Cabin accommodations near Ocracoke, North Carolina include both inland and oceanfront options across the Outer Banks. During hurricane season (June through November), weather can change rapidly, with strong winds affecting the primitive cabins on barrier islands. Access to these cabins varies significantly by location, with Great Island and Long Point requiring ferry transport while mainland options have direct road access.
What to do
Beach exploration at Portsmouth Island: Near Great Island Cabin Camp, visitors can drive 30+ miles of pristine shoreline. "We rode our 4 wheelers down the 30+ mile beach. On one end of the island there's a historic museum like town and light house," notes one visitor about this remote experience.
Watersports at Pamlico Sound: The shallow waters near Frisco Woods Campground create ideal conditions for kayaking and fishing. "Shallow water for play, fishing, and water sport," writes a camper who enjoyed the calm waters and spectacular sunsets from their waterfront site.
Lighthouse climbing: The area's historic lighthouses offer panoramic views of the coastline. A visitor at Cape Point Campground recommends: "Climb the lighthouses!! Showers are not hot!" This distinctive regional activity provides perspective on the barrier island geography.
What campers like
Secluded barrier island experience: Long Point Cabin Camp offers a complete escape from crowds. "Feels like a world away from populated beaches. Built a fire on the beach at night, sailed and fished the Core Sound by day. We called it the 'down-east hilton' cabin and loved every minute!" shares a satisfied visitor.
Convenience to ferry access: Locations like Hatteras Sands Campground position visitors strategically for island hopping. "Great campground, super close to the Ocracoke ferry," notes one reviewer, highlighting the proximity that allows for easy day trips to Ocracoke Island.
Waterfront views: Many cabins offer direct water access or views. "We stayed near the creak and the bath house. It was a good spot," explains a Frisco Woods camper, while another notes that at Hatteras Sands "The sites along the waterway would be nicest. They are very cute cabins and some with water view."
What you should know
Generator requirements: For cabins without electrical hookups, generator management becomes essential. At Great Island Cabin Camp, "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."
Limited supplies on islands: Remote cabin locations require extensive preparation. A visitor at Great Island warns: "The only on-island supplies are ice and gasoline, so you must pack in everything. Tap water is potable but tastes very desalinated, so bottled water is recommended."
Wildlife considerations: Island cabin areas have active wildlife populations. "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," cautions a Cape Lookout camper.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Cape Hatteras KOA Resort offers water features that appeal to children. "The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow. While too cold, the pool looks great," notes a camper, with another adding that the resort has "a really nice pool area with zero entry and two small waterslides for the kids."
Biking opportunities: Many cabin locations feature easy biking terrain. A camper at Cape Point recommends: "Take bikes and enjoy riding to the beach!" The level ground and limited traffic create safe cycling conditions for children of varying skill levels.
Activity planning: During hot weather, time outdoor activities strategically. "Camp web site said walking distance to just things. True but it was too hot Memorial Day weekend," shares one Cape Point visitor, suggesting early morning or evening outings during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site differences between areas: At Camp Hatteras, a visitor notes: "We stayed at the Atlantic beach side of the campground, sites were just over the dunes from the beach. Beach area was for use by Camp Hatteras customers and was uncrowded the times we were there."
Power considerations: Electricity can be inconsistent in remote barrier island locations. "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," cautions a Camp Hatteras visitor.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds present challenges. At Cedar Creek Campground, "The roads on the property are a little rough and could use some grading, but they have obviously had some bad weather recently that hasn't helped."
