Best Campgrounds near Kitty Hawk, NC

Kitty Hawk in North Carolina combines coastal camping with nearby natural areas worth exploring. Oregon Inlet Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore sits close to the ocean and dunes, with basic but clean facilities that work well for campers who like a more natural setting. Merchants Millpond State Park Campground offers a different feel with its green surroundings and calm waters. You'll need to book ahead at both spots, especially during busy times of year. Be aware that fire rules are strict in the area, so check current regulations before your trip. Around Kitty Hawk, you can find good hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains not far away. Make sure you know the length-of-stay rules at each campground and follow all posted guidelines. The Kitty Hawk area gives you options between beach time and inland adventures. Day trips to the Appalachian Trail or just relaxing on the sand make this part of North Carolina good for different camping styles.

Best Camping Sites Near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (35)

    1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    82 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Close to the Kitty Hawk area and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. No shade and manmade dune makes for very hot camping. Bath house was clean and close by."

    "Pros: walked from campsite to ocean, many sites and they are able to be reserved, town is very close, cool evenings, lighthouses in driving and ferry ride distance, kitty hawk close and great morning trip"

    2. OBX Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kill Devil Hills, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 564-4741

    $50 - $90 / night

    "Obx Campground is located on Collington Island right behind Kitty Hawk, in the outer banks. It is clean, simple, and convenient to Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills."

    "There is an area of water (Kitty Hawk bay) with the dock that you can fish from on the campground. The sites are all trailer/RV - no camping. We stayed at site 5."

    3. Kitty Hawk RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Kitty Hawk, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 261-2636

    $55 - $70 / night

    "Good location. RV Park very well maintained and nice folk around."

    "This is a centrally located spot to be able to drive anywhere in a reasonable amount of time."

    4. Outer Banks Beach Life

    2 Reviews
    Duck, NC
    6 miles
    +1 (816) 718-5948

    $49 / night

    "Wonderful quiet neighborhood close to Atlantic Ocean with power, sewer , water and hot outdoor shower."

    "With full-hookups and a convenient location near shops and the beach, its the perfect stay for those who love the beach.  Make sure to leave a review and post some pictures of your stay!"

    5. The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    8 Reviews
    Manteo, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 473-1096

    "Has a nice trail to walk around the pond. Sites are a bit small."

    "Located between Wanchese and Manteo, this little RV park is a quiet getaway. Turning into the property you will find all of the grounds very clean and well maintained."

    6. Camp Hatteras

    30 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    $32 - $130 / night

    "Campground was very busy most of the time with a lot of golf carts running around the narrow streets but relatively quiet evenings and friendly staff."

    "Location, location, location! Wow! Right on the ocean, so if you want to be near a wonderful beach.....this is your place. Sites are right next to one another but you expect that."

    7. Adventure Bound Campground

    1 Review
    Kitty Hawk, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 255-1130

    8. Beechland Campground

    1 Review
    Manteo, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 260-5800

    $60 - $80 / night

    "Beechland is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Manteo and is only a 10- 15 minute drive to Nags Head Beach."

    9. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    12 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 453-2732

    "It’s not close to anything or any lighthouses. They do have a boat ramp so if you plan to camp and fish this would be a great spot."

    "The view was beautiful and the weather was great at night to just sit outside and enjoy the view. It was a very quiet camp with a great dog park. I look forward to visiting again soon."

    10. North River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 336-4414

    "Well cared for landscaping, nice lake, level parking spot with concrete patio. WiFi is fast and cable tv is available. I would recommend this camp ground."

    "we stayed here to get closer to friends on Thanksgiving, my son enjoyed biking in the campground, it has 5acre lake that allowed for fishing, small playground and pool (closed due to weather) clean laundry"

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Recent Reviews near Kitty Hawk, NC

326 Reviews of 35 Kitty Hawk Campgrounds


  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kitty Hawk RV Park

    Kitty Box

    Our 1st interaction was with the rude man that seems to be managing the check-in and management of the pulling in. We were stuck in one of the worst back-in spot locations on the campground. It was surrounded by full-time residents across the street from us. The residents have porches, stairs and several cars all around their ground bound trailers in regular size RV site. The management guy made his attempt to help my husband back in our trailer by berating him, questioning his experience backing our 19 ft trailer. He even had the nerve to ask me to pay him CASH while, my husband continued park the trailer. I said, "NO."  He was extremely unhinged and verbally abusive and now you don't want to ask my husband for cash?????? We asked him for a receipt and he gave us some shady excuse that the woman in the office was very busy and would get back to us in 24 hours with a receipt. BTW, this women in the office doesn't answer her calls for 24hrs.

    Our experience staying here felt like we were staying in a homeless camp with societies most delusional elitist drop outs.  

    The site pads at dirt/sand and partial grass. The bench tables are in the way of backing in because, the sites are too small and Avery shallow. Beware: the bench tables are old and heavy to move and the management guy offered no assistance to move the bench table. There was so much dirt & sandy in our trailer I was so happy to get leave just so I could mop and clean all Kitty Sand out of my trailer.

    I do not recommend this camp site. We noticed on the night before we left there are other camp grounds near by that look better maintained.

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Virginia Beach RV Resort

    Good stay for simple camping

    We picked this site for its proximity to the beach. Site #4 was level and had full hookups. It was a bit tricky to get our setup into but was accomplished once I determined the best way to maneuver. The playground was basic, but a playground non the less. Pools were nice and never really crowded. There is no on site camp store, and we did not find ice as advertised. We also had to treat our lot/camper for ants but given the location we figured as much. We have AT&T and Verizon and both picked up well. The WiFi didn’t seem to exist unless you were close to their buildings. Everyone was friendly and was a nice quiet getaway to let the kids ride bikes and fish. All in all, we enjoyed our vacation and would book here again.

  • Jadon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    North Bayshore Campground

    Summer Fun

    We got a RV site for 2 nights, #99. We really liked the campgrounds. Everyone was very welcoming! Lots of things to do. We drove 20mins to the beach, paid $25 for 24hr oversized vehicle parking.

  • Jeffrey L P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    Beautiful Location

    Fantastic lot backing up to the water. Only negative is customer service is slow.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Under construction ~

    This is a beautiful campground! There are only seven campers here in this campground, and I can't believe it. The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site, however my picnic table has a very very warped bench. But it makes no difference to me as it is only me, and I have my own chairs! The bathrooms are clean and well lit. The only thing I have a problem with here, is that there are no garbage cans or dumpsters near the campsites. The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground! There is lots to do within this camp, let alone in the area around the camp. I have noticed two hiking trails, I have seen the kayaks that are for rent and the area you launch, all we need now is some nicer weather. Other info, I asked if they had weekly rates and was told yes. But of course you are limited to 14 days like so many other campgrounds. When I arrived and talked to the clerk about the weekly rates, all he did was multiply the daily rate by the number of days. There is no discounted weekly rate. They also do not take Sam's club, do not have senior discounts, etc.. I don't know if their site on the the dirt shows the price, but it was $42 for the first night and drops to $38 per night for the rest of my stay.

  • B
    May. 5, 2025

    Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    Beware-disappointed

    Paid for oceanfront and got site 38 which is further away from ocean than second row- only to see 2-3 front row sites set empty our entire weekend. They do not assign sites until arrival. Lost power for a few hours on entire campground first night and it was 82 degrees - no email or message as to what was happening. Then headed to the south beach entrance only to find it boarded up for repairs-I’m still chill-until I go to take a shower on Sunday morning at 0930 and I was locked out while it was being cleaned. Unpleasant and disappointing for $155+\night

  • Rebecca A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    The area is great

    I like this campground. Very quiet and basic. Clean and easy to get to. But do your due diligence when reserving - the sites look bigger in the photos. We boondock a lot and didn’t even bother trying to compete for one of the few sites with hookups. Our 22k trailer fit in our spit but there was barely room for the truck - she’s parked at an angle. I got a little nervous getting backed in because the sites on this loop (B12) are a little tight. But if you like walking, and love to hear the waves outside your window when you sleep this is the place. Went across the street to the marina and had lunch at the Sea Chef. Sat out on the deck with our small 12lb dog and just had a wonderful time x the even brought her a doggy bowl with water. We will stay here again!


Guide to Kitty Hawk

Camping near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and family-friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Oregon Inlet Campground, are just a short walk from the beach. One camper mentioned, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: At Merchants Millpond State Park Campground, you can rent canoes and explore the scenic trails. A visitor shared, "Taking a canoe or kayak out to explore the pond and swamps is a must and total unique experience."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot dolphins and other wildlife. One review from First Landing State Park Campground noted, "One highlight was watching the school of dolphins from our kayaks, not far from the beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Frisco Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Very clean facilities and close by. Easy access to water."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds host activities for families. One camper at North Landing Beach said, "They are always hosting activities, there's a beach and a pool, playground, movie nights, pizza and ice cream shop."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy beautiful surroundings. A review for Camp Hatteras stated, "Location location location. Depends on what site you are in but the ocean is super close."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially those near roads. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA mentioned, "Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway."
  • Site Spacing: Many campgrounds have close sites. A camper at Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest... Very close sites, Clean grounds, No privacy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A camper at Oregon Inlet Campground advised, "All reservations must be made via recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can have a lot of bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Oregon Inlet Campground warned, "Just make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: Look for campsites with shade to keep cool. A review for First Landing State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites have shade a few do not have any shade."
  • Bring Entertainment: With kids around, having games or activities can keep them engaged. One camper at North Landing Beach said, "We stay here multiple times a year."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Frisco Campground noted, "Some sites with views and some sites with privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A review for Holiday Trav-L-Park mentioned, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Camp Hatteras shared, "There’s a dump station available across the street but we didn’t use it since we were just heading south."

Camping near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a family adventure, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Kitty Hawk, NC?

While Kitty Hawk itself has limited camping options, with Kitty Hawk RV Park primarily catering to RV travelers, most campers stay at nearby locations. OBX Campground is located on Collington Island just behind Kitty Hawk, offering convenient access to the area. This campground provides gravel sites with full hookups and features two ponds on the property. For those wanting to camp in the greater Kitty Hawk region, you'll find most options distributed along the Outer Banks corridor, requiring just a short drive to reach Kitty Hawk attractions.

What amenities are available at Kitty Hawk camping sites?

Camping sites near Kitty Hawk offer varied amenities depending on the campground. Oregon Inlet Campground provides dune-side sites for privacy (no hookups) and separate sites with electric hookups in a grassy area. Clean bathhouses are available. Camp Hatteras features Atlantic beachside sites just over the dunes, well-maintained facilities, free games like putt-putt golf, and a game room with coin-operated options. Many nearby campgrounds offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer), picnic tables, fire rings, and Wi-Fi, though amenities vary by location.

Are there camping options near the Outer Banks close to Kitty Hawk?

Yes, several camping options exist near Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks. North Landing Beach Campground is about 10 miles from the Currituck Ferry, which puts you just a few miles from Kitty Hawk after a 45-minute ride. Bells Island Campground offers coastal camping with convenient highway access to Kitty Hawk. For beachfront camping, consider locations like Oregon Inlet Campground within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is close to Kitty Hawk and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Refuge on Roanoke Island provides another nearby option with water access while remaining convenient to Outer Banks attractions.