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Cape Hatteras Natl Seashore/Ocracoke
Overview
The Ocracoke Campground within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers one of the most unique coastal experiences in the United States. Located on a remote barrier island, this National Park Service facility provides a raw, authentic connection to the Atlantic coast. Travelers arrive via ferry to find a landscape defined by shifting sands and sea salt, making it a bucket-list destination for those who appreciate the natural beauty of the Outer Banks.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Ocracoke Village, the park is nestled among natural sand dunes and maritime grasses. The sound of crashing waves is a constant companion, as the beach is just a short walk over the dunes. Unlike more developed coastal areas, the surroundings here are remarkably preserved, offering wide-open skies and unobstructed stargazing opportunities away from major city lights.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic, dry-camping environment with no electric or water hookups at individual sites. Each site features a paved pad, a picnic table, and a grill. While the amenities are primitive, guests have access to modern flush toilets, potable water stations, and cold-water showers. An on-site dump station is available for RVers to manage their tanks before or after their stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The legendary Ocracoke Lighthouse and the charming village are only a few miles away, offering local shops and fresh seafood. Visitors can explore the Ocracoke Pony Pens to see the island's famous wild Banker ponies. Outdoor enthusiasts often spend their days surf fishing, beachcombing for shells, or cycling the flat, scenic roads that wind through the seashore.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking and do not mind the lack of luxury amenities. It is a haven for nature photographers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from modern distractions. If you value a quiet atmosphere and direct access to pristine beaches over resort-style pools and Wi-Fi, this island sanctuary is a perfect fit.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Doug Sawan
We have been coming to Ocracoke off and on for 30 years. We love this place and like Stephan in Braveheart we call this place our ‘island’, enjoying the amenities the village has to offer. In our retirement, we purchased a camper and with friends, we now come and stay in the NPS Campground and have seen the island in a whole new light. It is the only way to see this place of natural beauty. No development is allowed outside the village limits and the campground offers you the basic amenities of fresh water, cold showers and a dump station. To offset that, you have a fabulous access to the beaches and a more intimate relationship with the indigenous wildlife that share their island with you, something you cannot really experience if you stay in town. If you have a generator, it may be used in some sections of the campground. If you like to rough it, those sections are available also. Getting what you need from the village’s local is a quick drive or a simple bike ride away. This place is not for everyone. However, if you have a boon docking capable camper or are adept at tent camping, this place is the only way to go.
Jared Harding Wilson
Wonderful place that I highly recommend! Limited number of people so get your campsite early! But it also means that you almost can get the beach to yours! The water is warm from the Atlantic and it has showers and clean restrooms with tasty filtered water fountains. The grills are helpful flu. Our campsite wasn’t all sand. The grass was nice with wind breaking bushes around us. Wonderful to hear the waves at night! And close to town for all the restaurants and fun things to do! The waves are perfect!
Kritika Sharma
Decent campsite for rvs and tents alike. Basic amenities include water fountain, cold showers, and bathrooms. We stayed at A10 and wish we had booked in advance a spot that was more secluded and surrounded by bushes. The spot was hammered by constant wind which made it difficult for us to enjoy our barbecue in peace, and trying to sleep was rough. Having said that however we enjoyed our stay there because the beach there is really lovely. The campsite is also fairly close to the town.
Brittany Jordaan
One of the prettiest campgrounds we’ve ever visited. Bathrooms and shower areas were very clean, and beach access is super easy! There’s a paved trail that leads you from the campground into town. We highly recommend renting bikes if you’re staying here. (:
Bruce K.
I made my reservation about two weeks ahead of time, finding a good number of spots available. It's worth noting that none of the spaces actually face the ocean or the inlet - there are trees between the campground and the highway on one side and there are 15 foot tall dunes on the other. So really, just pick any space that isn't next to the dumpster. Some folks had their cars parked and were in tents so that may be an option for you. I arrived before dark and had no problem finding my designated space that had a marker indicating my name and my dates of check in and out. After parking, I heated up dinner at my designated picnic table, enjoyed a discreet beer and then climbed the dune (on a designated path!) to watch the ocean waves for a bit. It's beautiful and there was so much room that I had a half mile of sandy beach to myself. Absolutely stunning. There are no lifeguards so be careful if you decide to swim. I did not. A quick shower in the shower cabin (cold water only!) and I locked up for the night. It was quiet and peaceful. In the morning, I was up just before Sunrise and on my way north for the ferry terminal to Hatteras. The campground has a dump station that is free if you're staying here. Other than the showers and some bathrooms, there isn't much else here.