Insider's Guide to Budget Camping On The Outer Banks of North Carolina
Mar 06, 2023
Introduction
The Barrier Islands of North Carolina are significant in their geography, location, and history. Having lived on the Outer Banks since 1997 with three kids we've had a lot of fun as weekend warriors exploring the area. As budget-friendly campers we usually pitch a tent at the site and do our cooking with the supplied grill. Our activities include fishing and exploring the immediate area. Below are my personal insights on the four National Park Service campgrounds in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Considerations When Camping on the Outer Banks
Firewood- If you're used to foraging for firewood because you usually camp in the woods, think again when you're on the Outer Banks. These campgrounds are not located in a forest and driftwood is limited to whatever washes up on the shore. Additionally, if you visit in the fall everyone has picked through the dead stuff all summer. Not to worry, Food Lion and 7-Eleven often sell firewood.
Groceries- The further you get away from civilization the more you're going to pay for groceries and the options become increasingly limited. Needless to say, when you get to Ocracoke Island you'll be paying a king's ransom for basic staples. Save money and bring food from home or at least the north beach (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk).
Mosquitoes- In case you need a reminder the Outer Banks are surrounded by water. Mosquitoes need water to breed. Ergo, the Outer Banks has mosquitoes. More so, most of the campgrounds mentioned here are adjacent to low-lying areas near the water. Be ready for a mosquitos. Especially after the sun sets. You've been warned.
Tent stakes- The soil on the Outer Banks is sandy and soft. In addition, we experience high winds on a regular basis. Unless you want to see your tent cart-wheeling across the campground you'll want to bring long tent spikes designed for sand.
Beach fires- Wood fires are NOT allowed at camp sites. However, beach fires are allowed on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Specifically, ocean beaches adjacent to: Coquina Beach parking lot, Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras; Ocracoke Day Use Area. Permits are required. Beach fires must be below the high tide line. Go to this link to see all the rules and get the permit.
Things To Know About NPS Camp Sites
Campsites- All are ideal for tent camping, although small campers will easily fit on the parking pad. Beach access to the Atlantic Ocean is good.
Camping on the beach- There are no waterfront camp sites on the beach. All campsites are on the other side of the protective dunes.
Unheated showers- It may not seem like a big deal, but if you've been rolling around in the sand and salt water all day, a shower to rinse yourself off is usually a necessity. Unheated showers in the summer are probably not a big deal. Unheated showers during the spring and fall could possibly induce hypothermia. Oregon Inlet Campground is the only site with heated showers and the only one offering electricity and RV hook-ups.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, National Park Service
The campgrounds listed below are all operated and maintained by the National Park Service. Campsites have a pad to park on, room to pitch a tent, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill. You get what you pay for. The Park Service Campgrounds are affordable, clean, and simple. They don't come with a ton of amenities. They're like the Meal Deal of campgrounds. Nothing special, you know what you're going to get, and they won't break the bank.
One common benefit for camping at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is that almost all tent sites are on flat, soft ground. No rocks to poke you in the back when you sleep.
Be advised, ever since the pandemic the parks do not receive cash payments.
Reservations: www.recreation.gov
Choosing a Camping Site
Often times the park employee will let you take a lap around the campground to survey the area and choose a site. This may not work during peak season when you have to make reservation days in advance. Here are some things to think about when choosing a camp site.
- Don't take a camp site next to a trail with high foot traffic (i.e., dune crossing) unless you like to see and hear people at all hours.
- Don't choose a camp site next to the bath house because slamming doors may keep you awake.
- Wind in the forecast? There's almost always wind in the forecast. You may consider looking for protection behind trees or shrubs.
- Expecting rain? Stay away from low-lying areas or you may wake up in a puddle.
Off-Road Vehicles
Driving on the beaches with a 4x4 vehicle is a fun way to explore the seashore. However, you'll need a special permit to do so. https://www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/249978
The Four NPS Campgrounds from North to South.
Oregon Inlet Campground
If you don't want to drive to Hatteras Island this campground has some good highlights. They have limited RV hook-ups, water and electric, open year-round, across the dune from the Atlantic Ocean, and it's within walking distance to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. The fishing center has a free septic dump and water station for RVs. The fishing center also has boat launches for motorboats and kayaks. The campground is flat terrain with very little vegetation.
The Pros: It's not as long a drive to get to and its proximity to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Only campground of the four with electricity and RV site hookups. Close to Bodie Island lighthouse. Also close to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Hot showers available year-round. Short walk across sand dune to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cons: Due to the lack of vegetation there's not much privacy between camp sites. Traffic noise may be a factor during peak season.
Nearby Attractions: Oregon Inlet, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Bodie Island Lighthouse
Important information: Showers closed for winter until 4/1. Open year round.
Cape Point Campground
This campground is located in the shadow of the famous Hatteras Lighthouse and puts you in close proximity to arguably the best fishing and surfing on the east coast.
Pros: Close to Hatteras Lighthouse, great surfing, great fishing, and Buxton.
Cons: Potentially WET! Very low-lying area prone to flooding. Long walk to the water.
Nearby Attractions: Hatteras Island Lighthouse, Buxton
Important information: Campsite reservations are limited to same-day reservations only. Campsites must be booked via recreation.gov. Open April 7-Nov. 27.
Frisco Campground
Of the four Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds, Frisco offers the most amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean due to its elevation. Its dense vegetation provides a little better privacy among all the campgrounds.
Pros: Views and elevation. Better privacy.
Cons: The higher you go on the dune the further your walk to the ocean.
Nearby Attractions: Hatteras Lighthouse, Frisco, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Important information: Unheated showers. Open April 7-Nov. 27.
Ocracoke Campground
A very affordable way to stay on Ocracoke Island, this campground is very basic but your access to the ocean is excellent. Also, Ocracoke is only accessible by a free ferry from Hatteras Island or Swan Quarter, making it a very unique destination. This Outer Banks campground is very popular with the locals from the north beach.
Pros: Short walk across sand dune to the Atlantic Ocean. Plenty of oceanfront to explore.
Cons: Mosquitoes. You have to drive to get to the village (four miles).
Nearby Attractions: Ocracoke Village, British Cemetery, Portsmouth Island
Important information: Showers closed for winter until 4/1. Unheated showers. One, heated bathroom.
Here is a link for complete information of all the Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds.
Conclusion
All these campsites are very nice and provide basic service. If you want a few more amenities there are other options via the private sector. The Outer Banks has campgrounds owned by both franchisees and small business owners. With a slightly higher budget you can find RV hookups, swimming pools, cabins, and more.
Happy Camping,
John Van Lunen
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