Best Dispersed Camping near Emerald Isle, NC

This is not a”campground” per se, but rather a large area of national forest where dispersed camping is allowed. This is about as close to nature as it gets! All primitive camping, no amenities at all. Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators!

Dispersed camping deep in the national forest. A native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes. Lots of roads closed from hurricane damage, so don't trust Google maps. The dirt roads were not maintained and ridiculously bumpy and unmanageable for smaller cars. There are alligators, bears, way too many ticks, mosquitos and a ridiculous amount of shotgun shells. It definitely felt dangerous. Would not recommend tent camping, but great for an RV if you can figure out where to park.

We tried to camp here but all the access roads were closed due to hurricane damage. They looked have been closed for a long time. In a pinch we found a camp spot nearby at Catfish Lake. The road in was easy but it was extremely trashy with lots of shotgun shells on the ground. Lots of people showed up to trap shoot nearby so we had to keep going over to let them know we were there.

We had an awesome trip. The ferry operators were great, they answered all our questions and helped us load and unload our gear. The island is almost completely absent of anything man made, just sand dunes and horses. We found a site with a beautiful view of Cape Lookout lighthouse. We had three young male horses that were always roaming within sight. 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.

Only accesible by boat Cape Lookout is the perfect getaway.

Whether you rent the ferry to take you over, or take the Kayak the beach here is one of the best places to really get back to nature.

The wildhorses live on the islands between mainland and the OBX, taking the time to stop and see them is a must.

The campsite is the entire beach, you can camp sound side, but I don't suggest it. The constant breeze on the beach side keeps the mosquitos at bay, and you will get eaten alive on the sound side. Plus the morning view to waking up to watching the sun rise over the ocean can be beat.

Show up late in April, early may and you will get to see the bioluminesent plankton wash up sound side, and a hike will leave glow in the dark foot frints.

Show up in October and you may get to help the rangers protect the sea turtles as they hatch.

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

If you use the ferry you have to schedule your pickup time when you go.

there is a water pump at the lighthouse, and an outside shower, but you are not allowed to use soap at it. There are restrooms at the lighthouse, and one restroom at the end of the alkay that crosses the dunes to the beach.

There are no "sites" just find a place you want to set up camp, just stay off the dunes.

Fires are allowed as long as you build them below high tide, plenty of driftwood out there to find to burn.

Lots of trails and beautiful pines. Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, Camp any where you want, Bring everything because it is not a campground as such. Wilderness area Lots of mosquitoes

The path is blocked at about halfway down by concrete barriers and downed trees. So I pulled my Ford Ranger in the pines beside the path and slept there.

You can access Great lake with an Atv or SXS. There are passable trails past the barricades but you will need a capable 4x4 to get thru. The lake is virtually untouched and the roads were still in good shape.

No power, water or hookups. Bath house decent, and on the ocean. Take plenty of bug spray. View is stunning. Just be sure you know it’s on an island, and read the tide tables so you aren’t surprised. Enjoy!

One of my favorite trips to date. Everything was amazing.

Camping on the beach? What could be better! From driving up and down the beach to just parking and relaxing. This place is amazing.

Yea, there's definitely no better way to camp. 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. See someone nearby, cool, whatever. Drive somewhere else and set camp. Just don't forget to pack it in, AND pack it out. While i'm at it, you should also 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. So, sorry 2WD Chevy Tahoe with aggressive tires - stay home.  

The South Core banks are the only location in NC where you're allowed (with a $25 permit - 2021 rules) to drive right on the beach and camp overnight without the caveat of having the be actively fishing. Just make sure to stay off the dunes and keep fires below the high tide line. Other than that, don't litter, don't break glass and definitely don't burn pallets with nails. This is a gem that's been used by fisher-people for decades, so don't be that guy who forces the state to tighten restrictions. 

Other than that, enjoy!

Love this island! No crowds, lots of open beach, and plenty of fish! If you’re looking to camp on the beach and escape the crowds, you’ve found your spot. You need 4WD to get around the island but most of the ferry places have atv rentals. Only accessible by ferry/boat, call a few weeks ahead to reserve a spot on the ferry cause they fill up quickly.

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. Trees for shade, privacy, protection from wind more central on the island. The light house is beautiful! Wild horses just across the water on Shackleford Banks, which can also be camped- minus all the amenities.