The best camping near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cape Hatteras National Seashore adventure.

Dive into an oceanside playground of sand dunes and salt marshes.  

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Community favorites near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

93%
(80)

Cedar Island Ranch

83 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Island, NC
If you only camp once in your life, make it Cedar Island Ranch. Here, you can ride a horse along miles of undeveloped beach that hasn’t changed since long before the Spanish explorers set eyes on it. Rent kayaks, paddle boards or canoes, go fishing or have a romantic weekend on the beach. We’re open year-round for your vision of a family vacation paradise or a perfect honeymoon. We’re open year-round. Bring your home or stay in the comfort of our 2-bedroom Suites or beautifully renovated Motel Rooms. Most RV sites have ocean or bay views – 17 are directly on the bay water. Twelve pull-through sites directly face Cedar Island beach with fantastic views. Our RV park has 61 spaces with water plus 30- and 50-amp electric service. When the guests ask, we provide. So, we’ve got everything you need for an unequaled coastal experience right here. The Cedar Island Ferry terminal to Ocracoke Island and on to Cape Hatteras is right at our doorstep. You’ll have free Wi-Fi, clean bathroom facilities, and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff to help. Bring your boat. We have a private ramp and a state ramp into deep water and Atlantic access.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$31
 / night
86%
(7)

The Refuge On Roanoke Island

71 sites · RVsWanchese, NC
Welcome to The Refuge on Roanoke Island, your Outer Banks retreat with 15 spacious waterfront sites for vehicles up to 42 feet. Each spot comes with 30/50 amp electrical services to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient. From our full-service bathhouse and climate-controlled restrooms to the summer-ready pool overlooking the sound, we've got your needs covered. Kayak from our docks, unwind in the picnic pavilion, or stay connected with WiFi — we've tailored everything to make your visit fulfilling. While here, explore local gems like the historic Roanoke Island Festival Park, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and the Elizabethan Gardens, all just a short drive away. Each offers a unique slice of the island's rich history and culture. For beach enthusiasts, the pristine shores of Nags Head are a must-visit. Book your spot at The Refuge today and prepare for a memorable stay on the outer banks of North Carolina. Whether it's a brief stopover or a lengthy retreat, we aim to provide a comfortable and engaging experience for every traveler. Come join us and create lasting memories!
Pets
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from 
$70
 / night

The best camping near Cape Hatteras National Seashore guide

Overview

About

Seventy miles of sandy beaches, wild dunes, and wave-sculpted islands make up the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which curls south from South Nags Head around the Pamlico Sound. Seaside fun comes with a dose of adventure here, whether you go kayaking along the sound, explore the beaches in an off-road vehicle, or swim, fish, and hike along the Atlantic. Prefer ocean views to hitting the waves? Climb the historic Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras lighthouses, or spot seals, sea turtles, and waterbirds along the shore, then pitch your tent or park your RV by the beach.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RV campers: Oregon Inlet Campground has 107 sites, 47 with electric and water hookups, plus hot showers.
  • Best for ocean views: Frisco Campground has 127 tent and RV sites dotting the sand dunes and a boardwalk leading down to the ocean.
  • Best for beachgoers: Cape Point Campground features 202 tent and RV sites with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve a site at one of Cape Hatteras’ four campgrounds online. Campsite reservations open six months in advance and must be booked three days before arrival. An exception is Cape Point Campground, where bookings can only be made four days in advance.
  2. Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore, when the weather is ideal for swimming and water activities. Sea turtles nest on the beaches between May and October, and this is also the ideal time for birdwatching along the coast. For the best fishing, opt for a spring or fall visit. Camping season runs from April through November, but two campgrounds—Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke—stay open year-round.

Know before you go

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore is in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The main access point is from Nag Heads along NC-12.
  • There is no admission fee, but camping reservation fees apply and permits are required for fishing and off-road vehicles. The two lighthouses require admission fees. 
  • Park facilities include boat launches, fishing piers, lifeguard-patrolled beaches (summer only), restrooms, and picnic areas. The park has cell service, although it may be patchy at some of the more remote beaches.
  • There are accessible campsites, bathhouses, beaches, and boardwalks at Cape Hatteras.

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