Best Glamping near Nags Head, NC

Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort and Rodanthe Watersports & Campground house premium glamping accommodations along North Carolina's scenic Outer Banks. The Cape Hatteras KOA boasts oceanfront glamping units with direct beach access, featuring fully-furnished interiors, climate control systems, and private outdoor spaces with fire rings. "Breathtaking! We camped on the dunes and had the perfect vacation. This KOA is wonderful and the staff made this a wonderful trip," noted one visitor about their glamping experience. Rodanthe Watersports offers sound-front eco-friendly glamping options with spectacular water views, comfortable accommodations, and access to watersports rentals at half price for overnight guests. Both locations provide picnic tables, electricity, and water hookups, with the KOA adding cable TV, WiFi, and proximity to their resort-style pool complex with hot tub.

The sound-front setting at Rodanthe creates unique glamping experiences where guests witness stunning sunsets directly from their accommodation. According to one camper, "The sight had a great view of the water and for sunsets, the sunrise was a 5 min walk across the road with the beach right there as well." Water activities dominate the experience, with kayak, paddleboard, and surfboard rentals available steps from glamping units. Cape Hatteras KOA offers family-friendly amenities including a pirate ship playground, jumping pillow, and seasonal live music at their on-site café. Winter visitors enjoy tranquil beach access with fewer crowds, while summer brings full programming with organized activities. Both locations welcome pets in designated glamping accommodations, with Cape Hatteras KOA featuring a specialized dog park area with sand for off-leash play and Rodanthe offering sound access for dogs to swim.

Best Glamping Sites Near Nags Head, North Carolina (5)

    1. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

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

    "There is a freshwater shower at the entrance to the beach so that you can rinse off when you’re done. The bathhouse was nice and clean. The shower area is co-Ed."

    "Super close to a beautiful beach, there really are no bad spots, but you are very close to your neighbors and no shade."

    2. Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-1431

    "Has fire pit and wooden picnic table. Gorgeous view of sunsets and water sports. Water is a leg high walk to the hammock. Bathroom: showers were clean!"

    "We stayed in site #4, which is one of the water/electric sites right on Pamlico Sound. Very level, and the view was amazing."

    3. Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    12 Reviews
    Corolla, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 453-2732

    "Plenty of room on site. Clean and organized. View of Currituck Sound is beautiful."

    "Closes super early so don't forget anything if you plan on arriving after 5pm. No propane. THEY NEED A POOL! THIS PLACE WOULD BE THE SH@T"

    4. North Landing Beach

    15 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 426-6241

    "This location was PERFECT! It warmed up enough to enjoy the beach which was a 5 minute walk from cabin."

    "RV sites range include water, electric, pull-through and full amenities. There is a large outdoor entertaining pavilion as well as a smaller, indoor event space with full kitchen."

    5. Sandy Point Resort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Knotts Island, NC
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 429-3094

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Staff at the store were friendly and were pretty lenient to letting me use the fire pits since there was no one else at my site. Will definitely stay again if I’m ever passing through the area."

    "We arrived not sure of where to camp and this lovely guy named Steve who wasn’t even an employee showed us a good place to camp and made us a fire."

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Glamping Reviews near Nags Head, NC

72 Reviews of 5 Nags Head Campgrounds


  • Rachael H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Very nice

    They claim to be a camping resort. Well, their definition of resort and mine are different...The grounds were very well-kept. Their property is Right on the beach and has direct access. Nice sandy beaches. There is a freshwater shower at the entrance to the beach so that you can rinse off when you’re done. The bathhouse was nice and clean. The shower area is co-Ed. They have a cute little play area for the kids, and had scheduled fun activities throughout the week. (some required an extra fee) Office doubled as a little camp store with some basic groceries, cold drinks, and souvenirs type stuff. All of the staff that we came in contact with were extremely friendly and helpful. 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.They had sites for RVs all the way to tents. We splurged this time (heat, salt, and sand!) and opted for a camping cabin.(I somehow forgot to take pictures of the cabin, but it is identical to the one in my Arkansas review… Except no TV. I really thought there was a TV… But no matter, we didn’t miss it.) The camping cabin was basic one double bed one set of bunkbeds, there was air-conditioning and plenty of room. A nice swing on the covered porch. Picnic table, grill, and fire ring. The cabins were very close together, but it wasn’t an issue. This campground also offers deluxe cabins which look like your typical Beachhouse type rental. We were visiting on the holiday, I had looked into tent camping over the Fourth of July weekend and they wanted $150 a night for a TENT site. Yeah, I don’t think so. The beach at the Outer Banks is lovely, it’s not commercial and trashy (like I would describe Myrtle beach) and as far as I could see everyone on the beach was good about observing social distance, and Nobody crowded each other. We stayed three nights and had a wonderful time. Overall we will definitely stay here again. Oh, dogs are welcome year round on the beach, only restriction being they have to be leashed. They are also welcome at the campground and there is a dog play area and a dog bathing area.

  • A
    Jul. 16, 2021

    Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    Can’t go wrong with the view and playground in your backyard

    Site: mixture of grass and sand. Has fire pit and wooden picnic table. Gorgeous view of sunsets and water sports. Water is a leg high walk to the hammock. Bathroom: showers were clean! Would benefit of having an fan unit to help cool off while using the toilet. Loved having the option of using outdoor shower (yes even had hot water option). I was able to enjoy a brew in the shower and get dressed and ready in front of a mirror was was provided in the same outdoor shower space. Location: loved that it wasn’t located in a touristy area. It was on the sound. We enjoyed the pizza at the local Italian place right next door. Note: there is a ice vending place that charges affordable rate.. you have the option of ice in a bag or fill up your cooler there.. can walk there if need be. It’s across the street. Other towns over were a 30-45 min drive.

    Some things to keep in mind: The wind was really strong and it made setting up our tent a challenge! Thanks to our friendly neighbors, they were able to get it grounded for us. Bring rope/canopy weight in case this happens. There were no bugs due to the wind. However.. we heard that if it wasn’t windy.. bugs were a big issue so canopy/mosquito net would be wise!

    Bring water shoes to be able to walk in the sound. Water was at perfect temperature.

    Dogs are allowed, even in the water! They require pet deposit.

    They also had charcoal grills for you to use if you need one.

  • Jen V.
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    Tightly spaced, but the views are incredible!

    We stayed in site #4, which is one of the water/electric sites right on Pamlico Sound. Very level, and the view was amazing. All the sites were very small and tightly spaced, with zero privacy, which is pretty standard for such prime waterfront real estate (and typical of most popular beach destinations).  Since the sites were so small, this place was really geared more toward tent campers and those with shorter RVs (25’ or less, I’d say). Each site had a picnic table, and most had a fire pit, which is pretty rare in this area (many CGs ban ground fires due to frequent high winds).

    Bath house was ok. Cleanliness was so-so, depending on the day, but the biggest issue was it was not air-conditioned, so using the restroom was generally a pretty muggy and unpleasant experience. However, the amazing outdoor showers made up for it. They were huge, with great water pressure, and felt wonderful after a long, hot day in the sun. Unfortunately, there was often trash or toiletries left behind from other guests in the showers, but there was so much room and ledge space that it was easy to avoid and didn’t bother me. Generally speaking, the bath houses and grounds could stand a little more regular cleaning and maintenance, but since the owners run a watersport rental business from the property, it’s obvious that’s their main focus. Once checked in, it seems campers are left to their own devices until/unless they want to rent some equipment, because the owners and staff spent all day at the rental booth. I didn’t find this to be a problem at all; I just mention this to advise other campers to expect a more hands-off management approach, at least on the camping side. If you want to rent some water sport equipment while in the Outer Banks, this is a great place; the selection and prices are good (and half off for campers), you can launch right from your site, and the staff are very knowledgeable. Even if you aren’t into watersports, the sound is great for wading and cooling off, especially for kids, since it’s so calm and shallow. The sunsets are breathtaking, and it’s especially fun to watch the kite surfers out on the water in the evening. On a final note, be forewarned that the wind here is no joke. Be prepared to securely tie down any tents, pop-up gazebos or screen houses you have. The wind was so strong for two nights that our pop-up was shaking most of the night. The good thing about the wind was it kept the bugs away, because mosquitoes here are brutal when there is no breeze.

    The Outer Banks are chock-full of activities and attractions for the whole family, whether you prefer your vacations relaxing or action-packed. Most of the more active, kid-centered attractions are farther north in the Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills area. Rodanthe is definitely quieter and less crowded, which we liked, but there are still plenty of restaurants in the vicinity, more kite and water sport outfitters, souvenir shops, and an arcade. Lisa’s Pizzeria, right next door to the CG, was amazing. Buxton is worth a day trip down for an Apple Ugly at the Orange Blossom, and a tour of the Hatteras Lighthouse and adjacent National Seashore visitor center. Ocracoke is another neat day trip, but we didn’t have time.

    Overall, this is a really neat little campground on the sound, and the prices are great for the area (much lower than the big RV resorts a few blocks away). There are quite a few campgrounds in the Tri-Villages alone, and after driving through most of them, I would probably opt for Rodanthe Watersports again. If you can deal with the tight spacing, minimal upkeep, and lack of big-resort amenities, this is a great, cost-effective option in a gorgeous setting!

  • Lucy M.
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Just ok

    Level spot, but too crowded. Our neighbor was inconsiderate and blasted the outdoor tv pst quiet hours. Nice playground and bounce place where many kids were present but not many parents. 15 kids bouncing at one point none had masks on. Just not the best situation with the present Covid situation. Bathrooms were not up kept frequently, floors were gross.

  • Denise F.
    Jul. 12, 2021

    North Landing Beach

    Wonderful experience

    Over 2021 spring break I wanted to introduce my 2 granddaughters to camping. But at only 4 and 5 I thought it best to ease them in by renting a cabin but still have the camp atmosphere. This location was PERFECT! It warmed up enough to enjoy the beach which was a 5 minute walk from cabin. Both nights we warmed by the outside campfire and I introduced them to my childhood favorite: S'MORES!!! They didn't want to leave and talked about it for weeks!

  • Sarah A.
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Great lil spot

    Super close to a beautiful beach, there really are no bad spots, but you are very close to your neighbors and no shade. A bit pricey - we chose a pull through w electric and water, but wished we had gone with full hookup. Bathrooms are ok - I did see other people’s hair and could’ve been cleaner. Some of the doors were broken and wouldn’t lock. Great pet area and the staff is super nice.

  • Kirsten J.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    Sound front campsites with rental equipment available!

    Rodanthe Watersports Campground is both a campground and a rental site. The campground is small - about 25 sites or so, some near trees while others are soundfront. This campground offers unbeatable, gorgeous sunsets - which make up for the closeness in proximity to your neighbor.

    As we pulled in, we noticed a sign - which informs you that you pay by the person at this campground. We also noticed kayaks, surfboards and stand up paddle boards for rent! The rental hut was precious and the employee just as kind as can be.

    Some of the sites had campfire rings, but most did not. We found out later you had to request one when booking if you wanted one…live and learn! We also learned you could have a bonfire on the beach (with a permit), which made up for that.

    RV and tent sites were both offered, yet either way, you were within earshot of your neighbor. All that aside, we would come back for the sunsets alone. They were FANTASTIC!

  • W
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Sandy Point Resort Campground

    Probably one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to for such a great price

    It was getting late so I was worried I wouldn’t find a place to stay for the night. Luckily, the camp store was open until 8 so I had plenty of time to get a place to stay for the night. It was a great view of the sunset and the whole area was pretty quiet. Staff at the store were friendly and were pretty lenient to letting me use the fire pits since there was no one else at my site. Will definitely stay again if I’m ever passing through the area.

  • Cassandra R.
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Mixed bag, but mostly great

    When we first arrived, we thought this campground was amazing. Then we realized the bathhouse nearest to us was being renovated. It’s good it was being renovated, ultimately, but was a bummer for us, and left me wishing we had requested a different site closer to an open bathhouse.

    The individual showers are nice, but they were not cleaned the entire time we were there.

    No one was monitoring the gate house and people who weren’t staying there seemed to be coming in and riding around.

    It was a little chilly when we were there, but the pool area seemed really nice.

    The camp office store was well stocked and nice.

    Our daughter LOVED the jumping pillow and cute pirate ship playground. There were a lot of things for kids to do, including a cute evening train.

    The campground was great about sending text messages about what was going on. You can also text to order wood and ice, which they’ll bring to your site!!!

    There’s a great spot across the road to watch the sunset and fly kites.


Guide to Nags Head

Cape Hatteras and Rodanthe offer glamping options close to Nags Head, North Carolina where the Outer Banks peninsula shields Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. The region's barrier island geography creates unique camping conditions with significant wind patterns, often providing natural bug control during breezy days. Weather changes quickly in this coastal environment, requiring campers to secure tents and equipment properly.

What to do

Water activities on Pamlico Sound: At Sandy Point Resort Campground, campers enjoy the calm waters ideal for beginners. "Lots of fishing in the sound," notes Mason K., who went "tent camping and fishing in the sound." The protected waters make it a good spot for those new to paddling.

Winter beach access: Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort offers year-round ocean access with fewer crowds during winter months. "Went in November which is off season. Very quiet. People were super friendly. Steps from beach," reports Sandy G. Winter visitors can enjoy peaceful beach time without summer crowds.

Lighthouse views: Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA provides unique evening views. "Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night," shares Stephen B. The lighthouse visibility creates distinctive nighttime scenery not found at other campgrounds.

Monster truck exhibits: Located a short drive from Outer Banks West KOA, Diggers Dungeon showcases monster trucks. "Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks," recommends Stephen B. This offers a land-based activity option when weather prevents beach time.

What campers like

Sound-front sunsets: The western-facing campsites at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground provide direct sunset views over Pamlico Sound. "The sight had a great view of the water and for sunsets, the sunrise was a 5 min walk across the road with the beach right there as well," notes Taylor T. This dual-access layout gives campers both sunset and sunrise options.

Spacious beach sites: North Landing Beach offers uncrowded beach access. "The beach was quiet and relaxing with beautiful sunsets. We will go back!" writes Brandi I. The beach areas remain less congested than public beaches closer to Nags Head.

Outdoor showers: Campers appreciate the full-sized outdoor shower facilities at Rodanthe. "Loved having the option of using outdoor shower (yes even had hot water option). I was able to enjoy a brew in the shower and get dressed and ready in front of a mirror was was provided in the same outdoor shower space," explains Amber.

Affordability: The glamping accommodations near Nags Head provide good value compared to traditional hotels. "We stayed in site #4, which is one of the water/electric sites right on Pamlico Sound. Very level, and the view was amazing," mentions Jen V. at Rodanthe Watersports, noting the prices are "much lower than the big RV resorts a few blocks away."

What you should know

Site availability challenges: North Landing Beach has transformed many waterfront sites to accommodate glamping units. "North Landing has had quite the facelift since our first visit in 2015. Tons of cottages have replaced the coveted waterfront tent sites," reports Teresa C. Booking well in advance is essential for premium locations.

Wind considerations: The constant winds affect camping setup and experience. "Pretty windy area being right on the water," notes Jake about Sandy Point Resort Campground. Amber adds at Rodanthe: "The wind was really strong and it made setting up our tent a challenge! Thanks to our friendly neighbors, they were able to get it grounded for us."

Variable bathhouse conditions: Facilities can fluctuate in cleanliness. At Rodanthe Watersports, Jen V. notes: "Bath house was ok. Cleanliness was so-so, depending on the day, but the biggest issue was it was not air-conditioned, so using the restroom was generally a pretty muggy and unpleasant experience."

Pricing inconsistencies: Some campgrounds have pricing discrepancies between websites and actual costs. At Sandy Point, Donna W. warns: "The pricing is incorrect on The Dyrt and their website. The Dyrt states $20-$60 then I went to their business website and the cheapest (tent no hookup) was $40."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-focused amenities: Cape Hatteras KOA offers structured activities for children. "Has a nice pool and access to ocean. Fun activities for the kids," mentions Justin B. The KOA provides organized programming during peak season that parents can join or use as supervised activity time.

Space consideration: Sites at some campgrounds offer limited privacy between campers. "All the sites were very small and tightly spaced, with zero privacy, which is pretty standard for such prime waterfront real estate," explains Jen V. about Rodanthe Watersports. Families needing more separation should request specific sites when booking.

Dog-friendly options: Many glamping locations near Nags Head allow pets. "Dogs are allowed, even in the water! They require pet deposit," notes Amber about Rodanthe Watersports. This allows families to include pets in water activities rather than leaving them at the campsite.

Safety considerations: Rodanthe's sound-side location offers safer swimming conditions for young children. "The sound is great for wading and cooling off, especially for kids, since it's so calm and shallow," explains Jen V. Parents prefer the protected water over ocean swimming for inexperienced swimmers.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At Outer Banks West KOA, verify water view sites aren't obscured. "Paid for a water view spot, got a spot obscured by trees," cautions Tom P. RVers should specifically request unobstructed views when booking premium sites.

Size limitations: Rodanthe Watersports Campground works best for smaller rigs. "Since the sites were so small, this place was really geared more toward tent campers and those with shorter RVs (25' or less, I'd say)," advises Jen V. Larger units should seek alternative campgrounds with deeper sites.

Weather protection: The coastal position creates challenging conditions for RV stabilization. "The wind was so strong for two nights that our pop-up was shaking most of the night," warns Jen V. about Rodanthe. RVers should bring additional stabilizing equipment beyond standard leveling jacks.

Hookup variations: Cape Hatteras KOA has inconsistent utility placements. "Black water Hook ups are on every other row," notes Matt T. RVers need to verify specific utility locations before selecting sites, as some require longer hose and cable connections than standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Nags Head, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Nags Head, NC is Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Nags Head, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 glamping camping locations near Nags Head, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.