Rustic cabin rentals near Morehead City, North Carolina provide coastal accommodations ranging from primitive to modern. Located on barrier islands and mainland areas in the Outer Banks region, these cabins offer unique waterfront experiences. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for cabin stays.
What to do
Beach exploration: Long Point Cabin Camp offers secluded beaches perfect for shelling and fishing. One visitor notes, "If you are looking for beaches that aren't covered with people, you may have a hard time finding something no matter what state you live in... you, and the other temporary residents of these cabins, have the island all to yourselves."
Lighthouse visits: From Great Island Cabin Camp, take a 10-mile drive down the dune road to visit the lighthouse. A camper recommends, "Be sure to bleed your tire PSI all the way down to 18 and drive 10 miles down the dune road to the lighthouse. Totally dreamy and not to be missed!"
Fishing: Core Sound and the Atlantic Ocean provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Great Island, "Abundant wildlife, empty beaches, our kind of heaven in the summer months, hot fishing spot in the fall," writes one visitor. Cedar Creek Campground's small pier is perfect for catching pinfish.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Cedar Creek Campground & Marina offers "Quiet laid back place" with "spectacular" marsh views from the tent camping area. One reviewer noted the property has "great views of the ocean and Marsh. Close to the Morris Marina, Davis, and Ocracoke ferry. Easy access to the Outer and Core banks."
Swimming facilities: Goose Creek Campground features a well-maintained pool with water slide. "The pool is amazing! The slide is so fun! It has 3ft all the way to 6ft roped off sections in the pool!" according to one visitor. Another adds, "Beautiful area, great family atmosphere and clean facilities. The pool is awesome!"
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and common areas receive consistent praise across most cabin rental locations. A White Oak Shores visitor reported, "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area. The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained."
What you should know
Electricity limitations: Most barrier island cabins lack power. Great Island cabins require alternative cooling solutions, as one visitor explains: "The cabins come in different sizes but none have power. They have huts for generators to sit in to help with the noise. We brought a window a/c unit and it kept the place cool."
Ferry access required: Some Morehead City cabin rentals require boat transportation. "Since this area is on a small barrier island, you have to take a ferry to reach the cabins," notes one Long Point Cabin Camp visitor. Plan accordingly for transporting gear and supplies.
Water quality concerns: Tap water at some locations may have a distinctive taste. New Bern KOA Holiday received this assessment: "Water quality: 1/5 potable but tastes gross." Bringing bottled water is often recommended for drinking.
Tips for camping with families
Pool selection: Locations with swimming pools offer relief from summer heat. Goose Creek Campground features "an awesome" pool with slide, while New Bern KOA includes "a jump pad" and "gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for local wildlife encounters, especially on barrier islands. One camper warned, "There is a large raccoon population on the island so store your food and water accordingly. We did experience a raccoon running off with a dry bag full of food that wasn't secured to a permanent structure."
Historical sites: White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort provides access to nearby historic areas. When staying near New Bern, consider visiting Tryon Palace: "New Bern is a historic town with lots of vacationers during the summer... the downtown area is also a great area for shopping."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal timing: Most Morehead City area cabin rentals have distinct peak seasons. Cedar Creek Campground operates "April 1 to November 30," while White Oak Shores and New Bern KOA maintain year-round operations. One visitor noted Goose Creek is "much better in the early spring or fall" due to summer heat.
Site selection: Choose wisely based on shade and proximity to amenities. At New Bern KOA, "Standard sites are crammed together making privacy an issue. In our site we could not fully open our awning without it hanging over the neighbors site... would recommend a deluxe site for the breathing room."
Water access: Cabins near water typically offer easier boat access. Cedar Creek Campground has "a marina with gas on site. The ramp is small but there is plenty of trailer parking" making it "an awesome spot if you have a boat."
