The Refuge on Roanoke Island - Outer Banks RV Camping

The Refuge on Roanoke Island is a small, quiet waterfront RV park near Wanchese on Roanoke Island. It is an RV community first and a nightly campground second: of its 59 sites, 44 are annual leases and 15 waterfront sites rent by the night. RV-only, no tents.

RV Park · Wanchese, Roanoke Island

A tidy, quiet RV park on the pond between Wanchese and Manteo — and it’s important to know what it is: a small RV community first, a nightly campground second. Of its 59 sites, 44 are annual leases; 15 waterfront sites rent by the night, and they go early. If one’s available, you get a pond off your back bumper, a pool overlooking the sound, and one of the calmest basecamps on the Outer Banks.

Park Details

Address: 2881 NC Highway 345, Wanchese, NC 27981
Reservations: Online (therefuge-roanokeisland.com) or by phone at 252-260-5800
Sites: 59 total — 15 waterfront sites rent nightly; the remaining 44 are annual leases
Site type: RV-only, no tents; 30/50-amp full hookups; rigs to 40 ft

Amenities

30/50-amp full hookups (electric, water, sewer) on all sites
Pool overlooking the sound, bathhouse, coin laundry and pavilion
Waterfront sites on the pond/canal; catch-and-release pond fishing; kayak/canoe access
Pet-friendly (leashed); no ground fires

Fees & Rates

Nightly full-hookup RV site: about $50/night ($350/week)
Annual and monthly leases also available (monthly about $1,000)

Notes

RV-only — no tent camping, and no tents alongside RVs on a site
Only 15 of the 59 sites are available for nightly stays; book early

What’s nearby

The Wanchese fishing village is about 2 miles south. Downtown Manteo’s waterfront, shops and restaurants are about 5 miles north. Jennette’s Pier and the Nags Head beaches are about 7 miles east over the causeway.

Explore More on OBX RV

Planning a Roanoke Island stay? Compare the island’s other campground and read our planning guides below.

Other parks in this region

Beechland Campground

Related guides for planning your stay

About The Refuge on Roanoke Island

The Refuge on Roanoke Island is a small, waterfront RV park on the pond between Wanchese and Manteo, run by the same local family behind Beechland Campground in Manteo. It is best understood as an RV community first and a nightly campground second: most of its 59 sites are held as annual leases, with just 15 waterfront sites available to nightly travelers. Those who land one get a calm, pond-side base with a sound-view pool, a pavilion, and easy access to Roanoke Island and the northern beaches. The park is RV-only — it does not allow tents.

Campground Layout and Site Types

All sites carry 30/50-amp full hookups and sit on gravel pads, with the 15 nightly sites lined along the water for pond and canal views. Rigs up to about 40 feet are accommodated. A canal runs to the sound for kayaking and canoeing, and the pond offers catch-and-release fishing. Because only 15 sites turn over nightly, availability is limited — especially in summer — so reserve well ahead.

Tips for Your Stay

Book early and be flexible on dates: with only 15 nightly sites, The Refuge fills quickly in season. Remember it is RV-only — no tents — and that ground fires are not permitted. It suits travelers who want quiet and water views over resort activity, with Manteo and the beaches a short drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Refuge on Roanoke Island allow tents?

No. The Refuge is an RV-only park — it does not offer tent camping, and tents are not permitted alongside an RV on a site.

How many sites can I book nightly at The Refuge?

Of the park’s 59 sites, 15 waterfront sites are available for nightly stays; the remaining 44 are annual leases. The nightly sites book up early in season.

What are the nightly rates at The Refuge on Roanoke Island?

A nightly full-hookup RV site runs about $50 per night (roughly $350 per week) per the campground’s published rates. Annual and monthly leases are also available. Confirm current pricing at therefuge-roanokeisland.com or 252-260-5800.

What season is The Refuge open?

Exact open and close dates are not published online. Call 252-260-5800 to confirm current-season availability for your dates.

Are pets allowed at The Refuge on Roanoke Island?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome. Aggressive breeds require manager approval, and pets are not allowed in the pool or bathhouse.