Best Campgrounds near Nags Head, NC

Nags Head, North Carolina has several good campgrounds worth considering for your trip. Oregon Inlet Campground sits within Cape Hatteras National Seashore and puts you right by the beach among sand dunes. You'll find clean restrooms and showers there, but be aware that campsites are close together without much privacy. Another solid choice is Frisco Campground, also in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which has nice views and is close to the ocean. You need reservations for both places through recreation.gov. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit when it's not too hot and there are fewer people than summer. Check on fire rules before you go as restrictions might be in place. Both campgrounds come with picnic tables and grills, though Oregon Inlet doesn't have electrical hookups. Dogs are allowed if they stay on leash. If you're willing to drive farther, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smokies have more outdoor options. Watch out for wind at Oregon Inlet, which can make tent camping tricky. Pack your own water and supplies since these are basic campgrounds. The Appalachian Trail isn't too far if hiking interests you. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace to keep the area nice. The coastal setting around Nags Head makes for a great camping trip if you enjoy nature.

Best Camping Sites Near Nags Head, North Carolina (35)

    1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Walking distance to the beach."

    "The campground is a short walk over the dunes to the beach and close to other points of interest such as Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the town of Nags Head."

    2. Camp Hatteras

    30 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    14 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."

    3. OBX Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kill Devil Hills, NC
    7 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."

    "OBX is very close driving to public beach accesses (2 miles), close to so much, around the corner from the Wright Memorial."

    4. The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    8 Reviews
    Manteo, NC
    5 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."

    5. Beechland Campground

    1 Review
    Manteo, NC
    4 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."

    6. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    28 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    "Off season and quiet, but very easy access in and out and a dune away from the Atlantic. The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow."

    "Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hit tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season. Great dog park. They were having problems with cable.went in and out."

    7. Kitty Hawk RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Kitty Hawk, NC
    11 miles
    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."

    8. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2777

    $40 - $165 / night

    "Room behind site in grass for games and tent, two car maximum space between site entrances, ocean within walking distance and stays a constant turnover of 77 degreesF."

    "Easy access to beach, space for kids to play, bath houses and laundry are good (for a beach area) clean, quiet and inexpensive compared to surrounding campgrounds."

    9. Outer Banks Beach Life

    2 Reviews
    Duck, NC
    17 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!"

    10. Adventure Bound Campground

    1 Review
    Kitty Hawk, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 255-1130
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nags Head, NC

348 Reviews of 35 Nags Head Campgrounds



Guide to Nags Head

Camping near Nags Head, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and a variety of campgrounds to suit different needs. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Oregon Inlet Campground, provide easy access to the beach. "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites," shared a camper.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: The area is great for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. One visitor noted, "We had a great time kayaking around the sound and riding our bikes to the playground" at Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore local trails like the Moccasin Trail near Pettigrew State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "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. One 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 by certain campgrounds. A visitor at Hatteras Sands Campground said, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest. They are very cute cabins and some with water view."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort noted, "Great location. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know:

  • Bugs and Weather: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Ocracoke Campground warned, "Mid-September was hot, muggy and buggy."
  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season. One camper at Cape Point Campground mentioned, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Frisco Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds and easy beach access. A parent at North Carolina Oregon Inlet Campground said, "This campground is not child-friendly, and the hosts clearly do not like children."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of bugs, especially in summer, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Ocracoke Campground noted, "We were worried about mosquitoes, but not an issue with the breeze."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. One family at Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA enjoyed, "Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Camp Hatteras mentioned, "Big rig friendly."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you prefer more amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. One camper at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort appreciated, "Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A visitor at Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The area seems quiet."

Camping near Nags Head, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences, from beach access to family-friendly activities. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Nags Head, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nags Head, NC is Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a 4.2-star rating from 82 reviews.

What parks are near Nags Head, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Nags Head, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.