Buxton sits at the elbow of Hatteras Island, where the Outer Banks bends west and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands tallest on the Atlantic coast. For RV travelers, Buxton is the unofficial capital of Hatteras Island camping: NPS oceanfront sites at Cape Point, full-hookup resorts minutes from the lighthouse, world-class surf breaks, and the closest paved access to the Canadian Hole kiteboarding flats up in Avon.
Why Camp in Buxton, NC
Buxton is the village that balances everything Hatteras offers. The lighthouse and the Cape Point surf break sit on the south end. Frisco and the ferry to Ocracoke are a short drive south. Avon, Canadian Hole, and the Tri-Villages kite scene are 10 minutes north. Buxton itself has grocery stores, tackle shops, kite shops, and the only ATM-and-gas cluster between Avon and Hatteras Village — a meaningful detail when you are RV camping.
Best Buxton Campgrounds
- Cape Point Campground (NPS) — oceanfront tent and RV sites at the foot of the lighthouse. No hookups, generator hours apply, but unmatched location for surf-fishermen and lighthouse photographers.
- Cape Hatteras KOA Resort — full-hookup pull-throughs, pool, oceanfront cottages, and beach access. The most resort-style option on Hatteras Island.
- Frisco Woods Campground — soundside, 5 minutes south of Buxton. Full hookups, kiteboarding launch on the sound, and shaded sites under live oaks.
- Camp Hatteras — 15 minutes north in Rodanthe. Two pools, ocean-to-sound access, and the largest full-hookup inventory on the island.
What to Do in Buxton
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse reopens for climbing in 2026 after its multi-year restoration. Cape Point is the most famous surf break on the East Coast — a left-and-right peak that pulls swell from every direction. Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve has 5 miles of maritime forest trails. Old Lighthouse Beach is the gentlest swimming beach in Buxton. For kiteboarders, the launch at Canadian Hole is a 10-minute drive north on Highway 12.
Buxton Surf, Kite, and Tackle Shops
Natural Art Surf Shop, Hatteras Island Surf Shop, and Rodanthe Surf Shop (a few miles north) cover board rentals and lessons. For kiteboarding, Real Watersports in Waves and Ocean Air Sports in Avon are the closest full-service kite schools. Frank and Fran’s, Red Drum Tackle, and Dillon’s Corner stock surf-fishing gear for Cape Point.
Getting to Buxton
From the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk, Buxton is 65 miles south on US-158 then NC-12. Allow 90 minutes without traffic, 2+ hours on summer weekends. The closest big-box grocery is the Food Lion in Avon, 10 minutes north. Fuel up before crossing the Bonner Bridge — diesel is significantly more expensive on Hatteras Island than on the mainland.
Buxton Camping FAQ
Can you camp at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Yes. Cape Point Campground, operated by the National Park Service, is the oceanfront campground at the base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It offers tent and RV sites without hookups and is open seasonally from spring through fall.
Is Buxton better than Avon for camping?
Buxton is better for surf-fishermen, lighthouse visitors, and families wanting full-hookup resort camping. Avon is better for kiteboarders who want to walk to Canadian Hole. The two villages are 10 minutes apart, so most travelers can easily enjoy both.
Are there RV parks in Buxton with full hookups?
Yes. Cape Hatteras KOA Resort offers full-hookup pull-throughs, a pool, and direct beach access. Frisco Woods Campground, 5 minutes south, also offers full hookups on the sound side with a kiteboarding launch.
How far is Buxton from Canadian Hole?
Canadian Hole is about 6 miles north of Buxton on NC-12, roughly a 10-minute drive. It is the most popular kiteboarding and windsurfing launch on Hatteras Island, with a sandy soundside flat that’s chest-deep for hundreds of yards.
When does the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse reopen?
The National Park Service has announced a planned 2026 reopening for climbing after the multi-year restoration. The grounds and visitor center remain open during construction.
Explore the Kite Cluster
Hatteras Kiteboarding Hub · Canadian Hole · Avon Camping · Learn to Kiteboard · Wing Foiling · OBX Kitesurfing · Kite Lessons Near Me
Fishing this trip? See OBX Surf Fishing Camping — campgrounds paired to every ORV ramp.
Driving the Beach in Buxton
Cape Point and the Buxton ramps require an ORV permit and a real 4×4. Full walkthrough on our beach-driving sister site: Buxton Beach Driving Guide and the Ramp 44 Cape Point guide.