1 campground with availability next weekend
Long Point Cabin Camp and Great Island Cabin Camp provide rustic cabin lodging options within Cape Lookout National Seashore. Long Point cabins include electrical outlets, and most feature basic furnishings with beds requiring guests to bring their own linens. "We stayed for four nights and rented two of the cabins with our family of six with two dogs and a lizard. Cabins were comfortable but they are camping cabins so read the description of what's included and what you need to pack with you," notes a visitor about the cabin experience at Hatteras Sands. Great Island Cabin Camp offers more primitive accommodations with no electricity or running water, but provides toilet facilities and trash collection.
Rustic cabin rentals dominate the Cape Lookout area, though Cape Hatteras KOA Resort offers more furnished cabin options. Most cabins permit pets with varying restrictions. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when demand increases. Several campgrounds including Cedar Creek Campground & Marina operate seasonally from spring through fall. A review mentioned, "The cabins along the waterway would be nicest. They are very cute cabins and some with water view." Frisco Woods and Camp Hatteras provide additional cabin rental options with varying amenity levels.
Cabin amenities vary significantly across locations. Many cabins require visitors to bring bedding, pillows, cooking equipment, and all personal items. Cape Hatteras KOA cabins typically include more furnishings than national seashore cabins. Picnic tables are available at some sites but not all cabin locations. Nearby markets in Buxton, Hatteras, and Rodanthe provide basic groceries, though selection is limited. Water access differs between locations—Long Point cabins have drinking water available while Great Island cabins do not. Most cabin areas prohibit ground fires, so portable cooking equipment is recommended.
"No hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water fill on your way out. Cell service is good. The walk to the beach is a bit long, maybe about 1/2 mile or so. "
"The drive down Highway 12 is like no other. Very clean, friendly and helpful here. This area can get very busy so be smart about booking."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"Love the cabins and bright paint plays into the whole beach theme. Concrete pads are great for larger RV's but road is a bit tight. Most sites have water, sewer, and electric hookups. "
"We stayed for four nights and rented two of the cabins with our family of six with two dogs and a lizard. When we travel, we travel."
Available next weekend
from $79 - $210 / night
"Store is well stocked. Cabins are just beds and a couple outlets. Picnic table and charcoal grill outside. AC is the big draw since summer can be brutal. Access to the sound side of the island."
"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"
from $42 - $2025 / night
"There is a freshwater shower at the entrance to the beach so that you can rinse off when you’re done. The bathhouse was nice and clean. The shower area is co-Ed."
"We are not normally KOA campers, but to be able to stay in the same space as family - and for them to have beds and Aside from tent/RV sites, there are "deluxe cabins" or tiny homes, log cabins, raised"
"Luckily, North Carolina has some amazing beaches on the Outer Banks, and Long Point Cabin area should definitely be on your list of spots to check out."
"Cabins are rustic, but fully accommodating with kitchen conveniences. Get there by ferry or boat! I sailed over while the group brought their 4 wheel drive vehicle on the ferry."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $112 - $145 / night
"this was a very large campground with level pads for RV's, picnic tables at every site, a bathhouse near a covered picnic area and a beautiful board walk to the beach. "
"They have a big driveway and offer plenty of room to spread out. The restrooms/showers are very nice! Very clean, offer great privacy and the air conditioning keeps it nice and cool."
from $32 - $130 / night
"Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks."
"Great-sized RV site with plenty of additional parking. The boat launch went smoothly. Miles of pristine coast. Fish were hitting 2 Klicks north of the marina."
from $85 / night
"Cabins are clean but very rustic - bathroom, bunkbeds (with clean and comfy mattresses), gas stove, stink, platic table and chairs, and a porch - just straight up fishing cabins, nothing fancy."
"Took our ORVs on the ferry to the island and stayed in a cabin. The cabins come in different sizes but none have power. They have huts for generators to sit in to help with the noise."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $80 - $180 / night
ScoutLoved this place. Great-sized RV site with plenty of additional parking. The boat launch went smoothly. Miles of pristine coast. Fish were hitting 2 Klicks north of the marina.
ScoutHas a nice pool and access to ocean. Fun activities for the kids.
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.
ScoutQuiet campground, great views of the ocean and Marsh.
Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks.
GuideGreat KOA park with one row of dunes to cross to the ocean beach that depending on your site is only about 5 min walk. The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers. The have laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries, camping essentials and gifts. Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well. Wifi is marginal but they reported they have equipment on order to improve. We had spot along the dunes with covered patio with picnic table and a fire ring (no barbeques). The beach is wonderful. Great restful destination. We will definitely return.
LegendCampground is 1 of the 4 within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore. Cost here is only $20/night (the others are $28). No hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water fill on your way out. Cell service is good. 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. There were one or two campers per loop, so the campground was nice and open and quiet. I think that during the busy season it would be an unpleasant stay, as the sites are all right next to each other, side by side, just big grassy area. Sites are large though, which was nice.
We didn’t use the showers but I believe they are cold showers. The set up is almost like an outdoor shower, with a short door and a pull rope for the water. Watch out for spiny sand spurs (?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas.
Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov. It was easy to pull up with no reservation, pick a site, then reserve and pay online. No service fee through this site.
No wood fires allowed here. Each site has a picnic table and grill, nothing else.
Dumpsters available, but no recycling bins. Not sure if North Carolina segregates recycling after pickup.
LegendKOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks Campground (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Road Noise: For sites near the highway 12 Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Some full hookups Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): 3 - 4 bars Setting: Open park area between highway and the dunes Weather: 60s during our visit Bugs: Gone for the winter Host: Yes Rig size: Big rigs Sites: Those in the back along the dunes would be nice to have. See pics.
LegendCamp Hatteras Campground : Clean and on the water . This campgrounds on both sides of the highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Overall Rating: 3.5 Usage during visit: Almost empty Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close, see pics Site surface: Concrete Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Campground is a bit off Hwy 12, so there is road noise Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Most or all are back in Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars Setting: Sound side Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Sites: Water side sites are super. See pics and ocean side.
LegendCape Point. - Hatteras NP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for at least moderately secluded campsites and a picnic area that is a bit tucked away. ) Overall Rating: 2.5. Too open for me. Less character than Oregon Inlet as far as I am concerned. Price 2023: $ $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Almost empty. Closes soon. Site Privacy: Not very good . Luke’s eight through CO2 open, not broken up. Site Spacing: Decent Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: Outside loop as approach entry will have most campground traffic Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. You will see it just before you enter cg. Potable Water Available: Yes. Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes Showers: Cold and open to wind. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Open parklike. As you approach the last loop the loops are more broken up by shrubbery. Sites still are open. Weather: eyes in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Windy Bugs: none Solar: good. Rig size: can accommodate larger rigs. Sites: K26, K21 - about the best it gets here.
Cape Lookout National Seashore spans a 56-mile stretch of the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina, featuring untouched barrier islands accessible primarily by boat or ferry. Winter temperatures range from 35-55°F while summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity. Cabin camping options vary from primitive accommodations without electricity to more developed facilities with basic amenities, depending on island location and specific campground.
Beach fishing opportunities: Visitors to Cedar Creek Campground & Marina gain access to excellent fishing spots. "Miles of pristine coast. Fish were hitting 2 Klicks north of the marina," notes a camper about the abundant fishing options.
Lighthouse exploration: The historic lighthouses provide educational opportunities and spectacular views. "The lighthouse and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons!" advises a visitor to Cape Point Campground, while another mentions that Cape Hatteras Light serves as your "nightlight" when camping nearby.
Off-road adventures: With proper vehicle preparation, the islands offer extensive off-road trails. "We rode our 4 wheelers down the 30+ mile beach. On one end of the island there's a historic museum like town and light house," reports a visitor to Great Island Cabin Camp.
Ocean proximity: The close beach access ranks high among visitor priorities. At Cape Hatteras KOA Resort, campers appreciate that "There are no roads to cross so the campground is oceanfront," making beach access particularly convenient for families with children.
Seasonal solitude: Visiting during off-peak times provides a more secluded experience. "We went in early October and had the beach to ourself, as far as the eye could see," shares a camper who tent camped near Great Island, highlighting the value of shoulder season visits.
Waterfront views: Sites with water views receive consistently positive feedback. A visitor to Frisco Woods Campground notes, "Many sites in this campground will be spectacular for those who like Private campgrounds... This one has some beautiful water view sites - along the Hatteras Bight, along an inlet and a pond."
Weather considerations: Coastal storms can affect camping conditions rapidly. "Quick-changing weather" necessitates preparation for sudden shifts in conditions, particularly on more exposed islands.
Mosquito protection: Insect repellent is considered essential equipment. "Bring lots of bug spray... the mosquitos are relentless!" warns a visitor to Great Island Cabin Camp.
Water supplies: Water availability varies significantly between locations. At Long Point Cabin Camp, a visitor advises to "bring all drinking water," while noting that cabins are "rustic, but fully accommodating with kitchen conveniences."
Generator considerations: Noise regulations vary between campgrounds. A camper observes that Great Island cabins "have huts for generators to sit in to help with the noise," providing insight into power management options.
Pool alternatives: Several campgrounds offer swimming alternatives to ocean swimming. Camp Hatteras features "swimming pool, basketball court, boat ramp and docks," providing recreation options when ocean conditions aren't suitable.
Kid-friendly activities: On-site entertainment keeps children occupied. "The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow," reports a visitor to Cape Hatteras KOA Resort.
Wildlife education: The barrier island ecosystem offers nature learning opportunities. A camper at Hatteras Sands Campground mentions, "Our kids were ecstatic about the pool, spending hours there. Also, they able to kayak around the campground," illustrating the variety of activities available for children.
Site selection strategy: Waterfront sites generally provide the best experience. "The sites along the waterway would be nicest," advises a visitor to Hatteras Sands, adding practical site information.
Leveling considerations: Many sites feature concrete pads that simplify setup. "Our 36 ft pull behind fit perfectly on the concrete slab and was level without having to mess with anything," notes a Camp Hatteras visitor.
Power outage preparation: Occasional utility disruptions occur in this remote area. "Lost power a couple of times during our stay, the day we left it was out for a few hours had to use the generator," shares an RVer, suggesting backup power sources are valuable.
Road condition awareness: Interior campground roads vary in quality. At Cedar Creek Campground & Marina, a visitor observed, "The roads on the property are a little rough and could use some grading, but they have obviously had some bad weather recently that hasn't helped."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a cabin at Cape Lookout National Seashore?
Cabins at Cape Lookout National Seashore, including those at Long Point Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore, must be booked through the National Park Service's reservation system. Reservations typically open six months in advance and can be made online through recreation.gov or by calling the national reservation line. Due to their popularity and limited availability, especially during peak summer months, it's advisable to book as early as possible. These cabins provide unique access to secluded beaches on the Outer Banks that aren't crowded with visitors.
What amenities are available at the Great Island Cabin Camp in Cape Lookout?
Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore offers rustic accommodations with basic amenities. The cabins include bathrooms, bunk beds with clean mattresses, gas stoves, sinks, a plastic table and chairs, and a porch. While not luxurious, these fishing cabins are clean and functional, situated directly behind the dunes with access to miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches. There are no fancy facilities - the appeal is the secluded location and natural surroundings rather than modern conveniences.
How much do Cape Lookout National Seashore cabins cost to rent?
Cabin rental costs at Cape Lookout National Seashore vary by season and size. While exact pricing for the national seashore cabins isn't specified in the reviews, nearby options provide some context. Frisco Woods Campground offers cabins in the area with rates that can range from $42.00 daily to $2,025.00 for longer stays, depending on the time of year and accommodation size. Cabins at Hatteras Sands Campground are similarly priced and offer a beach-themed experience. For the most current pricing at Cape Lookout specifically, check the National Park Service website.
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