Oregon Inlet Campground offers a central location for exploring the Outer Banks while providing direct beach access. Located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the campground sits among sandy dunes with sites arranged in three loops. The campground provides both water/electric sites and non-hookup options, with utility sites costing $7 more per night.
What to do
Beach exploration and fishing: Oregon Inlet Campground provides convenient beach access that requires a short walk from most sites. One visitor noted, "I love waking up early and walking down to the beach to see the sunrise. Oftentimes I'll be the only one one the beach. I've seen lots of cool wildlife on the beach and at the nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge." Beach driving is permitted with proper permits.
Visit local lighthouses: OBX Campground provides a central base for touring the Outer Banks lighthouses. "This is a great spot if you are starting at Currituck light house and making your way down the coast for the NC light house tour," writes one reviewer. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is particularly accessible from Oregon Inlet.
Kayaking and water activities: The sound side of several campgrounds offers protected waters for paddling. At Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA, "Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground," notes one camper. Multiple campgrounds offer sound access for water sports without ocean currents.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the area offer wildlife viewing from your site. One camper at OBX Campground shared, "A small group of deer were hanging around our campsite when we drove up and zipped off into the tall sea grass. Once dusk fell and we were set up they came back out to graze."
Spacious sites: The Refuge on Roanoke Island and other campgrounds provide more room than expected. "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. Each site has full connections along with a picnic table."
Waterfront views: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Kitty Hawk feature waterfront sites. According to one visitor at Camp Hatteras, "We stayed on the sound side and could hear the waves crashing at night which was very relaxing. Cross the road and there's a shuffle board and mini golf course."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Oregon Inlet Campground operates seasonally. A visitor advised, "Definitely stay in the fall or early Spring as it can get very hot at the campground." Summer temperatures can make camping uncomfortable without shade or air conditioning.
Varying pet policies: Beechland Campground stands out among pet-friendly accommodations near Kitty Hawk. "We brought our dogs with us. There was plenty of grass for them, a dog park, and several bag stations," notes one visitor. Most campgrounds require leashes and proper waste disposal.
Limited amenities at some locations: Kitty Hawk RV Park offers full hookups but lacks certain facilities. According to one review, "Not only does it not accommodate tents, you also cannot stay here if you are traveling in a pop-up. There are no restrooms or showers available at this site."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: The walk to beaches varies significantly between campgrounds. One family at Oregon Inlet Campground shared, "The walk to the beach was a little longer than expected but not terrible (took 10-15 minutes carrying a 25 lb toddler). Had a great ocean breeze."
Kid-friendly activities: Cape Hatteras KOA offers numerous amenities for children. "The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow. While too cold, the pool looks great," reported a family. Multiple campgrounds offer designated play areas.
Educational opportunities: The Wright Brothers Memorial provides educational value for families. A visitor staying at OBX Campground noted it was "Very conveniently located near the Wright brothers' site." The memorial is approximately 2 miles from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your needs. At Oregon Inlet Campground, "Some camper pads are very short, while others are more generous in size; all are paved and mostly level." Many reviewers recommend researching specific site dimensions before booking.
Utility considerations: North River Campground provides reliable hookups for larger rigs. A reviewer mentioned, "Campground is clean and well maintained. Cell service is poor, WiFi is subpar." Multiple campgrounds note connectivity challenges throughout the Outer Banks.
Local seafood access: When staying at pet-friendly campgrounds near Kitty Hawk, take advantage of nearby seafood markets. "Billy's Seafood is on the way into the campground and has fantastic local seafood!" notes a camper about OBX Campground. Several markets offer fresh catches for cooking at your site.
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