Cedar Island in coastal North Carolina serves as a gateway to the Outer Banks with several campground options concentrated along the shoreline and near ferry terminals. Cedar Island Ranch provides 75 sites adjacent to the Ocracoke ferry terminal with RV hookups, tent sites, and beach access. Other nearby options include Cedar Creek Campground & Marina in Sea Level with 67 sites featuring full hookups and boat access, and Long Point Cabin Camp on Cape Lookout National Seashore offering rustic cabin accommodations accessible primarily by boat. The mixed-use campgrounds in this region typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering waterfront sites.
Access to camping areas varies significantly in this coastal region, with some locations requiring ferry transportation or boat access. For example, South Core Banks Beach Camping on Cape Lookout National Seashore is only accessible by boat and requires visitors to bring all necessary supplies. "If you are looking for beaches that aren't covered with people, Long Point Cabin area should definitely be on your list. Since this area is on a small barrier island, you have to take a ferry to reach the cabins. Because of this you, and the other temporary residents of these cabins, have the island all to yourselves." The camping season generally runs April through November, particularly for National Seashore campgrounds. Weather can change rapidly, with strong winds and storms common in this coastal environment.
The camping experience in this region centers around coastal environments and marine activities. Waterfront camping opportunities receive consistently high ratings, with several campgrounds providing direct beach access. Cedar Island Ranch campers appreciate its proximity to the ferry terminal and beach access, with one visitor noting it's "a hidden gem on the journey into the outer banks with beautiful views, beach access, horses, ferry to Ocracoke, and very reasonably priced." Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a more primitive experience with opportunities for solitude. A camper described South Core Banks as "nothing short of amazing" with "the prettiest water I've seen in NC, can be compared to the Caribbean." Most camping areas in the region are family-friendly with opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing, including wild horses on some barrier islands.
$28 / night
"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."
"This ended up being a perfect jumping off point for enjoying the town of Ocracoke in the evening and the following morning, then taking the afternoon ferry to Cedar Island."
$25 - $75 / night
"Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks."
$112 - $145 / night
"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."
"I sailed over while the group brought their 4 wheel drive vehicle on the ferry. Feels like a world away from populated beaches."
"They even walked close by our campsite. The last night had the most amazing sunset that lit up the lighthouse and the clouds above with beautiful pinks, purple and blues."
"Start your adventure on a ferry, cross an inlet watching all the wildlife play right in front of you, then get off and drive immediately to endless stretches of white sandy beaches."
$22 - $102 / night
"There are 60 sites, including walk-in tent sites, back-in W/E, pull-thru W/E, and FHU pull-thru sites. The prices range from $20-$75."
$80 - $180 / night
"But they are situated directly behind the dunes from miles and miles of totally prestine beaches. The only on-island supplies are ice and gasoline, so you must pack in everything."
"There are several boardwalks that meander around the island and numerous sandy paths connecting the sound side to the ocean side."
"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."
$10 - $20 / night
"Fun place to camp, water close by, picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are pretty big. Host is very nice and cheap."
"We found a few paths to the river but the river access was very small. There is a Mountain-to-Sea path nearby as well."
$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."
$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."
LegendWe stayed on the side of the road with our truck camper. Nice level spot right on the water. Firepit already there. There is a nice walk-in site across the street. Check them out in our video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmnvETOcGQM
TravelerWe like camping here in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Emerald Isle is close by and plenty of place to eat and things to do. The trails are nice and usually the place is clean. On this trip, the restroom was dirty and had no TP. There was NO hot water for the showers and NO heat in the restroom. We stayed for three days and restrooms were not cleaned. Paper towels on the floor and the trash can was never empty.
TravelerNice site and facilities, only down side is being close to a railroad with trains running day and night.
LegendQuiet campground, large sites. Very clean pit toilets. Friendly camp host Tonia, likes to chat. Nice sunset views from sites 9,11,13 & 15. Good Verizon cell signal 3bars 5G. No bugs at the end of Feb.
TravelerWe stayed at this campground overnight while on our way back from picking up our camper in upstate New York and on our way home to Florida.
It was a great stop, well worth the detour. We’re excited to get back to this area. This campground was beautiful, but there weren’t a lot of trees and not much privacy between the campsites.
LegendFlanners Beach Campground is a quiet, well-maintained spot that works well as a base camp for visiting New Bern, Beaufort, and the Crystal Coast. Campsites are generally shaded with some privacy, and the campground offers electric hookups, a dump station, clean bathrooms, and a few private showers. While the waterfront setting is appealing, views of the water are mostly blocked by overgrowth and the main beach/river access remains closed due to erosion, which limits on-site activities. There are still nice trails, wildlife, and limited shoreline areas to explore, and occasional jet flyovers from Cherry Point add local character. Overall, it’s a peaceful and decent campground, but knowing about the beach and facility closures ahead of time helps set expectations.
Check out our 360° Video of all the sites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEpVo6MoF3M
LegendThis is an awesome area in the Croatan National Forest. This is the 4th site on the road around the lake. We stayed here for a weekend and loved it. A little bit of traffic but not too many people coming through. This site has a pull off that you can park a couple of vehicles on the side of the road and a little clearing/path that you can put a tent up near your car.
There are 3 other sites around Catfish Lake on Cat Fish Farm Road.
Check out our video of all 4 sites on this road
https://youtu.be/kAGzhmHvaq0
LegendThis is an awesome area in the Croatan National Forest. This is the 2nd site on the road, there are 3 other sites around Catfish Lake on Cat Fish Farm Road. We stayed here for a weekend and loved it. A little bit of traffic but not too many people coming through.
Check out our video of all 4 sites on this road
https://youtu.be/kAGzhmHvaq0
LegendNot a bad site for a couple of days. Close to the beach in the Pocosin Wilderness and free. We stayed here beginning of April while checking out Emerald Isle and Carteret. The national forest roads in this area have a few other sites that where closer to the road. This one is a little more secluded and the big puddle is from people driving through a small creek. Lots of birds in the area but we didn't see any other wildlife.
Check out the video
https://youtu.be/ODcP9nmWn1o
Cedar Island's coastal region offers primitive to full-service camping options across barrier islands and mainland locations. Access requirements vary significantly, with some sites requiring a 4WD vehicle or boat transportation to reach remote beach camping areas. The camping season typically spans April through November with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F depending on the time of year.
Beach driving access points: Cape Lookout National Seashore has designated ramps for 4WD vehicles. "Short ferry ride from Harker's Island. Prettiest water I've seen in NC, can be compared to the Caribbean! Fresh water and restrooms on island. Camp anywhere 100ft from buildings," notes a South Core Banks Beach Camping visitor.
Kayaking and boating: Launch directly from some campsites for water access. A camper at Oyster Point Campground reports, "We were able to launch kayaks almost directly from campsite #11. Tent pads are big enough for 1 large tent or 2 small tents."
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Creek Campground & Marina provides convenient fishing access with trailer parking. "Great fishing at Ophelia Inlet," reports a visitor, while another mentioned, "There is a marina with gas on site. The ramp is small but there is plenty of trailer parking."
Seclusion and privacy: Several island campgrounds offer remarkable solitude. At Great Island Cabin Camp, a reviewer observed, "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."
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing. "We woke up at 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the ocean which was just a hop, skip and jump away from our tent. It was paradise," shared a visitor to Ocracoke Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple locations offer opportunities to see local fauna. "We had three young male horses that were always roaming within sight. They even walked close by our campsite," explained a South Core Banks camper.
Weather preparedness: Conditions change rapidly on the barrier islands. "As nice as it was the first day, I had to take down my tent the next day due to the harsh winds and rainstorm," noted a Long Point visitor.
Vehicle requirements: Many island locations require appropriate vehicles. "Prepare everything in advance - food, water, essentials. There ain't no corner market here. That includes 4x4 AND recovery equipment. Tow service ain't nowhere to be found," warns a South Core Banks camper.
Bug protection: Insects can be intense during warmer months. "Make sure you bring good bug spray!!! The mosquitos are bad in June and bug spray didn't really help," reported an Oyster Point visitor.
Supply planning: Limited services mean bringing all necessities. "The downfall to this seclusion, though, is that you have to bring all of your necessities and recreational gear with you on the ferry," explains a reviewer at Long Point Cabin Camp.
Consider cabin options: Rustic cabins provide family-friendly accommodations. "Cabins all have a porch with rocking chairs to be able to soak up all of the island sun and breeze. They also each have their own private bathrooms and kitchen," notes a Long Point Cabin Camp reviewer.
Pack extra water: Limited drinking water sources require preparation. "Must bring all drinking water," warns a Long Point camper, while another noted, "Tap water is potable but tastes very desalinated, so bottled water is recommended."
Beach exploration activities: Shell collecting and nature walks engage children. "I loved sleeping on the soft sand. The campground was great and had showers and bathrooms. There is just a short walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States," shares an Ocracoke camper.
Ferry planning: Reserve ferry space well in advance for RVs. "We spent 3 nights beach camping in our VW Vanagon. The ferry is $135+ for vehicles, plus $20 per person roundtrip," advises a South Core Banks visitor.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with adequate space and good drainage. "Sites are a little small but we had more than enough room for our 18 TT and truck. The roads on the property are a little rough and could use some grading," notes a Cedar Creek camper.
Weather precautions: Prepare for wind and storms. "Watersouts are extremely common here, so use sandbags with your tent and make sure the tent can handle heavy winds if the storms blow in over night," recommends a South Core Banks visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cedar Island, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Island, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Island, NC and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Island, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cedar Island, NC is Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a 4.6-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Island, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Cedar Island, NC.
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