traffic campgrounds for biking: Some campgrounds offer safe biking environments. Corey B. at Hatteras Sands Campground notes, "Campground was secluded from thru traffic so our son could ride his bike throughout with no concerns. A cool canal runs around the cabins and sites allowing the kids to fish."
Tips from RVers
Site size variations: Many campgrounds have varied site dimensions. Carrie G. warns about Hatteras Sands Campground, "The spaces are VERY TIGHT! 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."
Concrete pads vs. sand sites: Concrete pads provide stability but limit flexibility. N I. notes at Ocean Waves Campground, "Paved roads, concrete pads with single and double width, picnic table, swimming pool, flush toilet, hot shower (3 bath houses), shade and open sites, and even a game room."
Reservation timing strategies: Securing ideal RV sites requires advance planning. Eric R. from Cape Hatteras KOA shares, "The sites are definitely wide and deep enough for the biggest and baddest of rigs. We stayed here over Memorial Day weekend and the place was packed...but somehow the facilities did not look like they had been through World War-3."
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