Cape Lookout National Seashore, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Cape Lookout National Seashore and user-submitted reviews.
$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."
$28 / night
"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."
"Depending on the spot you pick, the shore is a few steps away. You can drive to a small lot near the beach entrance if your lot is far away. The night sky is breathtaking."
$20 / night
"The walk to the beach is a bit long, maybe about 1/2 mile or so.
We stayed here for a night in early November and the place was nearly empty."
"If you can't find a spot in one of the boutique or smaller national seashore locations you won't get skunked."
$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."
"The location is fantastic. Everything is walking distance... restaurants, shops and the marina. The owner was very nice and helpful. Be aware the campsites are very close together."
"Walking distance to the waterfront. Very quiet environment."
"This place is great, centrally located, great owners and clean bathhouses."
$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."
$28 - $70 / night
"Though we were caught camping in what seemed to be a very dramatic North Carolina storm we made the best of it. Good location all around, close to the ocean and cool towns nearby."
"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."
"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."
TravelerThe 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!!!
GuideThis 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.
ScoutHas a nice pool and access to ocean. Fun activities for the kids.
ScoutTent camping was a little crowded but the location makes up for it. 5 min walk to the beach and clean and spacious bathhouse and restroom.
ScoutPaid 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
ScoutI 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!
GuideSites 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.
GuideWe 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!
LegendWe stopped for one night and wish it was longer. 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. While too cold, the pool looks great. NC was under a burn ban, so no fire for us. But they do deliver wood and ice. Great staff of work campers were all super friendly. Easy access to outer banks points and plenty of dining options near by.
Camping near Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning beaches, wildlife, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families and solo adventurers alike.
Camping near Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cape Lookout National Seashore?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a wide range of camping options, with 36 campgrounds and RV parks near Cape Lookout National Seashore and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Cape Lookout National Seashore?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cape Lookout National Seashore is Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a 4.6-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cape Lookout National Seashore?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cape Lookout National Seashore.
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