Where to Stay – Campgrounds and RV Parks
There is no shortage of camping options on the Outer Banks. With over 19 public and private campgrounds to choose from, there is something to please every camper and every budget.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Campgrounds
If you are seeking a natural and economical approach to camping on the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the best choice. They operate four campgrounds located up and down the islands.
All four of the the national seashore campgrounds offer dry camping in the dunes with easy access to the ocean. All but one of the campgrounds (Cape Point) accepts reservations, and they all have bathrooms with cold showers available. The sites are paved, with picnic tables and grills. Some have small amounts of shade and others are open to the elements.
There are no RV size restrictions, but not all sites will fit larger RVs, so be sure to make a reservation during the busy season if you need a site for an RV 30′ or longer.
We spent part of our time on the Outer Banks at the Frisco National Seashore Campground. Our site was was located on the edge of the dunes only a few minutes walk from a wooden boardwalk to the beach. It rained during most of our visit, but we were able to dodge the raindrops long enough for a short stroll on the nearly empty, pristine beach filled with shells and miles upon miles of sand.
Private RV Parks
There are 15 private RV parks located up and down the Outer Banks. Some offer a host of amenities such as full hook-ups, heated pools, and kids activities. Others are little more than a parking lot in a marina.
We stayed at the Ocean Waves Campground, and found it quiet and well run. The sites are well separated with manicured green grass and picnic tables. We enjoyed the level paved parking pads and full hook-ups including cable (extra charge) and free WiFi. Some sites offered shade, while others were out in the open.
The best thing about camping in the Outer Banks is that the islands are a mere three miles in width at their widest point, which means no matter where you choose to camp you are never far from the beach.
Our campground was separated from the ocean by a large sand dune, and while we couldn’t see the water, we could definitely hear it. From our site it was a short five minute walk up and over the dunes to the ocean.
If you are looking for a campground with an ocean view, consider the Frisco Woods Campground or the Cape Hatteras KOA. Visit outerbanks.org to view a complete listing of campgrounds.
The most memorable camping experience I have ever had was to the OBX . We were in a C class RV and stayed right on the beach at a campground. I think we had electricity because I remember listening to the radio and hearing the ocean waves crashing on the shore, walking on the beach. My mind goes back to that time every now and then and it is a wonderful memory !
Very informative. THANKS!! We are heading to Minnesota then over Michigan to Niagara Falls and down the east coast this summer/fall on our way to winter in Florida. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much for sharing this! I have been wanting to take a trip to the OBX with our RV for a while and your guide is really helpful.