Ocean breezes and the sound of the Atlantic define the atmosphere at Ocean Waves Campground, a family-run property on Highway 12 in the Outer Banks village of Waves, North Carolina. A trail over the dunes at the back of the campground gives campers direct beach access, one of the most consistently noted features across reviews. The campground runs 89 sites total, with concrete pads, paved interior roads, and a mix of shaded and open spots. Perimeter sites tend to offer more shade and somewhat less noise from neighboring campers.
The campground is compact, and RVs are parked closely together. Campers with large rigs or those expecting spacious separation between sites should note that some reviewers found the layout tight, particularly for backing in. After rain, low-lying sites can collect standing water around electrical hookups. That said, full hookups include 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections, with a maximum RV length of 65 feet. Three bathhouses provide hot showers, and the property also has a small swimming pool, a game room, laundry facilities, camp store, and a gated dog run. Cell service receives mixed marks. Campers exploring campgrounds around Rodanthe will find a handful of alternatives along this stretch of Highway 12, including Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort to the north.
"Quiet at night, ocean breezes," notes Diane E., though neighboring multi-story homes do border the property and leave outdoor lights on after dark. The season runs March 15 through November 15, with nightly rates from $55 to $67. This campground makes the most sense for RV travelers and families who prioritize beach access and full hookups over site privacy or open space.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOcean Waves Campground is located in North Carolina near Rodanthe
Directions
From Central NC: Utilize Rt-64 from Raleigh, through Rocky Mount and Williamston. You'll cross the Croatan Sound onto Manteo then another bridge to the outerbanks. Within a mile you'll come to the junction of NC-12 at the town of Whalebone. Follow Rt-12 south into the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Continue south on Rt-12 crossing over Oregon Inlet on the Bonner Bridge. Eventually you'll come upon the triple villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Look for Ocean Waves Campground on the left approx 1/4 mile past the KOA.
Address
25313 N Highway 12
Waves, NC 27982
Coordinates
35.52257306 N
75.46725499 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 users
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 users
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 9 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 52 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 4 hrs 2 min from Greenville, NC
- 4 hrs 24 min from Rocky Mount, NC
































