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Best Campgrounds near Harkers Island, NC

268 Reviews

Camping near Harkers Island in North Carolina ranges from state parks to national forest sites. Goose Creek State Park Campground has good sites where campers can hike trails and fish nearby. Another option is Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, which requires a ferry ride to Bear Island for basic beach camping. If you're looking for a quiet spot, Oyster Point Campground in Croatan National Forest sits close to the Neuse River. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping in this area, as summers get hot and sticky while winters can be cold enough to limit what you can do outside. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in busy seasons, since these places fill up fast. Always check if anything's closed for the season before you pack up. Harkers Island's surrounding area has camping that works for both quiet trips and more active ones.

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Best Camping Sites Near Harkers Island, North Carolina (57)

    1. Oyster Point Campground

    23 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $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."

    2. South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    8 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    9 miles
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Croatan National Forest Oyster Point Campground

    8 Reviews
    Morehead City, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    "The 24 hour campground park ranger stays on the first site of the right side entrance. There is a oyster fishery nearby."

    "Great location off the beaten path on a dirt road. Campsite 9 backs up to the marsh andhas a great area for watching the sunset. You can also kayak or canoe here."

    4. Great Island Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    5 Reviews
    Marshallberg, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 728-2250

    $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."

    5. Coastal Riverside Campground

    1 Review
    Gloucester, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 723-0505

    6. Cedar Creek Campground & Marina

    3 Reviews
    Cedar Island, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 646-6084

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks."

    7. Cedar Point Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swansboro, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 638-5628

    $27 - $54 / night

    "Plenty of hiking trails, boat access and woods all right here in this park. The boat access and pier are just a brief walk away from the campground."

    "The one redeeming factor was that it was close to the bath house. The facilities were fairly new. For example, the bath house looked as if it had been built recently, and the concrete looked fresh."

    8. Waters Edge RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 247-0494

    "Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, small and quiet location that’s close to many activities and restaurants. The water front is very nice as well. I’ll definitely be back."

    "We loved walking to the dock on the property where you could see the sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed visiting Fort Macon, Patsys pond national Forest, Shackleford Banks and the beach."

    9. Cape Pointe RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Harkers Island, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 728-6181

    10. Down East RV Resort

    Be the first to review!
    Gloucester, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 732-4863
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Recent Camping Photos near Harkers Island, NC

96 Photos of 57 Harkers Island Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Harkers Island, NC

268 Reviews of 57 Harkers Island Campgrounds

  • C
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Black Barn Farm

    A Perfect Getaway

    If you haven't camped at Black Barn Farm in Newport, you are missing out! One of our party needed lodging while we wanted to tent camp, 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. There were beautiful lights and trails throughout, animals, ziplines and playgrounds , plus the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I've ever camped with.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Hawkins Creek Campground

    Avoid the drama!

    The last reviews of this campground were in 2021. A lot has changed since that time. This is a cheap place to stay. There are no background checks. All sorts of characters stay at this location. I had trouble after six months of staying at this campground. To avoid any trouble, I left halfway through my month of prepaid time. This worked out to approximately $302 or 16 days. They refused to give me a refund or even a pro rate from the owner. Instead, they gave it to a guy staying in a tent on the property. They are thieves!

    In my vicinity that I was staying, there were four known listed Illegal sex act males. Two left the site. One of the remaining males was hired by the management for maintenance.

    The property manager didn’t seem to care about a lot of things around the property. The property appearance was not taken care of. Signs, mailboxes, and other related objects were covered in mold and never cleaned or in need of repair (see pictures). Residence were cutting their own grass. Drainage ditches, and culvert areas had extremely high grass (see pictures). Perfect for snakes.

    The bathhouse was not properly maintained. A male person who lived there only cleaned the floors once or twice a week. That seemed about it. The showers were brown, and the bathrooms were not cleaned properly. I personally cleaned the male bathroom several times during my six months. The sink continually leaked underneath. When I discovered mold, I asked for a mold killer from the bathroom guy. He was having a bad day apparently and flipped out on me. I told him I would clean the mold if he had any chemicals. He cursed at me and walked inside to his residence. Management did nothing about this incident (see pictures).

    There was always trouble with dogs at the campground. Management never did anything about the dog issues. I was told to “shoot the dog if it bites you “. Unbelievable !

    There were no standards for the campsites. Anything went! Make shift structures could be put up with no problem (see pictures). Also a lot of trash and debris around the campground.

    I would not recommend this campground to anyone. Pay the extra money for a better place!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    New Bern KOA Holiday

    Our first trip in the camper

    Our first trip in our new to us camper and found the campground very nice. The bathhouses were the cleanest and best equipped. Some shade. Nice dog park. Plenty of amenities.

  • keith C.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    The Sea Monkey Ranchlette

    Amazing Outdoor shower, Sauna and Cold Plunge;)!

    The 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!!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Magnolia Lane Campground

    Overpriced and bath house heavily molded.

    I contacted the campsite via phone. They said there was two spots available for my rig. The monthly rate quoted was $895. I told the office that I was going to drive up the following morning to check the site and if I liked it, I would go ahead and rent it. The manager said OK. I explained I would come back and get my rig if it was acceptable. She told me to call her once. I looked at the site and we could complete the transaction when she came over to the site from the office.

    I drove an hour from my current site to look at that site. The secluded campground only had one bar on Verizon. It was also small. I called two separate numbers and texted. I waited on site for roughly 30 minutes with no callback.
    While I was looking at the campground, I went to the bathhouse. All three bathrooms were covered with suspect, microbial growth and had a strong mold smell. I can’t say for certain without testing it, but if it looks and smells like a duck, it’s probably a duck. People with breathing issues or allergies to this problem would have a bad day in these bathrooms.

    I had to contact the office the following day around 9:50 AM. They acted like they didn’t care about me driving up for nothing. To add insult to injury, the manager openly admitted they had a mold problem in all the bathrooms at the bathhouse. They were going to deal with it this coming winter.

    So let me get this straight. You were charging almost $900 a month to campers with a bad mold, problem admitted by the office. Is there a problem with this picture? This is not slander. This is what transpired. I turned down the site.

    BE CAUTIOUS!

  • Chip G.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    4th of July on Ocracoke

    This 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.

  • R C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2025

    Flanners Beach Campground

    Nice forest trails and beach

    Campground is good. Sites are a bit close but generally acceptable for the typical camper. Good showers and toilet, water and garbage available. Forest trail nearby is an intermediate full loop trail (1-1.5 hrs). Beach walking distance. Nice staff. Recommend.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2025

    Oyster Point Campground

    Nice campsite by the river.

    It's a nice little campsite by the river, the campsite was very clean, and there are a few trees providing cover, but still enough sun to get some solar, if you need that. There's like a 20 ft path directly from my campsite to the river, which is nice.

  • Rhonda S.
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Dixon Landing RV Resort

    Great area, quiet and very nice owners and campers

    Just far enough away from the noise but close enough to be convenient to everything. Groceries and restaurants, gas and history all within a short drive. Campground is so nice, fish jumping, quiet and relaxing. On the water so you can put your kayaks in and paddle the creek. Very clean bathrooms with showers ice and propane and firewood available. Sites are a good size and easy to get the trailer level.

Guide to Harkers Island

Camping near Harkers Island, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore, provide easy access to beautiful beaches. One camper mentioned, "We liked it here so much we added a second day. Really easy access to the beach."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Goose Creek State Park Campground, you can launch kayaks and enjoy fishing. A reviewer noted, "There is a nature center at the entrance of the park... A place to launch Kayaks as well."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the numerous trails available at Cedar Point Campground. One visitor shared, "The nature trail has nice walkways over the marsh."

What campers like

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at places like Oyster Point Campground. A reviewer said, "Oyster Point has a ton of charm. It's quiet and serene."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. At New Bern KOA, one camper remarked, "The bathrooms were very clean and each had a shower sink and toilet all to yourself."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Hatteras Sands Campground mentioned, "The staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was enjoyable."

What you should know

  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds, like Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore, require reservations. A camper noted, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Hammocks Beach State Park Campground, have minimal facilities. One reviewer stated, "There are no trash cans or trash collecting points."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. A camper at South Core Banks — Beach Camping shared, "We found a site with a beautiful view of Cape Lookout lighthouse... young male horses that were always roaming within sight."

Tips for camping with families

  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds have limited supplies. A family camper at Hammocks Beach State Park Campground advised, "You have to pack out all trash."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Goose Creek State Park Campground, one parent noted, "The primitive sites are well maintained and the staff is great."
  • Choose the Right Time: Consider visiting during off-peak times for a quieter experience. A camper at Ocracoke Campground mentioned, "We stayed here during off season in early November."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cedar Point Campground said, "Some sites are really huge!"
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. At New Bern KOA, one camper noted, "Electric and good clean drinking water on site."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Hatteras Sands Campground warned, "Can get buggy and humid when hot. Bring bug spray."

Camping near Harkers Island, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Cape Lookout National Seashore from Harkers Island?

Yes, you can camp at Cape Lookout National Seashore using Harkers Island as your departure point. South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore is accessible via a short ferry ride from Harkers Island. This primitive beach camping area offers beautiful Caribbean-like waters and allows camping anywhere 100 feet away from buildings. The area provides basic amenities like fresh water and restrooms. For a more structured experience, Long Point Cabin Camp — Cape Lookout National Seashore offers cabin accommodations on the seashore with less crowded beaches. Ferry services run regularly from Harkers Island to these camping areas during the operating season.

What RV accommodations are available on Harkers Island?

RV accommodations on and near Harkers Island are limited but available. Down East RV Resort offers reservable sites with water hookups for RVers in the area. RV travelers can also consider Dixon Landing RV Resort, which is located in the broader region and provides a secluded setting on Goose Creek/Neuse River. This resort offers full hookups and is relatively new, making it less crowded even during peak seasons. For RVers seeking to explore the Outer Banks region while based near Harkers Island, these resorts serve as convenient hubs. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during the busy summer months.

What lodging options besides camping are available on Harkers Island?

Beyond camping, Harkers Island offers several lodging alternatives. Vacation rentals are the primary accommodation option, with numerous waterfront homes and cottages available for short-term stays. These rentals typically provide amenities like full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and water views. Some properties offer private docks for boating access. Bed and breakfasts can be found in the area, offering a more personal lodging experience with local hosts. For those seeking more traditional accommodations, several small inns and motels operate on the island, though options are limited compared to larger tourist destinations. During peak season (summer months), advance reservations are strongly recommended as lodging fills quickly in this popular coastal area.

Where are the campgrounds located on Harkers Island?

Harkers Island itself has limited camping options directly on the island. Cape Pointe RV Park is located on Harkers Island and provides accommodations for RVers. Most camping in the area is found on nearby islands or the mainland. Many visitors use Harkers Island as a gateway to access camping at Cape Lookout National Seashore. The island serves primarily as a departure point for ferries to the more remote barrier islands where primitive camping is available. For those seeking developed campgrounds near Harkers Island, options are available in neighboring communities within a short driving distance.

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