For a full list of campgrounds on the Outer Banks, please visit our campgrounds listings page.
Nature lovers, budget travelers, and vacationers who just adore the great outdoors often find that camping is an ideal way to tour and explore the Outer Banks. With literally dozens of campgrounds spanning from the Currituck County mainland to Ocracoke Island, camping enthusiasts will find they have plenty of options to choose from.
From the small mom and pop campground with just a couple dozen sites to sprawling facilities managed by a renowned national chains or the National Park Service, potential campers can literally choose their own adventure. Saddle up next to the sound in the deep clusters of Live Oaks along the Frisco Woods, pull up the RV to a swinging spot in the heart of Ocracoke Village, or tie up the boat to a dockside camping site in Currituck that has miles of waterfront views.
Camping is clearly an easy and inexpensive way to see the Outer Banks, however newcomers to the local camping scene may not be familiar with the options available, the amenities on site, or the reservation process. For answers to your questions, review the following FAQs for extensive Outer Banks camping information. You can also visit local camping websites, or simply call your favorite campgrounds for more information on prices, features, and availability.
How do I book a stay at an Outer Banks campground?
A handful of major campgrounds on the Outer Banks and Inner Banks have comprehensive websites that outlines the individual facility's amenities, fees, and even allows online booking. The National Park Service, for example, which operates five campgrounds from just north of Oregon Inlet to Portsmouth Island, allows internet browsers to check a calendar of availability and book and pay for their camping stay online.
While online booking is certainly the easiest method to reserve a site, smaller campgrounds may not have as extensive a web presence, and a phone call may be required to secure a reservation. Luckily, most all campgrounds have trained staff or friendly owners on hand during business hours and on weekends to answer questions, help book reservations, and give their upcoming guests a general overview of their facilities.
Before calling or making an online reservation, you should keep in mind any amenities you'll need, (such as electric or cable hook-ups), as well as the desired location of your campsite. Whether you'd prefer to stay close to common areas and facilities, or on the outskirts of the campground deep in the middle of your natural surroundings, this information is helpful to have beforehand to make sure your Outer Banks camping vacation lives up to your expectations, and then some.
When is the best time to book a stay at an Outer Banks campground?
The wonderful thing about campsites as opposed to vacation rental homes, Bed and Breakfasts, or even Outer Banks hotels and motels, is that campers can almost always find a spot available to pitch a tent.
Camping sites do not fill up as quickly as vacation rental homes or hotel rooms, and as a result, many last-minute campers will find they have options available, even just a day or two away from their expected arrival date.
It should be noted, however, that there are exceptions to this general rule of thumb. For example, popular summer long weekends, such as 4th of July weekend, Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, and generally considered the busiest times of year in the local camping scene, so an advanced reservation may be required, particularly if you have a certain campground or area in mind.
Other locales on the Outer Banks that are extremely popular with visitors but provide limited accommodations, specifically Ocracoke or Portsmouth Islands, may also fill up quickly, so keep your desired area in mind before making a reservation. Also, a number of campgrounds, including the Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island campgrounds operated by the National Park Service, are only open seasonally, and close for the winter months.
That said, from April until October, campers will find plenty of options available throughout the Outer Banks, from beachy resort campgrounds to quiet soundside retreats. For a specific campground in a popular location, or during a popular time of year, it's best to book as early as possible. Otherwise, if you feel like a spontaneous last minute camping trip, you'll be happy to find plenty of options available.
Where are the Outer Banks campgrounds located?
While scattered throughout the islands, many campgrounds on the Outer Banks seem to be concentrated in some of the most pristine and undeveloped areas, from the quiet towns of the Inner Banks to the completely unpopulated Portsmouth Island. Campers will find no problem getting back to nature, while still remaining close to the Outer Banks major attractions, restaurants, and shops, and potential vacationers will find that every area of the coast has its own unique charms.
In the northern Outer Banks, many campers flock to the cluster of campground that are located on the Currituck County mainland, about 5-20 miles away from the beaches. Here, the campgrounds are shaded by towering pine trees, and bordered by miles of open Currituck Soundfront. As a result, these campgrounds are supremely quiet and relaxing destinations, literally miles away from the bustle of the beach. Ideal for boaters, many of these campgrounds are located along the Intercoastal Waterway and provide boat slips and hook-ups, as well as tent or RV sites.
The central Outer Banks towns of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk have a small handful of campgrounds that area ideal for RVs or trailers. Though generally on the smaller side, these campgrounds offer incredible access to the beach, (many are located along the "Beach Road" which is basically 1 lot back from the oceanfront), local shops and restaurants, and all the activity of the heart of the Outer Banks. RVs and trailers will also find plenty of amenities, including electric and cable hook-ups, public laundry facilities and snack bars, and friendly local staff who are experts in the area.
The small town of Wanchese is another popular retreat for rustic campers, as this little destination is often overlooked by Outer Banks visitors and is located well off the map, and across the Outer Banks / Manteo Causeway. A typical small fishing village, Wanchese offers an authentic Outer Banks atmosphere and plenty of wildlife, ideal for campers who want to enjoy the local culture of the Outer Banks.
Hatteras Island is arguably one of the best destinations for campers, as this small island features at least a dozen or so campgrounds to choose from. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three campgrounds along the National Seashore on the island, including one just south of Nags Head, one in Buxton adjacent to the popular Cape Point beach access, and one in Frisco Village, located just steps away from the beach. In addition to the NPS run campgrounds, visitors will find plenty of options in all the island villages.
The towns of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo have the most options available, and even has a nationally renowned chain campground stationed in the village of Waves. The campgrounds here are more reminiscent of resorts, with community pools, private sound accesses and gazebos, club houses and game rooms, and on-site snack bars and stores. Guests can also choose to reserve a standard tent or RV site, or even book a small cabin or rustic rental cottage. With a half dozen campgrounds in the tri-village areas alone, and incredible beach access from every vantage point, these Hatteras Island villages are definitely worth a look by avid campers.
Avon and Buxton also have a handful of privately run campgrounds available, and these businesses are small, friendly operations that are tucked away from the main drag of NC Highway 12 in relative seclusion. These campgrounds have friendly local owners who provide plenty of southern hospitality, in addition to community amenities, (like pools or laundry facilities), and are located within walking or driving distance from the beach.
The town of Frisco is home to one of the island's favorite campgrounds, which is located adjacent to the Pamlico Sound and offers acres of secluded sites, shrouded by the Frisco Woods maritime forest. With a community pool, on-site general store, and fantastic access for windsurfers, kiteboarders, and kayakers, the Frisco Woods Campground is regularly voted nationally as one of the best camping sites on the East Coast. Keep an eye out for seasonal and annual events, like Windfest, which attracts water sports lovers from all over the world.
Ocracoke Island is another popular camping location, and the island offers a handful of camping sites both in the village and on the outskirts of town. The National Park Service manages a campground three miles outside the town's borders, adjacent to the sea-oat covered sand dunes, and located just a two minute walk from the oceanfront. In town, Ocracoke lovers will find a handful of privately run campgrounds available, ideal for both tents and RVs. Because of the village's small size, campers will be happy to know that virtually any in-town campground is an easy stroll from all of Ocracoke Village's attractions, restaurants and shops, making these camping sites some of the most convenient and most coveted on the Outer Banks.
Visitors who want to truly get away from it all should plan a camping trip to Portsmouth Island, a literally deserted island community that's located just south of Ocracoke Island. The NPS operates and manages a cluster of small rustic cottages, (many with generators and some with water), but ardent nature lovers will want to explore on their own. Camping is allowed anywhere on this 14 mile-long island, from the sandy oceanfront beaches, to the shaggy dine lines, to the shrubby soundside woods. As a result, die-hard campers can literally pick a spot anywhere on or off the beach, set up a tent, and enjoy miles of undisturbed privacy. Popular for its exceptional fishing, especially in the fall and spring months, campers might not be completely alone on Portsmouth Island, but with the right camping spot, carefully scouted, it can sure feel like it. (Note: Because the island is so secluded and deserted, there are no paved roads and a 4WD vehicle is required to explore the islands, as well as a reservation on a privately run ferry.)
What kind of amenities does an Outer Banks campground offer?
New campers may be initially concerned that by renting a campsite, they might miss out on the modern amenities that a vacation rental home or local hotel has to offer, but this isn't always the case. Many larger campgrounds offer public pools, hot tubs, community game rooms, playgrounds, and even on-site grocery stores or restaurants. Virtually, a camper in need of a little extra fun or entertainment can enjoy the perks of a luxury resort vacation, even at a local campground.
In addition, most all campgrounds offer the basics, such as electric and water hook-ups, cable hook-ups, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills for every camp site, ideal for nightly coastal cook-outs. Several campgrounds even offer boat slips or additional parking for multiple parties congregating at the same area for a family vacation. Security is also well provided, and the majority of campgrounds either offer gated entrances, or extensive security systems to ensure campers' safety.
In short, there's no need to rough it while roughing it on the Outer Banks. Check out the local campgrounds via a visit to their individual website or a phone call to the office, and find the perfect camping site that suits all your vacation needs.
Any Tips and Tricks to know before booking a stay at an Outer Banks campground?
- Be sure and consider the off-season, especially for spur-of-the-moment vacations, or tent camping trips. The summers on the Outer Banks can be notoriously heavy with mosquitos, and an off-season camping trip in the fall or spring months can provide bug-free stays, and cool ocean breezes. The ocean water temperatures on the Outer Banks generally stay warm well into early October, so campers don't have to worry about missing out on sunny beach days. In addition, site fees are generally slightly less during the off-season months, making a budget-friendly camping vacation even friendlier.
- Bring your boat along! Several campgrounds along the Outer Banks, particularly in the mainland areas of Currituck County, feature boat slips for mariners passing through in need of a good night's rest. These campgrounds also feature gas, electric and cable hook-ups, and even on-site ship's stores and restaurants for a conveniently enjoyable vacation right off the docks.
- Ready to grill out? Most all campgrounds offer individual park or charcoal grills for every site, but just because you're camping doesn't mean you have to stick to the standard hot dogs, beans, and s'mores. To truly grill out Outer Banks style, stop by a local fish market and pick up a couple of fresh fish filets, a pound of shrimp, or a bushel of oysters. Locals attest that seafood always tastes better on the grill, and the wide variety of options available gives camping and barbecue enthusiasts plenty of options to explore.
- While a last-minute camping adventure is certainly within reach, for the best locations, it's best to reserve as early as possible. Many campgrounds have extremely flexible cancellation policies, so rescheduling a camping trip is always a breeze.
- Ready for a true adventure? Head to Portsmouth Island. This tiny island is a camper's paradise, as virtually any area from the beachfront to the soundside can be a makeshift camping location. A small, sandy path runs behind the dune line, ideal for waterfront sunset-lovers to explore in search of that perfect secluded location. Be advised that the private ferry in the town of Atlantic only operates from early spring until Thanksgiving, and can only accommodate about 4-6 vehicles per trip, so booking your ferry reservations early is key.
Camping may seem like the most budget-friendly way to vacation on the Outer Banks, and it is, but local campers will enjoy so much more out of an OBX camping experience than just cheap and convenient accommodations. Nothing beats getting back to nature tucked along the oceanside sand dunes or soundside forests, enjoying a canopy of stars on warm summer evenings, or just reconnecting with the family over a home cooked seafood feast on the grill.
For an Outer Banks vacation that you'll truly treasure, while allowing you to fully enjoy the very best of the natural coastal landscape, plan an Outer Banks camping trip for your next beach vacation, and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
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Avon Farmers Market
June 24th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM -
Mustang Mornings at the Farm
June 25th, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM -
Beach Apparatus Drill
June 26th, 2025 2:00 PM
Scientists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit organization, conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring. Some of the hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “Rake,” “Scarlet,” and “Onion.”
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share of vacationers' interest. This is understandable, as when most folks think of an Outer Banks vacation, they envision miles of unspoiled beaches, refreshing ocean waves, and plenty of room to spread out a beach blanket, and Frisco's beaches have all of these attributes in spades.
Stay, Play and Eat- Donuts, Ice Cream & Coffee Treats! Located on the Duck Boardwalk, behind Dockside Seafood, this breakfast & Dessert-Shop features treats you've never tasted before! Try the hot, made to order, donutz on a stick with more than 35 toppings! They'll melt in your mouth! Or try the Gluten-Free Donuts; limited quantities, daily. Plus, try any or all of the 9 flavors of homemade tastefully twisted soft serve. Frozen yogurt, sorbets, sherbet, hand dipped and homemade ice cream flavors. Unique coffees, sodas and espresso that will satisfy the whole family. Mix-and-match nostalgic candies and much more. Bring the carnival to your mouth and eat it like nobody’s watchin’! Donutz-On-A-Stick- where visual stimulation meets taste bud overload! Carnival Treats at the Beach—With Flavorful Creations and Allergy-Friendly Options, Donutz on a Stick Serves Up Sweet Treats for Everyone David and Stephanie were not always in the business of carnival confections. In fact, Stephanie was a fitness instructor and David worked in the computer field. But he loved donuts and she loved ice cream, and when they saw an opportunity to bring their favorite treats to beachgoers, they jumped on it. In 2014, the couple opened their first Donutz on a Stick—a family-run, family-friendly dessert shop on the boardwalk. They quickly realized that in order to serve everyone, they would need to get creative. “We had a family who would come in, and one of the little boys would have to wait by the door because of his gluten allergy,” David says. “That didn’t sit well with us. We wanted everyone to come under the same roof no matter what kind of allergies they had. And we continue to work towards that goal.” The Williams’ daughter Desireé spent six weeks experimenting until she created a gluten-free donut that was totally safe and delicious. Gluten-free donuts are now a huge part of the business, with more than 1,000 being served each day, just out of the Duck location. But you will want to call or stop by to reserve them in advance. The Williams’ other three children, David, Justin and Christian, have all invented menu items as well, such as Christian’s donut milkshake, which features hot and fresh cooked donuts blended into a milkshake with another donut on top making it picture perfect. While all the Williams have created menu items, the most popular pick—the donut sundae—was actually a happy accident. “We were being featured in a local magazine and we could only have one photo for the article,” David says. Since both ice cream and donuts were equally popular, “we built the donut sundae for the photo and we discovered after the photoshoot that it tasted amazing. It was completely serendipitous.” The Williams family is constantly creating and improving upon their recipes. At the heart of it all is a desire to see everyone come in and enjoy an experience together. They want to bring the carnival to your mouth. “No matter how busy we are—even if there’s a line down the boardwalk—every customer gets that engagement and service from us,” they say. The family has since opened a second location in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
The Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities for a healthy, family fun vacation. Visitors can spread out over more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline. Local restaurants and eateries are providing abundant take-out and delivery options. Kids are distance learning from the beach! Also, there’s no risk of boredom with our list of social-distancing compatible activities! It’s no wonder that vacationers are turning to the Outer Banks for a fun, relaxing, and safe vacation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Here are our picks for outdoor attractions, parks and activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while having 100% of the fun.
For more than 30 years, Resort Realty has been providing unforgettable Outer Banks vacations. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, Resort Realty offers nearly 550 Outer Banks vacation homes that range from cozy 1-bedroom condos to exquisite 13-bedroom luxury estates. Whether you’re counting down to a beloved family vacation, getting away for a long weekend, or planning a special event, our homes represent a variety of lifestyles and locations, with amenities and furnishings such as elevators, private pools and gourmet kitchens to more simple pleasures like wraparound porches, dune-top gazebos, and oceanfront hammocks made for afternoon naps.
For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific scenarios, so think about the gear you’d be putting on your cart before making a decision.
Join Captain Stuart Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny boat for a Guaranteed Dolphin Watch cruise in protected waters off the Outer Banks, NC. This two hour cruise is ideal for all ages. Enjoy breathtaking views as you listen to a factual narration on the bottlenose dolphin, a type of dolphin found along the Atlantic coast. Dolphin mating and birthing can be observed on many cruises.
Nothing beats an ice-cold beverage while relaxing on the beach. Nothing is worse than reaching for an icy drink and finding your cans swimming. Coolers are essential for family days on the sand. A good modern cooler will keep food and drinks fresh for days. In addition to beverages, fishermen rely coolers to keep bait fresh, and hopefully the catch of the day. Walk onto any beach or pier in North or South Carolina and you’ll see a plethora of cooler models and sizes. Cooler technology has advanced rapidly in modern years. Top-end hard-sided coolers can keep ice frozen for a week. Soft coolers are easier for one person to carry onto a beach, but can still keep food cool for days. Cooler materials and price points vary wildly, so we put together this guide with our recommendations for your coastal vacation.
Sun Realty offers the Best Selection of Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks. Our large selection of Outer Banks rentals means you can choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more! Our properties span the entire OBX coast including Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and South Nags Head. On Hatteras Island, we proudly offer beach cottages in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village.
Head south over the Marc Basnight bridge, or take the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry from Ocracoke Island, and you'll land on the shores of Hatteras Island.
The noted explorer, archaeologist, anthropologist, paleontologist, and part-time plumbing contractor from the University of Chicago, Professor Duffer A. Hacker, led two expeditions to the outer banks in the late 1920’s. The purpose of these expeditions was to search for an answer as to what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke Island and to look for treasure believed to have been hidden by Blackbeard the Pirate. Professor Hacker’s first surprise was the discovery of an old mining train built by the Confederate Army during the Civil War. They were searching for gold to finance their war effort. Take the mining car* to the top of the mountain and follow Professor Hacker as you putt your way through an adventurous expedition to find gold and diamonds.
There's a reason why so many aspiring and professional photographers flock to the Outer Banks. Ocean sunrises, sound sunsets, and miles of quiet wildlife in between create some breathtaking landscapes, ideal for photographers, painters, or plain-old vacationers who love an astounding view.