Top Tent Camping near Kill Devil Hills, NC

Looking for the best Kill Devil Hills tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Kill Devil Hills with tent camping. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Kill Devil Hills campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Kill Devil Hills, NC (2)


Recent Tent Reviews In Kill Devil Hills

272 Reviews of 2 Kill Devil Hills Campgrounds


  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    Nice site by the water

    We stayed here for two nights during our trip along the Outer Banks. We had a great time and enjoyed our stop here. Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night. Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground. It seemed like they are working to add more amenities and upgrades so I’d stay again next time we make it that way. Also, Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    **Terrible Experience with Rude and Unhelpful Hosts

    We stayed here for four days, and while the location is decent, the sites are terrible—no shade at all. The only good part about this place is the clean bathrooms and hot showers. The campground hosts are a nightmare. They've invented their own rules outside the official ones, and while some people get away with breaking rules, we were singled out. They became angry, rude, and defensive when we questioned them, even threatening to call the police on us because our son was flying a kite! As we waited for the police, we reread the rules for the fourth time and found no issue. The police never showed up, and now the campground host refuses to assist us or provide any information, ice, or anything else we need. They even spoke directly to our child instead of us, being incredibly rude to him. These hosts should be removed immediately—they've made our stay absolutely miserable. We will never return. This campground is not child-friendly, and the hosts clearly do not like children. Ocracoke Campground is way better—the hosts there are nice, informative, and genuinely helpful.

  • Bjoern The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    May. 28, 2024

    Carova sands

    Fantastic adventure

    That was a great experience! Go there only if Greg says it's ok. He knows how demanding it can be to get to his ground if you're not used to driving off-road. You need a 4x4 car. Wonderful five star primitive campground. No water, no toilet. Bring your own. Explore the property, the sound and the sea. We saw deer, wild horses, coyotes, eagles, turtles, dolphins but also mosquitos and ticks. Bring repellent. I will never forget the two days camping. Greg is a great host! Thank you for this incredible experience!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Carova sands

    Incredible beautiful place

    I am so thankful to Greg and Mary for humbly allowing me to stay on their beautiful property. What a unique and incredible place. The wild horses came to visit me daily, bald eagles, osprey...kayaked on the calm waters of the sound..hiked the beach and biked the trails up through false cape state park. Just an incredible opportunity I am so thankful that I was given, and by the nicest of people you can find. And I'll be back one day for those tires Dave! Haha, thanks to everyone that showed me around, a memory to be cherished.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Apr. 12, 2024

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Great Ocean Beach Destination

    Great KOA park with one row of dunes to cross to the ocean beach that depending on your site is only about 5 min walk. The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers. The have laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries, camping essentials and gifts. Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well. Wifi is marginal but they reported they have equipment on order to improve. We had spot along the dunes with covered patio with picnic table and a fire ring (no barbeques). The beach is wonderful. Great restful destination. We will definitely return.

  • Taylor P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Carova sands

    The best and most unique camping spot!

    I had the privilege of getting to stay on this property for a week while camping and exploring the outdoors in the obx. It was not only beautiful, but felt very safe as well! Greg and his wife Mary were extremely kind! They made an effort to help familiarize myself with the area while checking in and giving tips! I was also lucky enough to see the wild horses at camp & at the beach 3 out of 4 days i was there. This was truly one of the best camping experiences i’ve ever had. If you are ever in the area and craving a unique experience, I recommend reaching out to Greg and considering staying here.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Carova sands

    Perfect Getaway

    First, Greg is an amazing communicator. He gave great instructions for finding the camp site. Plus, checked in to make sure everything was going ok and gave tips.

    It was such a peaceful location and I even had the privilege of seeing a horse on the grounds on 2 different nights.

    I’m so glad I had a chance to stay here and hope to have the opportunity to visit in warmer weather.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jan. 5, 2024

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Cool Beachy Vibe

     Cool campground within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore, beachy vibe, sites are open and no privacy whatsoever, and you’re pretty close to your neighbor, but it is what we expect from most beach campgrounds. 

    Watch out for spiny sand spurs(?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas. 

    Bathrooms are nice, flush toilets. Showers are available for free, but they are a bit exposed, like an outhouse type set up and the doors are short. We didn’t take showers here but another camper told us the water is warm. 

    Beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites. Wifi is available per sign on office door, but you probably need to be at the office to use it, as we didn’t see it pop us as an available wifi source. Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT. 

    All reservations must be made via recreation.gov. We came in without reservations, drove through the loops, picked an open site, and made our reservation. Recreation.gov is nice in that there are no processing fees. 

    Campground was about 1/2 full on a Sunday in early November. We paid $28 for a no-hookup site, water/power sites are available for a bit more. There’s a dump station available across the street but we didn’t use it since we were just heading south to the next campground with a dump and fill station there as well.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Location Is A Five

    Oregon Inlet in Hatteras NSS, NC.: Great beach and Kitty Hawk nearby. We like this campground even though sites are pretty tight. We have been here later in November in the past. The weather was much cooler, but this campground is pretty empty then.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass for non electric sites Usage during visit: 95% full. Site Privacy: Not good Site Spacing: Sites along the dunes are pretty close. Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Noticeable throughout B and C loops. I’ll leave Loop A to be evaluated by tent campers. Homey, I will say to choose a site away from Hwy 12.
    Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Some sites. See my map in pictures Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. It is across the highway to the south of the campground. Potable Water Available: At the dump station and near the restrooms. Generators: Allowed.
    Bathroom: Clean flush toilets. Showers: Yes, but a gap between the roof and walls makes for a cold experience this time of year with the wind. Pull Throughs: No Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars. Setting: A pretty area between Highway 12 and the dunes. Weather: Highs in upper 60s. Lows are in mid 50s Bugs: A couple mosquitoes. Wind has probably kept them at bay. Solar: Great when not too cloudy.
    Host: They are super.
    Rig size: Large rigs can fit in many spots. Sites: See my map in my attached pictures: Circled sites B2 - 20 back right up to the dunes. C1 -21 have a broader view of the beautiful dunes with 5 - 21 in this group a bit larger sites. B 22 and24 are getting closer to the dunes. I like all these sites in comparison to the others. However, I appreciate being backed right up to the dunes. Site B4 is the best site, in my opinion. Rig size is limited for this site. It’s not deep, Punic table is near campground road, but isolated from B2 on the picnic side by a dune . B2 is a good site. Picnic area is private from adjacent site, but not from vehicles driving by.

  • Connor D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Carova sands

    First camper

    This is a must see spot. It is located right on the sound and the beach. It is located on private property that requires 4 wheel drive capable vehicle to access. You have to drive down the beach to reach this spot. Greg and his wife were extremely friendly and wanted to share the amazing property that they own. They have a dock with access to the sound which I used to explore the sound on my kayak. I recommend giving Greg a call if you want to experience a very unique and amazing camping experience.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Sep. 15, 2023

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Great location with basic amenities

    Camped at Oregon Inlet for its location near Alligator River NWR, and Bodies Lighthouse.

    The PROS:

    • Great location - plenty of beach access
    • Warm water in the showers. However, I did wish they had an attached dressing area that was dry. 
    • Quiet and respectful 'neighbors'

    The CONS:

    • Mid-September was hot, muggy and buggy. Also afternoon heavy rain showers.
    • Hard to enjoy the campground during the day due to the heat, and at night due to the bugs. I took a Tent with bug screens that covered the picnic table, so that helped but bugs still got in. Used Thermocells to help create a bug free zone relatively. Next time I will waterproof the tent cover for rain showers and it dripped a bit.
    • Bathroom doors left wide open and poorly ventilated, so they were hot and buggy, even at night. I discovered air conditioned bathrooms at Bodie's lighthouse and at the visitors center at the beginning of Route 12.
    • Yes, there are sand spurs at the campsites. I wore shoes so didn't have a problem.
    • It is true that you hear road noise through out the night. I found that week nights were notably quieter than weekend nights, including Sunday night.
    • The campsites are small and closely together with no sun protection.
    • Beach access involves walking over two high sand dunes on soft sand. Not terribly difficult, but hard for me with bad knees.
    • No area for washing dishes. I take a portable wash bucket. Took my dishes up and showered and washed them in the shower room.
    • One water spigot near the shower areas. I wasn't sure which was potable. Red and blue water spigots unmarked.
  • Sarah A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    Spot 380 the way to go!

    We got in during a tight time of year in the most sought after spot…and we understand why it is!!! Right on the sand just yards away from the water on the sound side. Sunset in your backyard. Was definitely breezy but perfect to bring the heat down a little. Super chill campground with amenities nearby. The internet is terrible so if you’re working from home, have a hotspot. AT&T does much better in this area. We have Verizon and it was spotty. No streaming capability, but that makes for a tech free in the moment experience! You are right on top of your neighbor, but it still feels private, especially if you get the end unit. However, if you don’t want the entire campground of people near your site at sunset, don’t ask for a sound site on the end :)

  • Raquel R.
    Camper-submitted photo from St Clair Landing Family Campground
    Jul. 28, 2023

    St Clair Landing Family Campground

    Beautiful

    We had an amazing time! The view of the Sound is incredible, particularly during sunset. You can watch kite surfers during the day. They have their own access point for the Sound. They have bathrooms, laundry machines. My site did not have dumping connections but they do have an On-Site dumping station you can use. It was quiet and peaceful. Would definitely stay again.

  • Sarah A.
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Jul. 28, 2023

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Great lil spot

    Super close to a beautiful beach, there really are no bad spots, but you are very close to your neighbors and no shade. A bit pricey - we chose a pull through w electric and water, but wished we had gone with full hookup. Bathrooms are ok - I did see other people’s hair and could’ve been cleaner. Some of the doors were broken and wouldn’t lock. Great pet area and the staff is super nice.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks
    Jul. 19, 2023

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks

    Why KOA - it’s easy on Hatteras

    Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Great people who visit and stay at the grounds. You feel as though you have never met a stranger even if they come from as far away as Quebec or Minnesota.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Waves Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Ocean Waves Campground

    Great Beach But Eh

    There are four tent-specific sites and I got the best one, right by the berm that separates the campground from the beach. The beach is the very best aspect of Ocean Waves, but the campground itself is jam-packed with RVs parked cheek to jowl, the bathrooms are serviceable but muggy and worn, and the staff aren’t particularly friendly. The neighboring 3-story houses towering over the campground keep their outdoor lights on late. There’s a little swimming pool and pool room and washer/dryer, none of which I made use of. One more thing: Ocean Waves is located on the south end of the OBX which is great if you’re like me and you prefer a less touristy area.

  • Alan R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Good management, decent tent site

    It was a great visit on a hot and tad rainy day. The management around Oregon Inlet is fantastic and overall people are very friendly. Feels quite safe. Bathrooms are relatively clean and accessible. Ocean can be reached via slightly difficult to navigate sand dune trails. Only negative I encountered is the tent sites (both A stand-alone and B & C RV/tent combos) are quite small and are tough to break ground. The site I stayed at was not overly difficult as it had a somewhat grassy-sand hybrid area to the side that housed a Wawoona 6 tent with vestibule. Had to be pretty compact with the neighbor but no issue. OBX sand is also a bit easier to clean!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Jul. 8, 2023

    North Landing Beach

    Favorite Campground

    We love this place. They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights, pizza and ice cream shop. We stay here multiple times a year.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pettigrew State Park
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Pettigrew State Park

    Cute campgrounds in middle of nowhere

    Stopped here as we were doing the NC state park challenge. Spent the night. The campground was full and spots were close together. A lot of people stay here to hunt locally. They stay here as it was convenient. We did have neighbors that had a huge spotlight and brought a deer back to skin. I found out from my other neighbor the next day that it isn't allowed here. We didn't know so I guess they got away with it but they kept to themselves...

    we otherwise just hung out, checked the old plantation and took a hike on moccasin trail. Be careful!!! It was brisk and damp and we of course, came across what appeared to be a moccasin on the trail. My dog jumped over it...startled it and I saw its head pop up. We had a standoff and some how came out of it unscathed. Phew!

    Also, along the same trail that is parallel to the trail there are local houses with two pitbulls that came flying out to greet us on the trail..not neutered and owners nowhere to be found. We, my female pit mix ignored them and they thankfully ended up going home.....otherwise the trail was a nice walk along the lake, but sure wasn't dull for us!

    The plantation is a neat part of history and I learned a ton about this area and park though the slave history is pretty sad.



Guide to Kill Devil Hills

Camping near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, rich history, and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there's something for everyone in this coastal paradise.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Oregon Inlet Campground, provide easy access to the beach. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: Camp Hatteras is a great spot for fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "This campground is right next to several beach access where you can drive your car onto the beach and fishing is good near the point."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Pettigrew State Park. One camper noted, "The trail was a nice walk along the lake, but sure wasn't dull for us!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Frisco Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean and tidy and free of bugs, webs and mess."
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy offered at campgrounds like Frisco Campground, where one camper said, "There are some sites with views and some sites with privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like North Landing Beach host fun activities. A visitor mentioned, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights, pizza and ice cream shop."

What you should know

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Campers often mention the bugs, especially during warmer months. One review for Oregon Inlet Campground warned, "Just make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously."
  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest... Very close sites."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Cape Point Campground mentioned, "No hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water fill on your way out."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Virginia Beach KOA said, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."
  • Bring Bug Spray: To combat the bugs, especially at places like Oregon Inlet Campground, a camper advised, "I took a Tent with bug screens that covered the picnic table."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer some shade and privacy. A camper at Frisco Campground mentioned, "Dense oak and juniper shrubs break up the campground and give a degree of separation to sites."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cape Hatteras KOA noted, "Big rig friendly sites are available."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA mentioned, "Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway."
  • Use Reservations: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. A camper at Oregon Inlet Campground said, "All reservations must be made via recreation.gov."

Camping near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and relaxation. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy a memorable camping experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kill Devil Hills, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kill Devil Hills, NC is False Cape State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.