Oregon Inlet Campground offers tent and RV camping about 20 miles south of Duck, North Carolina. Most camping sites near Duck are situated along Highway 12 and the sounds, with limited oceanfront options directly in town. Located on a barrier island, Duck experiences warm summers with high humidity and mild winters, though coastal storms can affect camping conditions from November through March.
What to do
Beach activities: Oregon Inlet Campground provides beach access within a short walk. "Nice quiet campground away from civilization but within a short 5min (not even) walk to the beach. Mostly a fishing spot (need a permit for that) and you can book this one online before visiting," notes camper SJ W. at Oregon Inlet Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The Pea Island Wildlife Refuge near Oregon Inlet offers birdwatching opportunities. "I've seen lots of cool wildlife on the beach and at the nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge," shares Valerie P. from Oregon Inlet Campground.
Lighthouse tours: Campgrounds in the northern Outer Banks serve as good starting points for lighthouse visits. "This is a great spot if you are starting at Currituck lighthouse and making your way down the coast for the NC lighthouse tour," says Sarah C. from OBX Campground.
Fishing: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. "There is a 5acre lake that allowed for fishing," mentions Nelma S. about North River Campground, which is situated about 30 minutes from Duck.
What campers like
Water access: Many campers appreciate water proximity at Outer Banks camping areas. "Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night. Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound," reports Stephen B. at Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA.
Spacious sites: Reviews frequently mention site size and layout. "The sites are fairly quiet, fairly nicely spaced, particularly for a private RV park. The sites are FHU with 50A service," notes Ray & Terri F. about OBX Campground.
Natural surroundings: Many campers value the natural environment. "The dunes are right next to the campsites and provided hours of fun—running, climbing, sliding, and just being wild and free. It's not every day your campsite is just steps away from natural sand playgrounds," David N. explains about his experience at Oregon Inlet Campground.
Sunrises and sunsets: Several campgrounds offer views of sunrises or sunsets. "I love waking up early and walking down to the beach to see the sunrise. Oftentimes I'll be the only one on the beach," shares Valerie P. about Oregon Inlet Campground.
What you should know
Limited tent camping: Many campgrounds in the Duck area cater primarily to RVs. "The sites are all trailer/RV - no camping," explains Nomad Nurse Z about OBX Campground, highlighting the need for tent campers to research options carefully.
Seasonal operation: Weather conditions affect campground operations. "Facilities were clean, showers were warm, sites were spacious! The walk to the beach was a little longer than expected but not terrible," reports Virginia W. about Oregon Inlet Campground.
Bugs: Insects can be an issue in certain seasons. "This campground is full of bugs. It also lacks the basic cleaning of bathhouses. They are full of bugs and dirt in both the outside and inside showers," warns Mary B. about Currituck Sound KOA.
Grocery options: Food shopping requires planning. "Getting groceries is difficult. There aren't many options. Bring supplies if you can," advises Jarrett about Camp Hatteras.
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity: Choose sites based on beach access time. "The beach is a short walk over the dunes, which made it super easy to head over for sunrise walks, midday swims, and evening shell hunts," shares David N. about Oregon Inlet.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. "My son enjoyed biking in the campground, it has 5acre lake that allowed for fishing, small playground and pool," mentions Nelma S. about North River Campground.
Activities beyond beaches: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "The tennis, putt putt, shuffleboard, dog park, and playground were all fun. The only downside was the equipment for the sports area was not in good condition," reports Melinda K. about Camp Hatteras.
Educational visits: Plan trips to nearby historical sites. "We took a short drive to Bodie Island Lighthouse and also spent some time exploring the nearby marina and visitor center," suggests David N. about camping at Oregon Inlet.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Waterfront sites command premium prices but vary in quality. "Paid for a water view spot, got a spot obscured by trees," cautions Tom P. about Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA.
Fresh seafood: Local markets offer fresh catches. "There is a market on the drive to the camp ground that has fresh seafood and fish that is very good! We bought fish to cook while we were there and also more to take home," recommends Sharon P. about OBX Campground.
Power reliability: Prepare for occasional outages. "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, for what they charge for a site seems they could have a backup power source," notes Bruce B. about Camp Hatteras.
Site surfaces: Site conditions vary by campground. "The sites are level and spacious. We couldn't have asked for a better first night," shares Sarah C. about her experience at OBX Campground.
