The best campgrounds in the Outer Banks, packing essentials, safety tips, and more.
One of the best ways to experience this precious stretch of Atlantic Coast is by camping.
Dotting the secluded barrier islands are dozens of campgrounds, from lively oceanfront compounds to sleepy soundside retreats.
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This solitary National Park Service-run site is accessible only by ferry (as is the whole ofOcracoke).
It’s located about four miles from the island’s bustling harbor and village.
There’s no Wi-Fi, but cell phone signal is reportedly decent.
Courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, outerbanks.org
Guests happy to trade beach access for quiet, shady grounds will be happy at this hidden gem.
However, the lack of shade might be a dealbreaker for some.
Don’t come to Oregon Inlet Campground expecting activities and amenities galore.
Sites have picnic tables but no fire pits, though beach fires are allowed in this area with apermit.
Other draws here include a swimming pool, camp store, laundry room, and hot showers.
The camp is quiet, clean, and well-maintained, offering little more than picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, outerbanks.org
(Sorry, no utility hookups or hot-water showers here.)
Water and electricity are add-ons for those who want them.
These cottages are bigger, thoughbig enough to fit a queen-sized bed downstairs and a twin bed upstairs.
Courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, outerbanks.org
They’re air-conditioned, and each comes equipped with a small fridge, microwave, and TV.
Hatteras Sands, centrally located in Hatteras Village, also has 60-plus paved RV and tent sites.
Depending on the site, you might get water, sewer, electric, cable, and Wi-Fi.
Those looking for something more easy-come, easy-go are delighted by the paved sites atCape Point.
Besides, it’s a short walk to the beach and Cape Hatteras lighthouse.
Cape Point is the biggest Outer Banks campground, containing about 200 sites.
There’s no power here only outdoor showers, picnic tables, and charcoal grills at each site.
Tents are also allowed.
This campground is popular for fishing as it’s located in the fishing village of Wanchese.
The Refuge is only about a 25-minute drive from Kill Devil Hills, the geographical center of Outer Banks.
All sites at The Refuge come with hookups (30- or 50-amp) and Wi-Fi.
Book campsites early.
(This is particularly true during summer holiday weekends.
Know your needs.
Almost all Outer Banks campgrounds have spots for both tents andRVs.
(Very few, like OBX Campground, are RV only.)
Leave gear at home if you want.
It’s entirely possible to experience camping in the Outer Banks without pitching a tent or owning an RV.
Understand that amenities, vibe, and scenery vary.
There’s also the matter of finding a campground with the right topography for you.
Know the rules.
Oceanfront camping means behind the barrier dunes; camping on the beach itself is not allowed.
Bring your pets.
Caveats: Campgrounds may have fees and leash policies.
Even pet-friendly properties might not allow pets in certain accommodation types, like rental cabins.
Perfect your packing list.
Considermosquito nettingand a small broom for whisking sand out of your tent, RV, or cabin.
Many campgrounds but not all have general stores stocked with essentials.
On the shoe front, verify to bring shower shoes and something closed-toe (and socks!)
for walking, as sand spurs, prickly pear, and poison ivy might be an issue.
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Plan your route.
As with any remote destination, there are logistics involved in getting to and around the Outer Banks.
Although unlikely, bridge and road closures completely cutting off the Outer Banks are not unheard of.
Parking is free at the beaches and in the towns.
The ferry scoots riders and vehicles across the inlet and into Ocracoke’s pretty harbor.
Overnighters can set up camp at Teeter’s Campground, Jerniman’s Campground, or Ocracoke Campground.
Take a break from the camp stove.
One of the joys of camping is throwing dinner on the grill.
