Oregon Inlet Campground offers tent and RV sites across three loops within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located about 30 minutes north of Rodanthe. Campsites are situated among coastal dunes with ocean access via designated trails. Most campgrounds in the Rodanthe area remain open from March through November, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and persistent coastal winds that help minimize insect problems.
What to do
Sunrise beach walks: At Oregon Inlet Campground, visitors can access the beach in less than 15 minutes. "I was able to hike out to the beach one morning in less than 10 minutes to view the sunrise," reports Ashlee L., who appreciated the lack of mosquitoes due to minimal grass in the campground area.
Beach driving: Frisco Campground provides direct access to designated beach driving areas. "There is a beach access ramp right next to the ranger station if you want to drive your 4wd vehicle on the beach," notes Melissa W., who also recommends Frisco Rod and Gun for supplies, as it's "only about a mile and opens early and closes late."
Watersports: Rodanthe Watersports & Campground offers equipment rentals at discounted rates for campers. "We noticed kayaks, surfboards and stand up paddle boards for rent! The rental hut was precious and the employee just as kind as can be," writes Kirsten J., who visited the small waterfront campground with about 25 sites.
Kite watching: The sound side provides excellent views of kiteboarders. "You can watch kite surfers during the day. They have their own access point for the Sound," explains Raquel R. about her experience at St. Clair Landing Family Campground, which features direct sound access.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: St Clair Landing Family Campground offers a more peaceful setting than larger facilities. "Small, quiet, and everyone is respectful and friendly. The sunsets on the sound can't be beat and everyone makes you feel like you're at home," writes Ashley G., highlighting the community feel of this dog-friendly campground.
Beach proximity: Many campers value short walks to beach access. "Sites are level with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer," while "Sunset views from sound-side campgrounds provide scenic evening dog walking opportunities," according to multiple reviews of Camp Hatteras RV Resort.
Cleanliness: Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground maintains well-kept facilities. "The site is very clean and quiet. Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," noted Robin B., who enjoyed the Easter weekend activities planned by the campground.
Access to both water bodies: Several campgrounds offer unique positioning between ocean and sound. "Situated behind metal storage buildings. Full hook ups for 16 sites with 30-50 amps. There is a bath house... Access to the beach," explains reviewer N.I., describing the layout of the smaller facilities.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong coastal winds affect tent camping throughout the region. "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," advises Amber at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground.
Site spacing: Frisco Campground offers varied site privacy levels. "Sites are on the larger side for the most part and many have some sense of privacy. This is the only Park run campground in Cape Hatteras National Seashore that has any bit of shade," explains Melissa W., though she cautions campers to "watch out for cactus and sand spurs."
Limited shade: Most campgrounds have minimal tree cover. "No shade. Don't know if we will be back," writes Cody B. about one campground, while another camper notes the "sites on the hill have a breeze and view of the ocean" but little protection from the sun.
Beach access variations: Walking distances to beaches vary by campground and specific site. "The sites on the hill have a breeze and view of the ocean. The ORV just outside the campground makes beach access easy," explains Roxanne R., highlighting the convenience at Frisco Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ocean Waves Campground offers play areas for children. "There is also a swingset - perfect for younger kids - to be able to play on just a walk away from our site!" notes Kirsten J., who recommends perimeter spots for more shade and quiet.
Sound access for younger children: The sound provides calmer water for families with small children. "The sound is great for wading and cooling off, especially for kids, since it's so calm and shallow," explains a reviewer of the sound-side camping options.
Indoor pool options: During cooler or windy days, some campgrounds offer indoor facilities. "Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," writes Robin B. about Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground, noting the special activities planned for holiday weekends.
Supply planning: Limited grocery options require advance planning for family needs. "Getting groceries is difficult. There aren't many options. Bring supplies if you can," advises Jarrett at Camp Hatteras, emphasizing the importance of bringing necessary items for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At larger campgrounds, request specific sites when possible. "We had reserved B4 but switched to B16 upon arrival... B16 was a little longer and closer to the restrooms, but neither had hookups," explains Lee D. about navigating site options at Oregon Inlet Campground.
Level pads: Most RV sites feature concrete pads for easier setup. "Our 36 ft pull behind fit perfectly on the concrete slab and was level without having to mess with anything," reports Lucy M. about Camp Hatteras, adding that "everyone was respectful and neighbors weren't noisy."
Power reliability: Some campgrounds experience 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., suggesting that RVers be prepared with backup power.
Pet-friendly considerations: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Rodanthe offer designated pet areas. "Great pet area and the staff is super nice," reports Sarah A. about Cape Hatteras KOA, though noting that sites are "very close to your neighbors and no shade."
