Cape Point Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina has been one of our favorite campgrounds of all time. The Outerbanks had been on my bucket list for two decades, so we were thrilled to be able to come and stay on the coast of North Carolina.
This National Park Service Campground gives you great access to the beach and the historic lighthouse.
What we liked best about this campground is the lack of crowds and the opportunity to hear the ocean waves and see the lighthouse light circling in the night sky.
See our video tour from when we stayed at Cape Point Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Site I-12:
Camping at Cape Point Campground
Cape Point Campground does not have a manned gate/office. It has a shack that you drive up to and collect an envelope that you fill out yourself.
When we were trying to get information – such as whether there were hookups, etc. – we found the phone number to be disconnected. No one will answer any phone calls.
You can reserve a campsite on Recreation.gov.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore campground is closed seasonally. It is closed from December 1, 2024 – March 29, 2025.
There are NO hookups.
We did have a water spigot at our site, but that’s because we parked near a restroom. There is a public water spigot on the road one per loop.
Dump station and fresh water fill up are about 1/2 mile down the road. You’ll pass it before you arrive at the campground. Look for the small dump station sign – but it’s easy to miss, so better directions would be to look for the WWII Memorial sign and it’s immediately across from that sign on the left.
The bathhouses are not bad. Three stalls in the women’s. Kept clean and simple. Two sinks, as well. Mirrors, but they are the kind that can’t break so you really can’t see much in them. No outlets in the bathrooms.
The shower stalls in separate buildings looked horrific. Years later I am still creeped out by the thought of them.
I didn’t even bother trying to take a shower in them.
It looks exactly like a garden hose attached to the ceiling and a nylon cord pull-string.
You can hear the ocean in the distance breaking on the other side of the dunes if the wind is just right. However, you are still a decent walk away and cannot just climb the dunes.
There are multiple layers of dunes leading to the ocean and they are full of bramble, including cacti.
Each site has a picnic table and grill. No wood fires are permitted.
There are no trees for shade, which can be tough in the summer time!
The sites are paved.
Wood fires are prohibited. There are no fire pits or ground fires. Only charcoal and gas cooking fires are allowed.
Generators are allowed, but not during Quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Flooding can be an issue at this campground, so keep an eye on the weather.
A maximum of 6 people at a site, with either 2 cars per site, or one trailer and one car.
Maximum of two tents per site (though this wasn’t enforced while we were there during a slow season)
Pets confined on a leash (6 foot maximum). Again, this wasn’t exactly enforced.
It can get really hot in the open, grassy field if you are here in the summer time. We definitely suggest some battery operated fans and a solar generator.
A portable air conditioner can make a HUGE difference in your comfort when camping at this campground which usually has high humidity and lots of heat!
From around Memorial Day to Labor Day (specific dates depend on the year), stays cannot exceed 14 days.
A park ranger can frequently be found on a golf cart zooming through or making repairs if you should need some help, but don’t count on it.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Access
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse can be seen from the campground. It’s off in the distance, but still visible. The light will shine through the night and you might be able to see it depending on what site you’re staying at.
Really need some help? The Visitor Center for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is just down the road about a mile. When staffed, they might be able to assist you.
Or, maybe call the campground at Frisco? We didn’t try this, but noticed they have a manned gate house at that NPS campground location.
The campground map says there is parking for the beach within the campground (Ramp 45). On our visit in early June 2017, the parking area was closed. Even if you could park there, it is a serious hike to the beach from the location. So much easier to use the other ramps!
There are two access points to the beach within walking distance of the campground. Ramp 43 and 44. One is a ramp for Off Road Vehicles. A fish cleaning station is located at the entrance of the Ramps.
Planning a camping trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina? See these campground recommendations next: