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Best Campgrounds near Rodanthe, NC

367 Reviews

Rodanthe, North Carolina offers a mix of oceanfront and soundside camping experiences along the scenic Outer Banks. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground provides tent sites and RV hookups, while Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort features cabin rentals and glamping options. These established campgrounds are situated on a narrow strip of land with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other, creating unique opportunities for both sunrise and sunset views from the same general area.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from March through November. Sites near the water tend to fill quickly during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F. "Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Great people who visit and stay at the grounds," noted one visitor about Cape Hatteras KOA. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds being a particular consideration for tent campers. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for oceanside sites. Hurricane season (June-November) may affect camping plans, with potential evacuation orders during severe weather events. Cell service is generally adequate throughout the area, though data speeds can be inconsistent.

Waterfront access represents the primary appeal for most campers visiting Rodanthe. Sites on both the ocean and sound sides offer distinctive experiences. The oceanfront provides direct beach access with swimming and surfing opportunities, while the soundside attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers with its calmer waters. A camper at St. Clair Landing Family Campground shared: "The view of the Sound is incredible, particularly during sunset. You can watch kite surfers during the day." Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds, with more developed properties offering swimming pools, playgrounds, and camp stores. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across properties, with cleanliness often mentioned as inconsistent during busy periods. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly but may have restrictions on certain areas or require additional fees.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rodanthe, North Carolina (28)

    1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    82 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Though we were caught camping in what seemed to be a very dramatic North Carolina storm we made the best of it. Good location all around, close to the ocean and cool towns nearby."

    "Oregon Inlet Campground is located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is the first campground found on the island, very close to Nags Head, on the beach side of route 12."

    2. Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort

    29 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    "Off season and quiet, but very easy access in and out and a dune away from the Atlantic. The kids had plenty of room to ride their bikes and enjoyed the jump pillow."

    "Steps from beach. Beautiful pool and huge hit tub. Bar and cafe were closed for season. Great dog park. They were having problems with cable.went in and out."

    3. Camp Hatteras

    30 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2307

    $32 - $130 / night

    "Not far from restaurants, the Rodanthe Pier and family activities."

    "Location, location, location! Wow! Right on the ocean, so if you want to be near a wonderful beach.....this is your place. Sites are right next to one another but you expect that."

    4. Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2777

    $40 - $165 / night

    "Room behind site in grass for games and tent, two car maximum space between site entrances, ocean within walking distance and stays a constant turnover of 77 degreesF."

    "Easy access to beach, space for kids to play, bath houses and laundry are good (for a beach area) clean, quiet and inexpensive compared to surrounding campgrounds."

    5. Ocean Waves Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2556

    $55 - $67 / night

    "Ocean Waves Campground is located on the Outer Banks of NC.   "

    "Best campground on highway 12. Concrete pad for rev and nice grassy area to relax. Short walk over the dune to beautiful beach. Dog area to let you pets run. All the amenities that you could want."

    6. Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-1431

    "Unfortunately, there was often trash or toiletries left behind from other guests in the showers, but there was so much room and ledge space that it was easy to avoid and didn’t bother me."

    "The sight had a great view of the water and for sunsets, the sunrise was a 5 min walk across the road with the beach right there as well."

    7. St Clair Landing Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2850

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Didn’t know it was the weekend of the wind surfing competition, rodanthe in general was booked, called the number she was obviously at home but that didn’t stop her from getting up and meeting us there"

    "The new website is www.stclaircampground.com Facebook is St Clair Landing Campground

    Been a seasonal site camper here for 3 years, stunning views of the Pamlico sound, great access to the ocean, sound"

    8. Frisco Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    46 Reviews
    Frisco, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 995-5101

    $28 / night

    "Saw lots of bonfires at night along the Rodanthe coast and had to join in :)"

    "Campground is nice overall, there are multiple bathhouses and trash bins near the entrance. There are lots of bugs and ticks, tent space vary greatly from space to space."

    9. North Beach Campground

    2 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (252) 987-2378

    10. Lazy Days

    2 Reviews
    Rodanthe, NC
    2 miles
    Website
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Recent Camping Photos near Rodanthe, NC

91 Photos of 28 Rodanthe Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rodanthe, NC

367 Reviews of 28 Rodanthe Campgrounds

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Avon by the Sea

    Avon by the Sea- fantastic place

    Came here to go surf fishing. 2 minute walk to beach, pier, fishing. Stayed in spot 17, electric, water, sewer. Bathrooms and showers very nice- looks new. I will be staying here a lot going forward.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kitty Hawk RV Park

    Kitty Box

    Our 1st interaction was with the rude man that seems to be managing the check-in and management of the pulling in. We were stuck in one of the worst back-in spot locations on the campground. It was surrounded by full-time residents across the street from us. The residents have porches, stairs and several cars all around their ground bound trailers in regular size RV site. The management guy made his attempt to help my husband back in our trailer by berating him, questioning his experience backing our 19 ft trailer. He even had the nerve to ask me to pay him CASH while, my husband continued park the trailer. I said, "NO."  He was extremely unhinged and verbally abusive and now you don't want to ask my husband for cash?????? We asked him for a receipt and he gave us some shady excuse that the woman in the office was very busy and would get back to us in 24 hours with a receipt. BTW, this women in the office doesn't answer her calls for 24hrs.

    Our experience staying here felt like we were staying in a homeless camp with societies most delusional elitist drop outs.  

    The site pads at dirt/sand and partial grass. The bench tables are in the way of backing in because, the sites are too small and Avery shallow. Beware: the bench tables are old and heavy to move and the management guy offered no assistance to move the bench table. There was so much dirt & sandy in our trailer I was so happy to get leave just so I could mop and clean all Kitty Sand out of my trailer.

    I do not recommend this camp site. We noticed on the night before we left there are other camp grounds near by that look better maintained.

  • keith C.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    The Sea Monkey Ranchlette

    Amazing Outdoor shower, Sauna and Cold Plunge;)!

    The Sea Monkey is a dream! Bananas, pomegranates, oranges, and Asian pears they are growing everything and it’s an inspiring model for a little permaculture patch😍 A kitesurfer and/or sailors Paradise- and if you’re neither one of those things, but curious about bridling the elements-the professional instructors at The Sea Monkey are amazing at teaching! I highly recommend taking lessons-had so much fun!!!

  • Chip G.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    4th of July on Ocracoke

    This is a nice campground. The price is good, it is clean and the spaces are large enough and not too close. It is a bit rustic with no hookups. The ocean is just over the dune. But man, I sure wish they at least had electricity.

  • Jeffrey L P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    The Refuge on Roanoke Island

    Beautiful Location

    Fantastic lot backing up to the water. Only negative is customer service is slow.

  • B
    May. 5, 2025

    Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground

    Beware-disappointed

    Paid for oceanfront and got site 38 which is further away from ocean than second row- only to see 2-3 front row sites set empty our entire weekend. They do not assign sites until arrival. Lost power for a few hours on entire campground first night and it was 82 degrees - no email or message as to what was happening. Then headed to the south beach entrance only to find it boarded up for repairs-I’m still chill-until I go to take a shower on Sunday morning at 0930 and I was locked out while it was being cleaned. Unpleasant and disappointing for $155+\night

  • Rebecca A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    The area is great

    I like this campground. Very quiet and basic. Clean and easy to get to. But do your due diligence when reserving - the sites look bigger in the photos. We boondock a lot and didn’t even bother trying to compete for one of the few sites with hookups. Our 22k trailer fit in our spit but there was barely room for the truck - she’s parked at an angle. I got a little nervous getting backed in because the sites on this loop (B12) are a little tight. But if you like walking, and love to hear the waves outside your window when you sleep this is the place. Went across the street to the marina and had lunch at the Sea Chef. Sat out on the deck with our small 12lb dog and just had a wonderful time x the even brought her a doggy bowl with water. We will stay here again!

Guide to Rodanthe

Camping near Rodanthe, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of beach access and natural beauty. With several campgrounds in the area, each has its own charm and quirks that campers appreciate.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Oregon Inlet Campground, provide easy access to the beach. One reviewer noted, "The beach is right behind the campground, easy access with several trails leading right from the campsites."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. Campers at Rodanthe Watersports & Campground rave about the "best view of the way with the sound of the ocean right by you."
  • Exploring Nature: Take a hike or bike ride along the scenic trails nearby. A visitor mentioned, "Walking distance to pretty much anywhere (they also have bike rentals if you so wished)."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One reviewer from Frisco Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean, and the hot water was a nice touch."
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. A camper at Frisco Campground remarked, "There are some sites with views and some sites with privacy - every site here is better than the open park-like setting at the other Hatteras NSS campgrounds."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Hatteras are known for their welcoming vibe. A visitor shared, "You feel as though you have never met a stranger even if they come from as far away as Quebec or Minnesota."

What you should know:

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Many campers warn about the bugs, especially during warmer months. One camper at Oregon Inlet Campground advised, "Just make sure you take the amount of bugs seriously."
  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A reviewer at Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The sites along the waterway would be nicest... Very close sites, Clean grounds, No privacy."
  • Reservations Required: Most campgrounds, like Cape Point Campground, require reservations. A camper mentioned, "Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or pools. A family at Camp Hatteras said, "Great campground for families. Access to the ocean side and sound side, playground, putt-putt, indoor and outdoor pools."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray and consider a screened tent. A camper at Oregon Inlet Campground mentioned using "40% deet, bug zappers, and a powerful fogger."
  • Pack for the Beach: Don’t forget beach toys and sunscreen. One visitor at Ocean Waves Campground highlighted, "Direct access to the beach and perfect location in Outer Banks!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground said, "Super chill campground with amenities nearby."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Hatteras Sands Campground noted, "The campground was about 1/2 full on a Sunday in early November."
  • Bring a Hotspot: Internet can be spotty, so have a backup plan. A visitor at Camp Hatteras mentioned, "The internet is terrible so if you’re working from home, have a hotspot."

Camping near Rodanthe, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for beach fun, family-friendly activities, or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Rodanthe, NC located?

Rodanthe offers several waterfront camping options on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Rodanthe Watersports & Campground is located directly on Pamlico Sound, offering stunning sunset views from its approximately 25 sites. Nearby, St Clair Landing Family Campground sits on the inlet side with views of both Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. These campgrounds are centrally positioned in Rodanthe, providing easy access to both the ocean beaches and sound waters, as well as the town's amenities and attractions.

What amenities are available at Rodanthe camping facilities?

Camp Hatteras offers extensive amenities including concrete pads, full hookup sites on both ocean and sound sides of Route 12, themed activities, multiple swimming pools, playground, dog park, bath houses with laundry facilities, and more. It's a premium camping experience in the Rodanthe area. For something simpler, Jerniman's Campground provides basic facilities for seasonal visitors looking for convenient access to town. Most Rodanthe area campgrounds feature water and electric hookups, with varying levels of additional amenities depending on the property.

Can you tent camp near Rodanthe on the Outer Banks?

Yes, tent camping is available near Rodanthe on the Outer Banks. Oregon Inlet Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore welcomes tent campers and is located a short drive north of Rodanthe, offering a convenient camping option with proximity to the beach. Further south, Frisco Campground provides tent sites with easy beach access and the opportunity to enjoy bonfires along the coast. These National Seashore campgrounds are more accommodating to traditional tent camping than some of the privately owned RV-focused facilities in Rodanthe itself.

What accommodation options are available for visitors to Rodanthe?

Visitors to Rodanthe have several accommodation options beyond traditional hotels. Cape Point offers affordable camping at $20/night within Cape Hatteras National Seashore with dump stations and potable water available. For those seeking more amenities, Ocracoke Campground features paved, level parking pads on sandy grass sites tucked between dunes and vegetation, though it requires a ferry ride to access. Both campgrounds provide a more natural experience. Visitors can also find vacation rentals, B&Bs, and small hotels throughout the Rodanthe area for those preferring indoor accommodations.

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