Camping options near Manns Harbor, North Carolina span both the mainland and barrier islands, with most sites situated within 30 miles of town. The coastal region sits at near sea level, with elevation rarely exceeding 10 feet above high tide. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range and lower humidity levels.
What to do
Beach access across dunes: Oregon Inlet Campground provides a short walk to uncrowded beaches. "I was able to hike out to the beach one morning in less than 10 minutes to view the sunrise," notes Ashlee L., who appreciated the manageable distance for enjoying early morning ocean views.
Wildlife viewing on Roanoke Island: The Refuge on Roanoke Island offers opportunities to observe local wildlife along shoreline trails. "Or just enjoy a nice walk around the shoreline and along the piers," suggests Casey W., who found the quieter setting ideal for nature appreciation away from busier beach areas.
History exploration: Beechland Campground provides convenient access to historic sites. "Beechland is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Manteo and is only a 10-15 minute drive to Nags Head Beach," explains Marina R., highlighting the campground's strategic location for both historical and beach activities.
What campers like
Sound and ocean proximity: Camp Hatteras RV Resort offers the unique advantage of both sound and ocean access. "Very quiet, 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," shares Lucy M., appreciating the peaceful soundside location.
Star visibility: Oregon Inlet Campground provides excellent celestial viewing conditions. "You'll hear the ocean waves pretty much all night from all or most sites, and the star viewing is also great here," reports Ashlee L., noting how the open skies create opportunities for stargazing away from light pollution.
Proximity to attractions: OBX Campground offers central access to regional attractions. "This campground is located in a great spot, on Colington Island technically still Kill Devil Hills. We adventured to many local attractions easily from the campground," explains Amy E., who found the location convenient for regional exploration.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more generous spacing than others. "The sites are fairly quiet, fairly nicely spaced, particularly for a private RV park," notes Ray & Terri F. about OBX Campground, contrasting with tighter configurations at other locations.
Weather considerations: Coastal weather patterns require preparation. "Definitely stay in the fall or early Spring as it can get very hot at the campground," advises Valerie P. about Oregon Inlet Campground, suggesting shoulder seasons for more comfortable camping.
Facility maintenance: Bathhouse cleanliness varies across campgrounds. "The bathrooms, showers and pool were pristine. We saw a staff member cleaning them every day at 9am," reports Marina R. about Beechland Campground, highlighting the attention to facility maintenance.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for sandy conditions: Beach proximity means sand management becomes important. "The dunes are right next to the campsites and provided hours of fun—running, climbing, sliding, and just being wild and free," shares David N. about Oregon Inlet, suggesting families embrace rather than fight the sandy environment.
Pool alternatives for rough surf days: Cape Hatteras KOA offers water recreation options when ocean conditions aren't ideal. "They have a really nice pool area with zero entry and two small waterslides for the kids. Plenty of chairs on the pool deck, and a small area of shade where you could eat or get out of the sun," notes Rachael H., describing family-friendly alternatives to beach time.
Site selection for families: Camp Hatteras offers family-friendly spaces beyond the campsite. "Room behind site in grass for games and tent, two car maximum space between site entrances, ocean within walking distance," explains Joseph J., pointing out the extra space for activities.
Tips from RVers
Level pads availability: Camp Hatteras provides convenient setup for larger rigs. "Our 36 ft pull behind fit perfectly on the concrete slab and was level without having to mess with anything," shares Lucy M., noting the convenience of properly leveled sites.
Beach access logistics: Kitty Hawk RV Park offers direct beach access that doesn't require towing vehicles. "Beach is right across the street. This is a centrally located spot to be able to drive anywhere in a reasonable amount of time," explains Melanie T., highlighting the convenience for RVers wanting to maintain a basecamp.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. "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," advises Sarah A. at Camp Hatteras, providing important information for remote workers.
