7 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds

Looking for the best Outer Banks campgrounds? You’ve come to the right place!

The Outer Banks, also known as OBX, are a chain of barrier islands separating North Carolina from the Atlantic Ocean. Rich with nature & history, this area is a huge tourist attraction, increasing the volume in visitors each year.

There are so many campgrounds to choose from at OBX – some luxurious and some a little sketchy! Today, we’re only featuring the best.

Each campground we mention will include price, amenities and a unique “Outer Banks Campgrounds Vibe” score. This overall score will combine the campground experience with previous camper reviews.

Let’s dive in!

Oregon Inlet Campground

Price: $28 and up

Location: Nags Head, NC

Ideal for: RVs, Vans, Tents – Some sites have water & electric, most have no hook ups. Dump station located nearby.

Why You’ll Love It: This National Park campground keeps you close to nature. Campsites are tucked inside the peaceful dunes, and the Atlantic Ocean is a short walk away. You’ll have quick driving access to Nags Head, but at the campground you’ll be far away from the noisy tourist action.

This is ideal for the campers who love National Park camping. It doesn’t have many amenities, but it has so much beauty!

What’s the Scoop: Mike on Campendium says, “The reservation system is flaky…as you reserve “a site” then get “to pick” when you get there. A little confusing but happy to get a site with water and electric that fit our 35′ class A and room to park the toad in front! 10 minute walk to get to the beach and location is excellent for exploring the OBX”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 9.3/10 Quintessential OBX experience – solid campground choice.

Frisco Campground

Price: $28

Location: Buxton, NC

Ideal for: RVs, Tents, Vans – this is dry camping (no electric or water at campsites)

Why You’ll Love It: Privacy & beauty! This is another National Park campsite located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The spots are spread out and have lots of natural growth between them.

There are bathrooms and showers onsite, but don’t expect hot water!

Also, the spots on the upper level have epic views, but the lower level spots get you closer to the beach.

What’s the Scoop: Kangmoe on Campground Reviews says, “We always enjoy this campground. This is roughing it without water or electrical at the site. You can run your generator until 9 pm. We fill the water tanks before we get in and then just add another 5 gallons each day we are here. We don’t run the generator that much, and if you get a campsite at the higher level, you get a better sea breeze and view. ”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 9.8/10 Maybe we’re bias to National Par campgrounds, but this spot will give you all the best OBX feels!

Cape Hatteras KOA

Price: $83 and up

Location: Rodanthe, NC

Ideal for: RVs & Cabin Rental – This KOA offers many ways to camp, ideal for large family travel. They do offer tent sites, but we wouldn’t consider it “ideal tent camping”.

Why You’ll Love It: Central location! The Cape Hatteras KOA has great access to both north and south beaches. It also has full hook ups with easy pull through parking. If you want amenities, they’ve got you covered.

The year round pool and hot tub are great fun! They also are a dog-friendly park, so you can bring your furry travel companions.

What’s the Scoop: Ketah on Campendium says, “This campground is on the ocean side of the road and right across the street from the sound where you can see beautiful sunsets. There are many nice amenities like a large pool with water slides, a bounce pad, playground, and arcade. The laundry room is really nice and clean.”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 7.9/10 Central location, beach front sites & lots of amenities.

Ocracoke Island Campground

Price: $28

Location: Ocracoke, NC

Ideal for: RVs, Tents, Vans – This is dry camping only, the campground has no hook ups.

Why You’ll Love It: This is another beautiful National Park campground. It might not have hook ups, but it has plenty of scenery. The campground is located outside of town, this makes it super easy to kick back and relax.

Wood fires aren’t allowed onsite. Whenever this is the case, we love using our Outland Living Fire Pit that runs on propane.

What’s the Scoop: Annie on Campendium says, “It’s all dry camping here, but the sun makes solar work well and I never busted out my generator the week I was here, despite some big storms moving through. The beach is endless and was relatively uncrowded because it was the first week of the season here.”

(PS – We use Campendium to find all the best sites. Here’s a step by step tutorial on how we use the search tool.)

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 9.2/10 The National Park Service knows how to build a campground!

Cape Point Campground

Price: $20 (Cheapest National Park Campground in OBX)

Location: Buxton, NC

Ideal for: RVs, Tents, Vans

Why You’ll Love It: The final (and most affordable) of the National Park campgrounds is Cape Point. This is the perfect spot for ATVers. After you obtain a permit, there is direct access to beach trails.

Water, toilets and shower houses are available onsite. However, none of the campsites provide water or electricity.

What’s the Word: Steve on Campendium says, “This was our second stop on our outterbanks trip. The campground is in the cape hatteras national seashore which also has the Hatteras lighthouse. Campground is very low and can be prone to flooding.”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 8.6/10 Not our #1 NP campground, but overall its a solid choice.

Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

Price: $52 and up

Location: Rodanthe, NC

Ideal for: Tents, Vans, small RVs

Why You’ll Love It: This private campground is located right on the water and will help you get out and explore. They offer paddle board, kayak, sail boat, surf board and bike rentals. Don’t know how to sail – don’t worry – they have sailing lessons too.

The spots are small and close – big rigs might not fit.

What’s The Word: John on Campground Reviews says, “This is a gem but for smaller sized units. You are right on the bay and the spot backs to it. There is power and water but the sites are a bit tight but I got in with no issues. The staff are incredibly helpful, attentive and polite. In fact they called us to see if we would be there before they closed and if not told us they put a reserved cone up for us.”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 7.2/10 Fun amenities, but small sites.

Cape Hatteras RV Resort

Price: $32 (tent site) and up

Locations: Waves, NC

Ideal for: RVs – Tents and vans welcome, but this place was built for RVs. Starting RV site price is $46.

Why You’ll Love It: RVers who want all the best amenities will love this resort. Aside from the 1000 feet of waterfront access, the park offers multiple pools, multiple sports courts, mini golf, a dog park and planned daily events!

This is the best of both worlds – have luxurious amenities and beautiful nature. If you like this park you’ll love our list of 11 Luxury Campground in the USA!

What’s the Scoop: Kerch on Campground Reviews says, “Huge campground with paved sites and picnic table. There is still a nice piece of grass next to each site as well as behind some sites. FHU sites; water quality is good; electric good. Park has access to the beach and a pavilion with dock to the beach as well. It is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore but dogs are allowed on the beach.”

Outer Bank Campgrounds Vibes: 7.7/10 Luxury park with large waterfront access. It costs a pretty penny!

The Best FREE Camping in the USA

We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.

If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.

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