Cabins near Nags Head, North Carolina offer diverse camping options along the Outer Banks, a thin strip of barrier islands extending 200 miles along North Carolina's coast. The region experiences mild winters and warm summers with average July temperatures reaching 85°F, though strong winds are common year-round due to the exposed coastal location. Most cabin accommodations sit between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, creating unique water access opportunities for campers.
What to do
Kayaking at the sound: Frisco Woods Campground provides direct access to Pamlico Sound with shallow waters ideal for beginners. According to one visitor, "Shallow water for play, fishing, and water sport. Beautiful sunsets." The calm waters make it perfect for morning paddling before afternoon winds pick up.
Beach driving permits: Camp Hatteras guests often obtain driving permits for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. As one camper noted, "This is due to us having a driving pass to drive on the cape Hatteras seashore, which is why we go." Daily permits cost $50 while weekly passes run $120, available at visitor centers.
Local attractions: North Landing Beach offers easy access to Virginia Beach activities. "Kitty Hawk is 45 minutes away with the Wright brothers museum. The ferryboat ride to ocracoke island is essential to a visit to the OBX very nice little town," reports one visitor. The ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke runs hourly during summer months.
Evening entertainment: Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort provides scheduled activities during peak season. "Pool, hot tub, live music and cafe" are available according to one visitor. Bring cash for special events as many activities require additional fees beyond standard campground rates.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin placement: Camp Hatteras offers premium sites with water views. "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," notes one camper. Request specific site numbers when booking for best sound or ocean views.
Clean facilities: Hatteras Sands Campground maintains well-kept common areas despite high usage. "The bath house is clean and well kept. They have a pool and games in the office for everyone as well as a laundry center," reports a visitor. Shower facilities typically open from 7am to 10pm daily.
Concrete pads: Sandy Point Resort Campground provides stable surfaces for cabins and RVs. "Our 36 ft pull behind fit perfectly on the concrete slab and was level without having to mess with anything. Everyone was respectful and neighbors weren't noisy," mentions one camper. This feature proves valuable during coastal storms when sandy or grassy sites often flood.
Sunset views: Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA delivers exceptional sunset vistas. "We were right on the water and loved our view of Currituck Sound! We could see the Currituck lighthouse at night," shares a visitor. The western-facing cabins provide the best sunset viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Limited grocery options: Visitors staying in cabins should plan ahead for supplies. "Getting groceries is difficult. There aren't many options. Bring supplies if you can," advises one camper at North River Campground. The nearest major grocery stores are in Nags Head, approximately 30-45 minutes from most southern campgrounds.
Seasonal insect issues: Bug populations can affect comfort levels during summer months. "We were there mid-summer... The midgets were so bad our RV was covered in them at night," reports one visitor. Bring bug spray with DEET for no-see-ums that typically emerge at dusk.
Weather impacts: Coastal locations experience frequent weather disruptions. "Lost power a couple of times during our stay, the day we left it was out for a few hours had to use the generator," notes one camper. Rental cabins rarely provide backup power systems during outages.
Strict cancellation policies: Many campgrounds enforce rigid booking terms. "Cancellation policy is strict so place accordingly," warns one visitor. Most require 14-30 days notice for full refunds during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Hatteras Sands Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Our kids were ecstatic about the pool, spending hours there. Also, they able to kayak around the campground. It was truly a joy to see them exploring and having so much fun in a safe environment," shares one parent. Pool hours typically run 9am-8pm with adult swim periods before 10am.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds provide safe cycling environments. "My son enjoyed biking in the campground, it has 5acre lake that allowed for fishing, small playground and pool," notes a visitor. Bring helmets as most campgrounds require them for children under 16.
Game availability: On-site entertainment options vary significantly. "Tennis, put put, shuffleboard, dog park, and playground were all fun. The only downside was the equipment for the sports area was not in good condition," reports a camper. Consider bringing your own equipment during peak season when shared items may be damaged.
Beach preparation: Cabin stays require different beach planning than hotel visits. "No shade. Don't know if we will be back," mentions one visitor regarding tent sites. Pack beach umbrellas and portable shade structures as many cabin sites lack natural shade and beach access points don't provide coverings.
Tips from RVers
Utilities connection: Elizabeth City Lodging offers full hookup sites. "Black water Hook ups are on every other row," notes one RVer, highlighting the importance of checking specific site layouts before booking. Request detailed site maps when making reservations.
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds position units closely together. "The sites are VERY TIGHT! Our 37' motorcoach was about the biggest is like to pull in. If the campground had been packed it would have been touchy at best," warns a visitor. Measure your unit width including slides when booking.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between locations. "Wi-fi is not blazing fast but it's free Wi-Fi. Each site also has free cable with a long list of channels and they are actually good channels so don't forget to bring the coax cable," advises one camper. For reliable connectivity, bring a mobile hotspot as backup.
Navigation challenges: Campground roads may present difficulties for larger units. "Paved road with concrete sites but parking a large rig might be difficult because of the narrow width of the road," cautions a visitor. Call ahead to confirm turning radius measurements for sites when bringing units over 35 feet.
