Glamping near Rodanthe, North Carolina offers direct access to both Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean across a narrow strip of the Outer Banks. The region experiences strong coastal winds that can exceed 20 mph, particularly during spring and fall seasons, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing but challenging tent setup. Water depth in the sound remains shallow for hundreds of feet, making it perfect for wading and water sports.
What to do
Kiteboarding on Pamlico Sound: Rodanthe Watersports & Campground provides direct sound access where campers can launch equipment from their sites. According to one visitor, "Water is a leg high walk to the hammock" and rental equipment is available at "half off for campers," making it affordable to try this popular Outer Banks activity.
Lighthouse exploration: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is visible from Cape Point Campground, with one camper noting, "Had a beautiful view of the lighthouse from our specific spot." Another mentions, "Be sure to check out the lighthouse and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons!"
Beach activities: The Atlantic shoreline offers swimming, fishing, and relaxation. A camper at Cape Point mentioned, "Take bikes and enjoy riding to the beach!" While another noted it's "about a mile down the road" to reach ocean access from some campgrounds.
What campers like
Sound-side sunsets: Sites facing Pamlico Sound provide exceptional sunset views. One camper at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground described it as a "small campground on the water" with "soundfront sunsets." Another mentioned the "gorgeous view of sunsets and water sports" as a standout feature.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during shoulder seasons offers a more peaceful experience. A reviewer at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort shared, "We stopped for one night and wish it was longer. Off season and quiet, but very easy access in and out and a dune away from the Atlantic." Another noted, "Went in November which is off season. Very quiet."
Fresh seafood access: Local seafood restaurants enhance the camping experience. A camper at Rodanthe Watersports noted there's "delicious fresh seafood next door," while others mentioned easy walking distance to dining options throughout the area.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong coastal winds affect camping experience year-round. One camper advised, "The wind was really 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."
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. A camper at Teeter's Campground noted, "Sites are small but manageable," while another at Rodanthe Watersports observed, "All the sites were very small and tightly spaced, with zero privacy, which is pretty standard for such prime waterfront real estate."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cape Point, a camper reported, "There is ONLY cool water for showers. It's not so bad considering the heat of the day." Meanwhile, a Rodanthe Watersports visitor noted the "bath house was ok" but the "amazing outdoor showers made up for it. They were huge, with great water pressure."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Sound-side camping provides safer swimming for children than ocean beaches. A visitor at Cape Point Campground noted, "Wildlife, privacy, boon docking with cold showers and flush toilets. The best of simplicity. Take bikes and enjoy riding to the beach!"
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Cape Hatteras KOA offers "a cute little play area for the kids, and had scheduled fun activities throughout the week. (some required an extra fee)," according to one family.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense when winds are calm. A camper warned, "Ocracoke mosquitoes are on steroids," while another recommended, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary widely in size and access. At Rodanthe Watersports, a camper advised, "This place was really geared more toward tent campers and those with shorter RVs (25' or less, I'd say)," while Cape Hatteras KOA offers "sites for RVs all the way to tents."
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't available at all locations. A camper at Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort noted, "We chose a pull through w electric and water, but wished we had gone with full hookup," highlighting the importance of choosing sites with appropriate connections.
Seasonal pricing: Costs fluctuate dramatically between peak and off-seasons. One RVer commented that Cape Hatteras KOA "nightly prices for cabins became WAY overpriced. The RV sites are getting pricey as well," while another observed they "had looked into tent camping over the Fourth of July weekend and they wanted $150 a night for a TENT site."
