Outer Banks are barrier islands on the edge of North Carolina. They are beautiful spots to visit, and you can camp there too!
When you’re staying in the Outer Banks, be sure to explore the shops, as well as the scenery. There are so many natural appeals to this part of Northern Carolina, from raging surf along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the serene Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
This post will tell you about the wonderful range of touristy campgrounds on the Outer Banks, so you can choose one that matches yoru trip!
Best Outer Banks Campgrounds
Ocracoke Campground
Anyone who wants a back-to-nature, off-the-grid beach getaway will be delighted by the Ocracoke Campground. This solitary site is accessible only by ferry, which is the only means of transport in the whole of Ocracoke. It is about four miles from the island’s quaint yet bustling village.
Those who don’t mind a trek get to experience pretty evergreen scenery, rustic campsites at the foot of the beach dunes, and direct access to a seemingly deserted sweep of a gorgeous beach.
Tent and camper spots are non-electric and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the showers in the bathhouse are mostly cold water. Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi, but the cell phone signal is reportedly decent.
Cape Hatteras
Situated in the middle of the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Hatteras is a pet-friendly campground in Rodanthe that offers a resort-like experience. It features a dog park, and, most importantly, beach access. From the campsite, take a short drive or a bike ride to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a protected bird habitat. There are a plethora of Outer Bank Rentals to choose from in Cape Hatteras.
Here, you are provided with all the amenities you could need for a camping stay. Expect Wi-Fi-equipped lodging options, ranging from tents to elevated cabins. Your grassy tent sites will have with water, electricity, a campfire ring, grill, and sheltered picnic table and the cabins can sleep up to eight, with full baths, kitchens, and cable TV.
Oregon Inlet Campground
Do not come to Oregon Inlet Campground expecting a plethora of activities and amenities. It is a simple, peaceful property that is meant for fishing enthusiasts wanting to be near Oregon Inlet. It has both electric and non-electric sites for RVs and tents.
Ocean Waves Campground
At 68 sites, this is a smaller facility with a few solid amenities like swimming pools, a laundry room, and hot showers, and a low-key vibe. The family-owned Ocean Waves offers a combo of an electric and non-electric tent and RV sites. Some of them are a mere stone’s throw from the dunes. The sites have picnic tables but no fire pits, though beach fires are allowed in this area with a permit.
Frisco Campground
Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a nature-driven campground that immerses visitors in the Outer Banks landscape of dunes, salt marshes, and shrubs. The camp is quiet, clean, and well-maintained, offering little more than picnic tables and barbeque grills. No utility hookups or hot-water showers are available here. You might catch a glimpse of the ocean on elevated sites on the dunes, though no shade. The lower areas are covered in shady vegetation, therefore lacking the spectacular views of some.
Rodanthe Campground
This laid-back, family-owned campground is located on the Pamlico Sound, letting tent campers station right on the serene shoreline. Water and electricity are add-on facilities for those who want them. The sleepy sound side spot also rents equipment for all manner of land and water activities: bikes, kayaks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and also sailboats. Note that this is a humble, family spot with a few dozen sites.
There is no shortage of options available in the Outer Banks and consist of the choicest of Campgrounds ranging from adventure, luxury, affordable, and family spots. We hope our detailed article has given you enough insights for choosing your next campground.
