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."
GuideWe spent 3 nights beach camping in our VW Vanagon, and highly recommend this destination if you have the means! The ferry is $135+ for vehicles, plus $20 per person roundtrip. The beach driving permit is $75 unless you buy it by March (I think). We lucked out with our dates just preceding a big fishing competition, and there was a LOT of open beach space. Almost everyone is there to fish. We took bikes and enjoyed cycling around at low tide. Be sure to camp above the high tide zone, which is black sand. There are narrow/impassable points on the beach at high tide, but there are ramps to the back road every mile. Some ramps are very deep sand, others flat and packed. We got by without 4wd, but we didn’t explore beyond finding a spot not too far from the ferry drop off. We befriended our neighbors who took us to the lighthouse at the southern end of the island, which was beautiful! Currently closed for renovations, and the lightkeeper’s house was closed due to the government shutdown. Overall, south core banks is absolutely worth the effort!
GuideCame 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.
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.
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!
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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