Cape Hatteras is one of the most popular places to visit on the North Carolina coast. The beautiful barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, are unique places that you don’t want to miss.
Cape Hatteras is located at a curve on Hatteras Island and boasts some of the Tar Heel State’s best beaches. It forms a large part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 70-mile-long national park focused on preserving the natural beauty of these islands.
The best time to visit Cape Hatteras is in the spring and fall when the weather is still warm, and there aren’t as many tourists.
There are a few campgrounds that we would recommend after researching for our own trip when we were full time RVing. Not only have we stayed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we also took time to look at the other campgrounds in the area.
Many of these campgrounds offer no or limited electrical hookups. Check out our Portable Generator Guide!
Cape Point Campground
This is where we stayed when visiting Cape Hatteras as we loved this campground (other than the fact it was so hot!).
Close to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Cape Point Campground provides some of the best access to fishing and surfing spots on these barrier islands.
Cape Point offers basic tent and RV sites with no hookups, which can be brutal in the summer time. Sites come with a picnic table and grill.
See our review of Cape Point Campground and our video below for more detailed information about this National Park Service campground.
- No hookups
- Pets welcome
- Paved parking
- Seasonal camping
Oregon Inlet Campground
The Oregon Inlet Campground is one of four campgrounds within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This oceanfront campground is pretty basic, with amenities like showers, bathrooms, and a dump station.
All RV sites are paved, and every campsite also comes with a patio and picnic table so you can make the most of your beautiful surroundings.
While there isn’t much to do around camp, you’ll have the ocean right on your doorstep, and popular activities include swimming, fishing, and birdwatching. The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is also free to use for all campers.
- Limited partial hookups
- Pets welcome
- Paved pads
- Dump and water fill stations
- Open year-round
Frisco Campground
Just a few miles east of the Cape Point Campground is Frisco. This conveniently placed campground is similar to Cape Point. It offers sites for RVs and tents but no hookups.
All sites come with a picnic table and a grill. Useful amenities around the camp include showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, and a recycling center.
During your stay, take a romantic stroll along the boardwalk trails or spend your day catching supper fishing in the surf.
- No hookups
- Pets welcome
- Paved parking
- Seasonal camping
Ocracoke Campground
The final campground within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke Campground, can be found at the southern end of the barrier islands on Ocracoke Island.
This oceanfront camp sits right on the sand, so it’s recommended that tent campers bring along extra-long tent pegs. RV and tents are welcome, but there are no hookups.
Throughout camp, you’ll find toilets, showers, and barbecues.
While there are no campground activities, you’ll be directly next to the ocean and dunes, where you can fish, swim, surf, and much more.
- No hookups
- Pets welcome
- Open year-round
✅ Traveling to Ocracoke Island? Here are our recommended campgrounds.
Frisco Woods Campground
If you’re looking to stay close to the heart of Cape Hatteras but would prefer some modern amenities, consider Frisco Woods Campground. You’ll find RV and tent sites at Frisco Woods, with full hookups that support 30/50-amp electricity.
There are a few amenities, too, including a laundry room and dump station. You can also rent a cabin that comes with air conditioning and electricity for a luxurious camping experience.
Frisco Woods also arranges events and provides equipment rentals to keep campers entertained.
- Full hookups
- Wi-Fi access
- Cabin rentals
- Pets welcome
- Swimming pool and equipment rentals
Camp Hatteras Campground
Located along the Outer Banks, Camp Hatteras is one of the cape’s top-rated campgrounds. Camp Hatteras provides tent and RV sites, and all RV sites are paved and come with full hookups. This RV park also has tons of amenities, like laundry rooms, bathrooms, and a camp store.
You won’t be short of things to do at camp—spend your days lazing around by the pool or work on your short game at the mini-golf course.
And with the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, there’s plenty of opportunities to take a dip.
- Full hookups
- Spacious paved pads
- Onsite dog park
- Wi-Fi and Cable TV access
- Onsite mini-golf course and swimming pool
Ocean Waves Campground
Another popular campground further north along the Outer Banks is Ocean Waves Campground. Smaller than other campgrounds on this list, Ocean Waves has approximately 67 RV campsites that afford full hookups with max amp electricity. All RV sites are concrete and come with a picnic table.
There are also some tent sites available near the beach. Amenities around camp include showers, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and a camp store.
If you’re looking for something to do during your downtime, there’s an onsite swimming pool and a games room.
- Full hookups
- Concrete pads
- Wi-Fi and Cable TV access
- Pets welcome
- Swimming pool and games room
Cape Hatteras/ Outer Banks KOA
KOAs always come highly recommended, and the Cape Hatteras/ Outer Banks KOA is no exception. Near Rodanthe on the Outer Banks, this KOA boasts RV and tent sites overlooking the ocean. All paved RV sites come with full hookups that allow max amp electricity.
The camp has everything you’ll need for an idyllic family getaway, including laundry rooms, modern bathrooms, an onsite restaurant, and a dog run so your pup can stretch their legs. Spend summer evenings cuddled up at the outdoor cinema or cool off in the swimming pool.
- Paved pads
- Full hookups
- Wi-Fi and Cable TV access
- Luxury cabin rentals
- Onsite dog park
- Outdoor cinema
Hatteras Sands Campground
Situated near the picturesque Hatteras Village, Hatteras Sands offers 60 paved RV sites with space for big rigs. Most sites here come with full hookups and free cable TV and WiFi.
Tents sites are also available across the camp. You can also rent quaint cabins and cottages if you don’t fancy camping.
Around this RV park, you’ll find basic amenities like laundry rooms, restrooms, and showers. Spend lazy days fishing or crabbing along the nearby canals or top up your tan poolside.
- Paved pads
- Full hookups
- Pets welcome
- Cabin rentals
- Olympic-sized swimming pool
- Clubhouse
Sands of Time Campground
There are plenty of superb campgrounds along the Outer Banks, and another great option is the Sands of Time Campground. Near the fishing village of Kinnakeet, this campground offers 57 spacious paved sites with full hookups that support 30/50-amp electricity.
Shaded tent sites are available, and there are also cottage rentals.
Hot showers, restrooms, and laundry machines are available to campers.
Spend your days riding the waves at Canadian Hole or prepare your best catch for supper at the lighted fish cleaning station.
- Paved pads
- Full hookups
- Wi-Fi and Cable TV access
- Cottage rentals
- Pets welcome
If you are visiting North Carolina’s coast, be sure to see our Guide to Campgrounds at Ocracoke Island.