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Best Cabin Camping near Emerald Isle, NC

39 Reviews

Cabin campgrounds near Emerald Isle provide varying accommodation options including fully furnished cabins and rustic structures. Goose Creek Campground offers cabin camping along the water with convenient access to the barrier islands. White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort includes cabin rentals with water and electricity, providing comfort while maintaining a camping atmosphere. "The cabins were nicely appointed," notes one visitor who stayed at the New Bern KOA, which offers water-view units. Hammocks Beach State Park's Simmons Mainland Campground provides cabins with electricity, picnic tables and showers, while Cape Lookout National Seashore features more remote cabin options accessible by boat.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort operates 135 sites including cabin accommodations with electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings. New Bern KOA Holiday stands out for its family-friendly cabin options complete with climate-controlled bathrooms. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when occupancy reaches peak levels. According to a review, "We stayed in a camping cabin that overlooked the little pond area. The bathrooms were nice and clean and cabins were nicely appointed." Most locations permit pets in designated cabins, though policies vary by campground.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic kitchenettes may be available in premium cabins, while more rustic units typically provide outdoor cooking facilities only. On-site camp stores at locations like Goose Creek Campground and New Bern KOA Holiday stock essential items, though selection is limited. Black Barn Farm's cabins are positioned near water access, making them particularly suitable for fishing enthusiasts. Cabin guests should check specific amenity lists when booking as furnishing levels vary significantly between basic and deluxe units across all campgrounds in the region.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Emerald Isle, North Carolina (16)

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13 Photos of 16 Emerald Isle Campgrounds

Cabin Reviews near Emerald Isle, NC

39 Reviews of 16 Emerald Isle Campgrounds

  • Sarah G.
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Dreamy hidden gem!

    What a hidden gem! 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. 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. Tap water is potable but tastes very desalinated, so bottled water is recommended. If you crave isolation and wide open spaces - dont miss this gorgeous place! Be sure to bleed your tire PSI all the way down to 18 and drive 10 miles down the dune road to the lighthouse. Totally dreamy and not to be missed!

  • Zach W.
    Apr. 15, 2018

    Long Point Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Secluded Beach Camping

    If you are looking for beaches that aren't covered with people, you may have a hard time finding something no matter what state you live in. 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. 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.

    Being located far from any truly habited land comes with some benefits and issues. If you are looking for empty beaches, lots of outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, shelling, kayaking, etc.), and clear skies to view the stars at night, this is the campground for you. The downfall to this seclusion, though, is that you have to bring all of your necessities and recreational gear with you on the ferry. With an off-road vehicle, this will be no big deal. But if you don't have that luxury, you will be carrying your stuff back and forth on the back of a cart driven by one of the NPS staff. You also don't have any access to convenient stores for forgotten stuff or drinkable water. So be prepared before you head out to the island.

    Although the cabins are a bit older, they are still great for your stay here. They all have a porch with rocking chairs to be able to soak up all of the island sun and breeze you can on your trip. They also each have their own private bathrooms and kitchen, so you don't have to worry about sharing with your neighbors.

    I actually decided to set up my tent for the first night since it was so beautiful outside, but that required a lot of clearing an area in the sand for my tent since the send is covered in broken shells. This was a bit of a chore, but was so worth it when I fell asleep under the stars that night. Also be prepared for changing weather. 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. Once that cleared up, though, the weather was back to being as beautiful as before.

    Pros

    • Solitude
    • Great fishing and other outdoor activities
    • Clear night skies for stargazing
    • Private cabins or camping
    • Personal bathrooms + kitchen

    Cons

    • No convenient stores for forgotten items
    • Must bring all drinking water
    • Older cabins
    • Hard to explore without an off-road vehicle
    • Quick-changing weather
  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2021

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Really nice KOA in a VERY pretty town.

    New Bern is a really wonderful little town on the coast of NC and this KOA is close to all the action. I really enjoyed our stay and the local town. We stayed in a camping cabin that overlooked the little pond area. The bathrooms were nice and clean and cabins were nicely appointed.

  • Charli R.
    Nov. 21, 2021

    Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Worth it!

    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. We brought a window a/c unit and it kept the place cool (highly recommend) had water, shower, toilet and gas kitchen. 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.

  • M. B.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    On inlet not ocean

    Not bad this is called a holiday one but I would say this is more like a journey one it doesn't seem very resort-like.

    Bathrooms: 5/5

    Sites: 4/5 upgrades are nice but really expensive for just a concrete pad next to someone else

    Pools: 3/5 they have one but it's pretty meh. Like a 70s motel 8 pool.

    Beach: 2/5 there is an inlet beach and a pier but it's like marshy Mudd not sandy beach

    Waterfrontness: 0/5

    Closeness to other sites: 1/5 you are up each other's buttcracks

    Dog rating: 4/5 plenty of poop bags

    Internet: 2/5 no wifi and no hookups but our AT&T router worked

    Cell service: Google fi and ATnT worked

    Water quality: 1/5 potable but tastes gross

    Extra amenities: they have a shuttle some seasons. It was not here during October so who knows. Bike rentals Kayak rental Laundry Host station

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2019

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Great Campground Close to Historic New Bern and Tryon Palace

    I think this is only the third time I have stayed at a cabin at a campground, and it was all right but I like tent camping better. Because of the intense heat and health concerns, we chose to stay in a cabin here. I wish I had taken more pictures of the campground, but my buddy(seen in the photos) and I are photographers who look for scenes of beauty. It’s not that the campground was not“pretty,” but when you are this close to New Bern, there are better things to photograph. There’s Tryon Palace, Union Point Park, the historic Confederate cemetery, the fireman’s museum, the Pepsi Cola museum(New Bern is where Pepsi was born), etc. The New Bern KOA is perfect in every way. The sites are large with full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, etc. It has all the amenities of a top notch campground that you would expect from KOA. I have stayed at several KOA campgrounds, and they all seem to have the oversized chess; and I have never seen anyone playing it with seriousness. They have two pools, a pavilion, a bouncer… and I could go on and on. IF you want to spend your time at the campground, there is so much to do that you don’t need to go anywhere else… HOWEVER… Did I mention New Bern and Tryon Palace? You can’t come this close to New Bern and not go to Tryon Palace. The campground is located on the shores of the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. Since they join here, you seem as if you are closer to the ocean. It looks more like a bay. There is a really nice pier at the campground beach for fishing, and the KOA here has outdoor boat rentals. There is also horseshoes, pedal bike rentals… Did I mention there is also New Bern and Tryon Palace? Seriously, the New Bern KOA is about the best campground at which I have stayed, but my buddy had never been to New Bern. There was more to see. If you go, make sure to make reservations. New Bern is a historic town with lots of vacationers during the summer. Looking for something to eat? My favorite place to eat in New Bern was Captain Ratty’s, which has great clam chowder. However, New Bern has lots of other great places to eat as well. The downtown area is also a great area for shopping. Back to the campground… the first time I stayed at the New Bern KOA was over thirty years ago, but it has grown in size and amenities. Now, it is more like a resort than a simple campground.

  • Suzan W.
    Jun. 30, 2018

    Long Point Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Blast on the Beach

    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. Feels like a world away from populated beaches. Built a fire on the beach at night, sailed and fished the Core Sound by day. We called it the "down-east hilton" cabin and loved every minute!

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2020

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Beautiful campground

    This was a very nice, well maintained campground. The staff were extremely polite and helpful. We stayed from Aug 11-14, 2020. The pool was nice on a hot humid day. They have gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store. The bathhouses are all very new due to a recent hurricane and they were kept clean. The dock/pier was picture perfect as the sunset over the Neuse river. The playground and jump pad looked like they would be a lot of fun but were closed due to Covid 19 restrictions. They had horseshoes and Gaga-ball that were open. They had 2 fenced in dog parks and a dog washing station. We chose this campground for it’s location near historical downtown New Bern and we would definitely recommend it to others. They have RV sites, tent sites and cabins.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2017

    Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    Didn't stay at the cabins

    But we did camp along the beach on the island.

    I've stayed here on two separate occasions both with larger groups of people. There's plenty of real estate and no need to worry about being on top of one another. There are limited facilities (a few vault toilets and a covered pavilion). You can seek shelter indoors at the Light Keepers quarters during the high season (regular business hours) if needed. There are several boardwalks that meander around the island and numerous sandy paths connecting the sound side to the ocean side.

    There is a large raccoon population on the island so store your food and water accordingly. We did experience a raccoon running off with a dry bag full go food that wasn't secured to a permanent structure. It can be buggy if there's not much wind, but generally there is a breeze blowing across the island.

    If you don't have your own personal water craft to get to the island, you can take a private ferry to the island. There are several companies that offer reasonably priced tickets to and from the island.

    Again, this isn't a review for the cabins here per se, but relevant in that there is more camping available.

Guide to Emerald Isle

Cabin camping options near Emerald Isle, North Carolina connect inland waterways with coastal access. Located along the Crystal Coast, these accommodations sit between the mainland and barrier islands where summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity. Several campgrounds provide cabins with water access or river views as alternatives to tent and RV camping.

What to do

Fishing access: Black Barn Farm offers cabins positioned right on the water, with ziplines, playgrounds, and lighted trails throughout the property. According to Christina L., "they put us up in a perfect spot so we could be near her in one of their sweet little cabins right on the water."

Beach exploration: Great Island Cabin Camp at Cape Lookout National Seashore requires boat transportation to access their rustic cabins. Sarah G. notes, "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. But they are situated directly behind the dunes from miles and miles of totally prestine beaches."

Historic sites: Cabins at New Bern KOA Holiday provide a base for exploring regional history. Myron C. explains, "The New Bern KOA is about the best campground at which I have stayed, but my buddy had never been to New Bern. There was more to see. If you go, make sure to make reservations. New Bern is a historic town with lots of vacationers during the summer."

What campers like

Waterfront views: Camping cabins with water views offer sunset opportunities. Michael M. from Goose Creek Campground shares, "Our site was right on water with a great view of the sunset. The barrier Island's are only 5 minute ride over the bridge."

Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness of cabin accommodations. Huggins G. from White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort observes, "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area. The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained."

Swimming pools: Many cabin campgrounds include pool access for cooling off. Caroline S. remarks about Goose Creek, "We enjoyed our stay at Goose Creek! Beautiful area, great family atmosphere and clean facilities. The pool is awesome! Great location, can't wait to come back!"

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Some cabin rentals near Emerald Isle become uncomfortably hot in peak summer. Faith W. reports about Goose Creek, "Nice overnight stay RV Campground new with no shade. Very clean. Beautiful river but not walking distance from campground. I'd say much better in the early spring or fall."

Reservation requirements: Early booking is essential, especially for waterfront cabins. Lewis M. notes about Goose Creek, "Very nice place, well keep, nice paved streets, nice boat ramps, nice piers, nice laundry room, good cell service. WiFi available for $$$ more, cable 👎👎👎 Wanted to stay for a month but only had 21 days opening."

Transportation needs: Cape Lookout National Seashore cabins require additional planning for access. Charli R. explains, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Bring cooling equipment: For cabins without air conditioning, portable cooling solutions improve comfort. One camper at Cape Lookout shares, "We brought a window a/c unit and it kept the place cool (highly recommend)."

Look for activity variety: The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort offers multiple recreation options on site. Cori L M. reports, "We stayed from Fri to Sun and we enjoyed every moment we stayed. Caught fish and enjoyed the pool. And the golf cart rental was awesome too."

Pack water supplies: Cabin water may be potable but not palatable. A review about Cape Lookout notes, "Tap water is potable but tastes very desalinated, so bottled water is recommended."

Tips from RVers

Private bathroom preference: Many campers with families prefer cabins with private facilities. Joe B. mentions about New Bern KOA, "The bathrooms were very clean and each had a shower sink and toilet all to yourself. Climate controlled also."

Food storage protection: Secure food from wildlife at more remote cabin locations. Sarah C. warns about Cape Lookout, "There is a large raccoon population on the island so store your food and water accordingly. We did experience a raccoon running off with a dry bag full go food that wasn't secured to a permanent structure."

Verify cabin amenities: Cabin amenities vary widely between campgrounds and cabin types. Emily L. from New Bern KOA reports, "No complaints! Nice & quiet after dark, clean showers & laundry room, nice view of the Nuese River, with a peir for fishing & a fish cleaning station as well!"

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Emerald Isle for a week?

Cabin rental prices in the Emerald Isle area vary significantly based on location, amenities, and season. Long Point Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore offers more affordable rustic cabins, with weekly rates starting around $400-600 during peak season. These provide a budget-friendly option with basic amenities. For more upscale accommodations with additional amenities, expect weekly rates ranging from $1,000-2,500 during summer months. Off-season rentals (late fall through early spring) typically offer discounts of 20-40% compared to peak rates.

What amenities are included in Emerald Isle cabin rentals?

Amenities vary widely between cabin rentals in the Emerald Isle area. New Bern KOA Holiday cabins feature comfortable accommodations overlooking scenic ponds, with access to clean bathrooms and a swimming pool. Many higher-end rentals include fully-equipped kitchens, air conditioning, WiFi, TVs, and outdoor grills. Some properties offer premium amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and beach access. The Lakes RV & Cabin Resort provides fishing opportunities, pool access, and golf cart rentals for an enhanced vacation experience.

Are there cabins available for rent in Emerald Isle, NC?

Yes, there are several cabin rental options in and around Emerald Isle. Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore offers rustic cabins accessible by ferry, perfect for those seeking a more secluded beach experience. The cabins are clean but basic, with amenities like bunk beds, gas stoves, and sinks. For those who prefer to stay closer to town, several RV resorts and campgrounds in the Emerald Isle area offer cabin accommodations with varying levels of luxury.

When is the best time to visit Emerald Isle for a cabin vacation?

The ideal time to visit Emerald Isle depends on your priorities. Late spring (May-early June) offers warm temperatures (70s-80s°F) with fewer crowds and lower rates than peak summer. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest water temperatures and full seasonal activities but comes with higher prices and crowds. Fall (September-October) is excellent for those seeking tranquility with temperatures still pleasant in the 70s and hurricane season being the only significant concern. Goose Creek Campground and other nearby facilities are well-maintained year-round, but offer the best experience in these prime seasons.

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