Best Tent Camping near Powells Point, NC

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Powells Point? Find the best information on tent camping near Powells Point, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Powells Point, NC (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground

    1. False Cape State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    63 Photos
    351 Saves
    Knotts Island, North Carolina

    Primitive camping year-round. No cabins. The park does not offer same-day reservations. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular amenities or to make a reservation, call (800) 933-PARK.

    All campers must receive their confirmation letter and information packet before camping at this park. Carefully and thoroughly read the information you receive. False Cape is unusual and can be unpleasant for those who are unprepared. The packet is generally sent via email, but if you need it sent by postal mail, be sure to allow enough time to receive it. No exceptions. All overnight guests must bring two copies of their confirmation letter. One must be placed on the dashboard of their vehicle; the other clipped to the site marker.

    Because False Cape is very primitive and has unusually restrictive access, reservations are not available online. For safety's sake, please take the time to carefully read and follow the information below.

    Parking is never available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for overnight guests. Campers must instead park at the Little Island City Park, leave a copy of their confirmation letter on the dashboard, and walk from five to nine miles through Back Bay Refuge to the park’s campsites. Pets are not allowed access to the park through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. See below for more information. Beach camping is subject to tides. During significant high tide events, the park may close the campsites. All park guests are subject to Back Bay Refuge and Little Island City Park's rules and regulations. Campers must be out of the refuge before sunset when arriving and departing False Cape State Park. Be prepared for biting insects during summer. They are very common. Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach - the place from which most visitors depart to False Cape - is closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, at noon the day prior to Thanksgiving Day, on Thanksgiving Day, at noon on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. On days when the lot is closed, False Cape staff will meet incoming and outgoing campers at 1 p.m. sharp to let current campers depart and incoming campers enter with enough time to hike, bike and set up camp before nightfall (about 5 p.m.)

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Market

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach RV Resort

    2. Virginia Beach RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    28 Saves
    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $100 / night


Recent Tent Reviews in Powells Point

383 Reviews of 2 Powells Point Campgrounds


  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    Nice site by the water

    We stayed here for two nights during our trip along the Outer Banks. We had a great time and enjoyed our stop here. 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 and riding their bikes to the playground. It seemed like they are working to add more amenities and upgrades so I’d stay again next time we make it that way. Also, Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    **Terrible Experience with Rude and Unhelpful Hosts

    We stayed here for four days, and while the location is decent, the sites are terrible—no shade at all. The only good part about this place is the clean bathrooms and hot showers. The campground hosts are a nightmare. They've invented their own rules outside the official ones, and while some people get away with breaking rules, we were singled out. They became angry, rude, and defensive when we questioned them, even threatening to call the police on us because our son was flying a kite! As we waited for the police, we reread the rules for the fourth time and found no issue. The police never showed up, and now the campground host refuses to assist us or provide any information, ice, or anything else we need. They even spoke directly to our child instead of us, being incredibly rude to him. These hosts should be removed immediately—they've made our stay absolutely miserable. We will never return. This campground is not child-friendly, and the hosts clearly do not like children. Ocracoke Campground is way better—the hosts there are nice, informative, and genuinely helpful.

  • Kevin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Hock Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Rocky Hock Campground

    Convenient Location

    We have family in Edenton and have stayed at Ricky Hock many times. It is just north of town and has large mostly pull through sites with full hookups.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Amenities but…Traffic Noise!!!

    Great pad sites but sparse vegetation and zero privacy. Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway.

  • Clinton R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    May. 28, 2024

    Holiday Trav-L-Park

    It's what you make of it.

    This is a wonderful spot if you want to avoid the high dollar hotel stays in Virginia Beach. There are a lot of amenities at this place, however you have to pay for some of the activities. This should be included in the price. The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other. If that. It seems that this park is more in it for the money than the camping experience. That being said, there are a ton of things to do if you have a young family or just want to be rowdy. Lol. I went during memorial weekend, but I was told it's like this all of the time. The site that I had was very uneven. I had to put a 5-in lift on one side of my travel trailer and drop the tongue nearly to the ground due to the uneven pad to park on. Only room enough for one car. Overall it was a good experience, and you can't help but get to know your neighbors. Lol maybe that's what their plan was. Know your neighbors.

  • Bjoern The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    May. 28, 2024

    Carova sands

    Fantastic adventure

    That was a great experience! Go there only if Greg says it's ok. He knows how demanding it can be to get to his ground if you're not used to driving off-road. You need a 4x4 car. Wonderful five star primitive campground. No water, no toilet. Bring your own. Explore the property, the sound and the sea. We saw deer, wild horses, coyotes, eagles, turtles, dolphins but also mosquitos and ticks. Bring repellent. I will never forget the two days camping. Greg is a great host! Thank you for this incredible experience!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Carova sands

    Incredible beautiful place

    I am so thankful to Greg and Mary for humbly allowing me to stay on their beautiful property. What a unique and incredible place. The wild horses came to visit me daily, bald eagles, osprey...kayaked on the calm waters of the sound..hiked the beach and biked the trails up through false cape state park. Just an incredible opportunity I am so thankful that I was given, and by the nicest of people you can find. And I'll be back one day for those tires Dave! Haha, thanks to everyone that showed me around, a memory to be cherished.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort
    Apr. 12, 2024

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Great Ocean Beach Destination

    Great KOA park with one row of dunes to cross to the ocean beach that depending on your site is only about 5 min walk. The park is well kept with clean bathrooms and showers. The have laundry and a very nice camp store with groceries, camping essentials and gifts. Sites are level with full hookups including cable that worked well. Wifi is marginal but they reported they have equipment on order to improve. We had spot along the dunes with covered patio with picnic table and a fire ring (no barbeques). The beach is wonderful. Great restful destination. We will definitely return.

  • Taylor P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Carova sands

    The best and most unique camping spot!

    I had the privilege of getting to stay on this property for a week while camping and exploring the outdoors in the obx. It was not only beautiful, but felt very safe as well! Greg and his wife Mary were extremely kind! They made an effort to help familiarize myself with the area while checking in and giving tips! I was also lucky enough to see the wild horses at camp & at the beach 3 out of 4 days i was there. This was truly one of the best camping experiences i’ve ever had. If you are ever in the area and craving a unique experience, I recommend reaching out to Greg and considering staying here.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Carova sands

    Perfect Getaway

    First, Greg is an amazing communicator. He gave great instructions for finding the camp site. Plus, checked in to make sure everything was going ok and gave tips.

    It was such a peaceful location and I even had the privilege of seeing a horse on the grounds on 2 different nights.

    I’m so glad I had a chance to stay here and hope to have the opportunity to visit in warmer weather.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Jan. 5, 2024

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Cool Beachy Vibe

     Cool campground within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore, beachy vibe, sites are open and no privacy whatsoever, and you’re pretty close to your neighbor, but it is what we expect from most beach campgrounds. 

    Watch out for spiny sand spurs(?) that stick in your dog’s paws and your socks- very painful and they’re all over the grassy areas. 

    Bathrooms are nice, flush toilets. Showers are available for free, but they are a bit exposed, like an outhouse type set up and the doors are short. We didn’t take showers here but another camper told us the water is warm. 

    Beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites. Wifi is available per sign on office door, but you probably need to be at the office to use it, as we didn’t see it pop us as an available wifi source. Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT. 

    All reservations must be made via recreation.gov. We came in without reservations, drove through the loops, picked an open site, and made our reservation. Recreation.gov is nice in that there are no processing fees. 

    Campground was about 1/2 full on a Sunday in early November. We paid $28 for a no-hookup site, water/power sites are available for a bit more. There’s a dump station available across the street but we didn’t use it since we were just heading south to the next campground with a dump and fill station there as well.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    Sites Along The Dunes - Splendid

    KOA Cape Hatteras Outer Banks Campground (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Road Noise: For sites near the highway 12 Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Some full hookups Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): 3 - 4 bars Setting: Open park area between highway and the dunes Weather: 60s during our visit Bugs: Gone for the winter Host: Yes Rig size: Big rigs Sites: Those in the back along the dunes would be nice to have. See pics.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Hatteras
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Camp Hatteras

    On The Water

    Camp Hatteras Campground : Clean and on the water . This campgrounds on both sides of the highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy offered - after the trailer is in the spot.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5 Usage during visit: Almost empty Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Close, see pics Site surface: Concrete Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Campground is a bit off Hwy 12, so there is road noise Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Yes Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Most or all are back in Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars Setting: Sound side Weather: 60s Bugs: Gone for the winter Solar: Plenty Rig size: Big rig friendly Sites: Water side sites are super. See pics and ocean side.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Location Is A Five

    Oregon Inlet in Hatteras NSS, NC.: Great beach and Kitty Hawk nearby. We like this campground even though sites are pretty tight. We have been here later in November in the past. The weather was much cooler, but this campground is pretty empty then.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass for non electric sites Usage during visit: 95% full. Site Privacy: Not good Site Spacing: Sites along the dunes are pretty close. Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Noticeable throughout B and C loops. I’ll leave Loop A to be evaluated by tent campers. Homey, I will say to choose a site away from Hwy 12.
    Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Some sites. See my map in pictures Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. It is across the highway to the south of the campground. Potable Water Available: At the dump station and near the restrooms. Generators: Allowed.
    Bathroom: Clean flush toilets. Showers: Yes, but a gap between the roof and walls makes for a cold experience this time of year with the wind. Pull Throughs: No Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars. Setting: A pretty area between Highway 12 and the dunes. Weather: Highs in upper 60s. Lows are in mid 50s Bugs: A couple mosquitoes. Wind has probably kept them at bay. Solar: Great when not too cloudy.
    Host: They are super.
    Rig size: Large rigs can fit in many spots. Sites: See my map in my attached pictures: Circled sites B2 - 20 back right up to the dunes. C1 -21 have a broader view of the beautiful dunes with 5 - 21 in this group a bit larger sites. B 22 and24 are getting closer to the dunes. I like all these sites in comparison to the others. However, I appreciate being backed right up to the dunes. Site B4 is the best site, in my opinion. Rig size is limited for this site. It’s not deep, Punic table is near campground road, but isolated from B2 on the picnic side by a dune . B2 is a good site. Picnic area is private from adjacent site, but not from vehicles driving by.

  • Connor D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Carova sands

    First camper

    This is a must see spot. It is located right on the sound and the beach. It is located on private property that requires 4 wheel drive capable vehicle to access. You have to drive down the beach to reach this spot. Greg and his wife were extremely friendly and wanted to share the amazing property that they own. They have a dock with access to the sound which I used to explore the sound on my kayak. I recommend giving Greg a call if you want to experience a very unique and amazing camping experience.

  • Kathleen
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Hock Campground
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Rocky Hock Campground

    Beautiful campground with many amenities

    We loved staying here for the weekend! We were the only ones in the tent area underneath beautiful trees. We kayaked in their creek that goes out directly to the Chowan River. Large fishing pond, firewood available, clean shower house, game room and tidy clean sites. Will return!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    Sep. 15, 2023

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Great location with basic amenities

    Camped at Oregon Inlet for its location near Alligator River NWR, and Bodies Lighthouse.

    The PROS:

    • Great location - plenty of beach access
    • Warm water in the showers. However, I did wish they had an attached dressing area that was dry. 
    • Quiet and respectful 'neighbors'

    The CONS:

    • Mid-September was hot, muggy and buggy. Also afternoon heavy rain showers.
    • Hard to enjoy the campground during the day due to the heat, and at night due to the bugs. I took a Tent with bug screens that covered the picnic table, so that helped but bugs still got in. Used Thermocells to help create a bug free zone relatively. Next time I will waterproof the tent cover for rain showers and it dripped a bit.
    • Bathroom doors left wide open and poorly ventilated, so they were hot and buggy, even at night. I discovered air conditioned bathrooms at Bodie's lighthouse and at the visitors center at the beginning of Route 12.
    • Yes, there are sand spurs at the campsites. I wore shoes so didn't have a problem.
    • It is true that you hear road noise through out the night. I found that week nights were notably quieter than weekend nights, including Sunday night.
    • The campsites are small and closely together with no sun protection.
    • Beach access involves walking over two high sand dunes on soft sand. Not terribly difficult, but hard for me with bad knees.
    • No area for washing dishes. I take a portable wash bucket. Took my dishes up and showered and washed them in the shower room.
    • One water spigot near the shower areas. I wasn't sure which was potable. Red and blue water spigots unmarked.
  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Aug. 30, 2023

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Awesome Place

    The Virginia Beach KOA is a nice place to stay. Plenty of things to do every day. This is a newly renovated KOA, and they added a lot of new sites. Also a new pool with a lazy River. We stayed at a premium site which provided a fire ring, a picnic table, and 3 chairs on the paved site. The landscaping is very well kept. There are some sites that have plenty of shade, but a good amount of them don’t. If you are a family with kids, this is definitely a KOA for you to check out. They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week. There was a day where a few food trucks visited, including our favorite, a Rita’s food truck. They had live music most nights, which is always a hit or miss, but still fun. They have a dog park for your furry friends. One of the best parts of this KOA is the bus service that runs from the campground to Virginia Beach proper. It even takes you to the VA Beach Aquarium, which is our favorite. The bus allows you to bring all your beach gear and runs well into the evening. Overall, we very much enjoyed our stay at this KOA and would definitely return.

  • beka S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Holiday Trav-L-Park

    Fantastic family vacay spot

    Just spent 5 days here and loved it. Wish we had stayed longer. They have 4 pools, lots of old shade trees that provide nice screen during the hot summer, fun activities, and a parking lot near the beach for easy access that was clutch! We are already planning on coming back next year.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Powells Point, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Powells Point, NC is False Cape State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.