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Camping near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

295 Reviews

Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with several established campgrounds accommodating various camping styles. The area includes Oregon Inlet Campground within the national seashore, as well as privately operated facilities like Camp Hatteras and Cape Hatteras KOA Resort in nearby communities such as Rodanthe and Nags Head. Most sites support both tent and RV camping, with several campgrounds offering cabin accommodations. Camp Hatteras provides the unique advantage of spanning both sides of Highway 12, allowing campers to choose between oceanfront sites with direct beach access or sound-side locations with sunset views over the Pamlico Sound.

Concrete pads are common at the developed campgrounds throughout the region, with full hookups available at most private facilities. Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, as many campgrounds operate primarily from March through November. Oregon Inlet Campground within the national seashore typically closes during winter months. Beach access varies between locations, with some requiring a short walk over dunes while others provide parking areas near beach access points. Strong winds can significantly impact the camping experience, particularly on the ocean side. According to one visitor, "We stayed on the beach side and wished we stayed on the other side. The beach side is WINDY! The sound side is calm and has beautiful inlet views...this is where to camp!"

Campers consistently rate the proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound as a primary draw of the region. The concrete pad sites at facilities like Camp Hatteras receive positive feedback for their level surfaces and ease of setup. Several visitors mentioned the availability of amenities such as mini-golf, tennis courts, swimming pools, and dog parks as enhancing their stay. Campgrounds in the area generally maintain clean facilities and bathhouses. One reviewer noted that "grocery shopping is a challenge because there is only a small convenience store and a dollar general. You need to drive 30 minutes to the grocery." Sites tend to be closely spaced at most developed campgrounds, with limited privacy between neighboring campers, especially during peak summer season.

Map showing campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore (24)

    1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    82 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Oregon Inlet Campground is located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is the first campground found on the island, very close to Nags Head, on the beach side of route 12."

    "Just like the other campgrounds in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Oregon Inlet is such great campground. The bathrooms and campground are clean. And so are the showers!"

    2. Camp Hatteras

    30 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    $32 - $130 / night

    "Location, location, location! Wow! Right on the ocean, so if you want to be near a wonderful beach.....this is your place. Sites are right next to one another but you expect that."

    "Very beautiful campground,indoor pool and hot tube, golf carts allowed or rent from local place, Access to the beach or you can stay on the sound side."

    3. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

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

    "The proximity to the beach is great. There are no roads to cross so the campground is oceanfront."

    "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."

    4. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2777

    $40 - $165 / night

    "Room behind site in grass for games and tent, two car maximum space between site entrances, ocean within walking distance and stays a constant turnover of 77 degreesF."

    "Easy access to beach, space for kids to play, bath houses and laundry are good (for a beach area) clean, quiet and inexpensive compared to surrounding campgrounds."

    5. Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-1431

    "The sight had a great view of the water and for sunsets, the sunrise was a 5 min walk across the road with the beach right there as well."

    "Water is a leg high walk to the hammock. Bathroom: showers were clean! Would benefit of having an fan unit to help cool off while using the toilet."

    6. St Clair Landing Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2850

    $40 - $60 / night

    "The new website is www.stclaircampground.com Facebook is St Clair Landing Campground

    Been a seasonal site camper here for 3 years, stunning views of the Pamlico sound, great access to the ocean, sound"

    7. Ocean Waves Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    18 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."

    8. The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    8 Reviews
    Manteo, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 473-1096

    "Has a nice trail to walk around the pond. Sites are a bit small."

    "Located between Wanchese and Manteo, this little RV park is a quiet getaway. Turning into the property you will find all of the grounds very clean and well maintained."

    9. North Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2378

    10. OBX Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kill Devil Hills, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 564-4741

    $50 - $90 / night

    "OBX is very close driving to public beach accesses (2 miles), close to so much, around the corner from the Wright Memorial."

    "The grounds are flat, many sites are private / back up to preserve type landscape however sites 51-53 are close to a guy across the creek that plays his radio super loud all night and sometimes all day"

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Recent Camping Photos near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

65 Photos of 24 Cape Hatteras National Seashore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

295 Reviews of 24 Cape Hatteras National Seashore 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.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kitty Hawk RV Park

    Kitty Box

    Our 1st interaction was with the rude man that seems to be managing the check-in and management of the pulling in. We were stuck in one of the worst back-in spot locations on the campground. It was surrounded by full-time residents across the street from us. The residents have porches, stairs and several cars all around their ground bound trailers in regular size RV site. The management guy made his attempt to help my husband back in our trailer by berating him, questioning his experience backing our 19 ft trailer. He even had the nerve to ask me to pay him CASH while, my husband continued park the trailer. I said, "NO."  He was extremely unhinged and verbally abusive and now you don't want to ask my husband for cash?????? We asked him for a receipt and he gave us some shady excuse that the woman in the office was very busy and would get back to us in 24 hours with a receipt. BTW, this women in the office doesn't answer her calls for 24hrs.

    Our experience staying here felt like we were staying in a homeless camp with societies most delusional elitist drop outs.  

    The site pads at dirt/sand and partial grass. The bench tables are in the way of backing in because, the sites are too small and Avery shallow. Beware: the bench tables are old and heavy to move and the management guy offered no assistance to move the bench table. There was so much dirt & sandy in our trailer I was so happy to get leave just so I could mop and clean all Kitty Sand out of my trailer.

    I do not recommend this camp site. We noticed on the night before we left there are other camp grounds near by that look better maintained.

  • 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.

  • D
    Apr. 7, 2025

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Fun Family OBX Weekend

    We just got back from a weekend at Oregon Inlet Campground, and it was such a memorable family experience! If you’re looking for a place to truly enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks while keeping things simple and family-friendly, this campground is a great option.

    From the moment we arrived, the kids were thrilled. The dunes are right next to the campsites and provided hours of fun—running, climbing, sliding, and just being wild and free. It’s not every day your campsite is just steps away from natural sand playgrounds! Plus, the beach is a short walk over the dunes, which made it super easy to head over for sunrise walks, midday swims, and evening shell hunts.

    The campsites themselves are fairly basic but clean and well-maintained. They are a little tight, so don’t expect a ton of privacy or room to spread out—but it worked fine for our camper and small family setup. You can definitely tell this campground is designed for folks who want to enjoy the natural surroundings rather than fancy amenities, which we appreciated.

    One of the biggest wins for us was how quiet it was at night. Even with kids and families around, there was a calm and peaceful atmosphere that made it easy to relax. We slept great with the sounds of the ocean in the background and woke up refreshed each morning. It didn’t feel like a packed, noisy campground at all—which we were a little worried about at first.

    The bathhouse was a pleasant surprise. It was very clean during our stay, and the showers were consistently warm (which felt amazing after sandy beach adventures). Having a warm, clean shower available really made a difference, especially with little kids who don’t exactly love cold rinse-offs.

    Another plus was how close we were to other parts of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We took a short drive to Bodie Island Lighthouse and also spent some time exploring the nearby marina and visitor center. There’s a lot to do in the area, especially if you enjoy fishing, boating, or just soaking in the natural beauty of the OBX.

    Overall, Oregon Inlet Campground gave us everything we wanted for a low-key, nature-filled family getaway. It’s not luxurious, but if you’re coming for the dunes, the beach, and some quality time outdoors, it checks all the boxes. Our kids are already asking when we can go back, and honestly—we’re asking ourselves the same thing!

Guide to Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Camping near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of beautiful beaches, rich history, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in this stunning coastal area.

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 and Water Sports: Enjoy fishing or kayaking in the sound. A reviewer at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground said, "Best view of the way with the sound of the ocean right by you."
  • Explore Local Attractions: Visit nearby lighthouses and historical sites. Campers at St Clair Landing Family Campground enjoyed the "incredible view of the Sound, particularly during sunset."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Camp Hatteras mentioned, "Location location location. Depends on what site you are in but the ocean is super close."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort said, "The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the welcoming vibe. A visitor at Kitty Hawk RV Park noted, "Staff was friendly. Surprisingly quiet."

What you should know

  • Bug Protection: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Oregon Inlet Campground warned, "Make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously."
  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A reviewer at Ocean Waves Campground mentioned, "The campground itself is jam-packed with RVs parked cheek to jowl."
  • Road Noise: Expect some noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground noted, "The campground is a bit off Hwy 12, so there is road noise."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities. A camper at Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground said, "Great campground for families. Access to the ocean side and sound side, playground, putt-putt."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray and nets to keep the little ones comfortable. A reviewer at Oregon Inlet Campground suggested using "40% deet, bug zappers, and a powerful fogger."
  • Check Amenities: Make sure the campground has family-friendly facilities. A visitor at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort appreciated the "laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries."

Tips from RVers

  • Space Considerations: Choose campgrounds that can accommodate larger rigs. A reviewer at Camp Hatteras mentioned, "Big rig friendly."
  • Internet Access: Be aware that Wi-Fi may be spotty. A camper at Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground noted, "The internet is terrible so if you’re working from home, have a hotspot."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned, "There’s a dump station available across the street."

Camping near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful beaches, friendly campgrounds, and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

Cape Hatteras National Seashore features four primary campgrounds spread along the Outer Banks. Oregon Inlet Campground is located closest to Nags Head on the northern end of the seashore, offering easy access for those coming from the mainland. Further south, you'll find Frisco Campground near the village of Frisco. Cape Point Campground sits near Buxton, and Ocracoke Campground is on Ocracoke Island, accessible by ferry. Each campground is strategically positioned to provide access to different sections of this 70-mile stretch of protected coastline.

How does Cape Hatteras compare to other national seashores for camping?

Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers a more developed camping experience compared to some other national seashores, with four established campgrounds featuring amenities like showers and restroom facilities. Unlike more remote seashores, Cape Hatteras provides nearby access to towns and services while maintaining a natural coastal experience. The campgrounds are generally more affordable than private alternatives, with Cape Point charging $20/night compared to $28 at other Cape Hatteras locations. The proximity to both ocean and sound provides unique water access opportunities that many other seashores can't match. The surrounding area also offers private options like Rodanthe Watersports & Campground and North Beach Campground, creating a broader range of camping experiences than typically found at other national seashores.

Can I camp oceanfront at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

Yes, you can enjoy oceanfront camping experiences at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Frisco Campground offers sites along the perimeter loop with ocean views, and convenient boardwalks lead directly to the beach. Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore provides beach access about a half-mile walk from the camping area. While not directly on the sand, most campgrounds within the seashore are within easy walking distance to the ocean, typically offering dune crossovers or designated paths to reach the beach. The proximity to the Atlantic makes these campgrounds popular choices for those seeking the quintessential Outer Banks beach camping experience.

What are the RV camping options at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

RV campers have several options at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The national seashore campgrounds like Oregon Inlet offer RV sites without hookups, though there are dump stations and potable water fill points available. For full hookups, Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort provides comprehensive RV amenities, though at higher rates than the national seashore sites. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground offers spacious sites with room for games behind each spot, plus amenities including separate indoor and outdoor pools. National seashore campgrounds typically have a mix of sites suitable for different RV sizes, with some loops permitting generators and others designated as generator-free for a quieter experience.

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