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Facilities

Established Camping

Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Point, near Buxton, North Carolina, is a laid-back campground that offers a simple yet enjoyable camping experience right next to the beach. With spacious sites and a friendly vibe, it’s a great spot for those looking to unwind and soak up the sun.

The campground features picnic tables and grills at each site, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including restrooms and a dump station, which add to the convenience of your stay. As one camper mentioned, “The campground is beautifully kept, freshly mowed and trimmed!”

For beach lovers, Cape Point is just a short drive from several beach access points, perfect for fishing or simply lounging by the ocean. While the walk to the beach can be a bit lengthy, many recommend bringing a vehicle to make the trip easier. The area is known for its stunning views, including the iconic Hatteras lighthouse, which adds a picturesque backdrop to your camping experience.

While some campers have pointed out that the sites can feel a bit open and close together during peak season, the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the beach make it a solid choice for a getaway. Whether you’re here for a night or a longer stay, Cape Point offers a relaxed environment to enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina coast.

Description

National Park Service

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Overview

Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the sites prior to paying. Cape Point Campground is centrally located to all of the attractions on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The campground puts you within walking distance of arguably the best fishing and surfing on the east coast.

Recreation

A short walk through the dunes leads you to the beach at the infamous Cape Hatteras. Many trophy fish have been landed from the point, and it has been a surfing destination for decades. If you prefer to drive to the beach you can access one of the many off-road vehicle ramps within a short distance of the campground. Exploration of the barrier islands beyond their beaches is possible on a hike through the nearby maritime forest. The Buxton Woods Trail is a 3/4 mile loop that can be accessed just north of the campground at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area on Lighthouse Road.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled between rolling dunes to the south and the largest remaining tract of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast to the north. The environment is naturally suited to accommodate many bird and mammal species. A large heard of white tail deer frequent the area.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.

Nearby Attractions

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located just north of Cape Point Campground on Lighthouse Road next to the Visitor Center. Standing at 198 feet, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It has undoubtedly saved the lives of many mariners navigating around the treacherous Diamond Shoals. The Museum of the Sea is also located near the Visitor Center within the shadow of the lighthouse. The museum's operating hours vary with the season.Buxton Beach is a family friendly swimming destination staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is a short walk or bike ride from the campground. Parking is available at the old lighthouse site adjacent to the current location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Fee Info

Reservations only via Recreation.gov Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.

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Location

Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. West (From Rocky Mount, NC) Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. South (From Florence, SC) Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

Address

46700 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, NC 27920

Coordinates

35.2362083 N
75.9225028 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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31%
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4.5

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2024

OK, not great

Campground is 1 of the 4 within the Cape Hatteras Nat’l Seashore. Cost here is only $20/night (the others are $28). No hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water fill on your way out. Cell service is good. The walk to the beach is a bit long, maybe about 1/2 mile or so. 

We stayed here for a night in early November and the place was nearly empty. There were one or two campers per loop, so the campground was nice and open and quiet. I think that during the busy season it would be an unpleasant stay, as the sites are all right next to each other, side by side, just big grassy area. Sites are large though, which was nice. 

We didn’t use the showers but I believe they are cold showers. The set up is almost like an outdoor shower, with a short door and a pull rope for the water. 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. 

Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov. It was easy to pull up with no reservation, pick a site, then reserve and pay online. No service fee through this site. 

No wood fires allowed here. Each site has a picnic table and grill, nothing else.

Dumpsters available, but no recycling bins. Not sure if North Carolina segregates recycling after pickup.

SiteJ25
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Laura M., January 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Laura M., January 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Laura M., January 5, 2024
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2023

Open Park Like

Cape Point. - Hatteras NP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for at least moderately secluded campsites and a picnic area that is a bit tucked away. ) Overall Rating: 2.5. Too open for me. Less character than Oregon Inlet as far as I am concerned. Price 2023: $ $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Almost empty. Closes soon. Site Privacy: Not very good . Luke’s eight through CO2 open, not broken up. Site Spacing: Decent Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: Outside loop as approach entry will have most campground traffic Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. You will see it just before you enter cg. Potable Water Available: Yes. Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Yes Showers: Cold and open to wind. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Open parklike. As you approach the last loop the loops are more broken up by shrubbery. Sites still are open. Weather: eyes in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Windy Bugs: none Solar: good. Rig size: can accommodate larger rigs. Sites: K26, K21 - about the best it gets here.

SiteDrive Through
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Roger W., November 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Roger W., November 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Roger W., November 16, 2023
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2022

Awesome camping next to ocean

This campground is right next to several beach access where you can drive your car onto the beach and fishing is good near the point. If you are walking it is a little far so I’d recommend bringing a vehicle to drive on the beach-or you can park in the lot with closer beach access but it does fill up quickly. Simple camping with restrooms and water. Bring a camp stove because campfires are rarely allowed and sand gets everywhere anyway. Watch out for thorns in the dunes if you have dogs! And also watch the weather because this campground is flat grass for the most part and if heavy rain it tends to flood. I’d choose a site on the perimeter if you like privacy since it’s so open. This campground is mostly rated for the location and again pretty simple otherwise!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Katy Z., October 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Katy Z., October 28, 2022
Reviewed May. 25, 2021

Beatifully kept grounds!

Lovely spot! Quiet and wonderfully kept, freshly mowed and trimmed! The bathrooms were clean and tidy and free of bugs, webs and mess. Showers available - we didn’t partake but hear they are cold! Hatteras lighthouse in sight. Slept to the sound of frogs and birds - wonderful! Highly recommend!!

SiteD something
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Michelle , May 25, 2021
Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Beautiful

This campground is absolutely gorgeous and quite the change from the other campgrounds at the OBX. It was quiet and peaceful.

My only two cons are that the shower was icy cold (to be expected) and my second has nothing to do with the campground itself but just the area around. Not that much to do and quite ran down. Lots of political hate signs WELL passed the election which was not very welcoming.

If you are just looking to visit cape hatteras and possibly just a place to chill at the campground, this place is perfect for that.

SiteC14
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Kaitlyn F., May 18, 2021
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Reviewed Jun. 26, 2019

Great RV camp near the beach.

Great little spot here near the beach. About a mile down the road. Great pool, showers, clean restrooms, secure gated location. Good value.

  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by John G., June 26, 2019
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

A very peaceful adventure

An independent camping experience. When arriving, drive through the sites to choose a spot not taken. Go ahead and set up so you don't lose your chosen camp appt. Go back to the entrance and fill out the 'responsibility' slip. The camp info is under the covered porch. There is ONLY cool water for showers. It's not so bad considering the heat of the day. We did not use the grill much because it was too hot. There are NO trees so be prepared with an awning or an umbrella or some type of coverage. There were joggers and bikers every day. The bathroom is very simple - A toilet. There is nothing bad to write; however, I was aware of my experience too. Camp web site said walking distance to just things. True but it was to hot Memorial Day weekend.

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Great Beach Campground

Beautiful campground. Breezy since it is right off the beach. Had a beautiful view of the lighthouse from our specific spot. No power and cold showers, but worth it!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Alycia S., July 12, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Biggest of the Cape Hatteras Campgrounds

If you can't find a spot in one of the boutique or smaller national seashore locations you won't get skunked. You'll defiantly find a spot here even in crowded summer weekends when the outerbanks are packed.

The only reason it's not 5 stars is not because the OBX isn't AMAZING or that this spot isn't steps away from EPIC surf or KILLER fishing but because this isn't my favorite spot on the OBX just because it's the largest and it's rows and rows of car camping and campers.

But the facilities are great, flush toilets, hot showers, the works.

There are several loops of camping. It's really nice that the reserve several loops to "tents only" that's not something that national or state parks do on the west coast. It's nice so that you don't get stuck in between two generators when you are trying to get back to nature in the outdoors.

  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Lighthouses, camping and surfing

Come here in the fall and catch some waves and less crowds. Not sure which campground I like better but Cape point is closer to the light house and frisco is closer to the cold showers. Both are solid

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2016

You like camping and surfing?

If you like national seashores, camping and surfing. Then this beautiful gem is for you! Mosquitos might be a problem! Deet is a solution. Climb the lighthouses!! Showers are not hot!

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2016

Very nice, beautiful drive to get here!

This area is amazing. The drive down Highway 12 is like no other. Very clean, friendly and helpful here. This area can get very busy so be smart about booking. Be sure to check out the lighthouse and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons!

  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Bran P., August 15, 2016
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Bran P., August 15, 2016
  • Review photo of Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore by Bran P., August 15, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore?

    Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Does Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore?

    There are 204 campsites at Cape Point — Cape Lookout National Seashore and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts