Ocracoke Campground

Ocracoke Campground is the only campground on Ocracoke Island — an NPS oceanside park with 136 no-hookup sites at $28/night, open year-round. Ferry access only, so plan ferry timing and fuel before you arrive.

NPS Oceanside Campground · Ocracoke

Ocracoke Campground is the only campground on Ocracoke Island and the only NPS campground accessed exclusively by ferry. Its oceanside dune-row layout, year-round operation, and remote island setting make it one of the most memorable camping experiences on the Outer Banks — it’s also the only way to camp on an island whose only road connection is a pair of ferries.

Park Details

• Address: 4352 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC 27960
• Reservations: www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
• Sites: 136
• Hookups: None
• Season: Open year-round

Amenities

• Unheated showers
• Modern restrooms
• Potable water

Fees & Rates

$28/night.

Notes

Oceanside NPS campground accessed via free state ferry from Hatteras. No hookups available. Because the free Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry runs limited schedules and fills in summer, reserve your camping nights and plan ferry arrival carefully. See our Ocracoke Ferry guide for full logistics.

What’s nearby

Ocracoke Village, at the south end of the island, is about a 15-minute drive down NC-12 and offers restaurants, shops, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the Silver Lake harbor. Between the campground and the village you’ll pass miles of undeveloped National Seashore beach. See all OBX nearby attractions for planning your trip.

Driving the beach

Ocracoke’s beach driving requires an NPS ORV permit. For reviews of the rental services OBX visitors use most, see Beach4x4.com reviews from past customers.

Explore More on OBX RV

This park is part of the Ocracoke: The Remote Ferry Destination region. Browse every park on the Outer Banks at the full parks directory, or see them mapped at the OBX RV Parks map.

Related guides for planning your stay

• The Ocracoke Ferry: A Practical Guide for RVers
• OBX Environmental Survival Guide
• OBX Seasonal Strategy: When to Go
• OBX RV Packing Checklist
• The Ultimate OBX RV Guide
• OBX RV FAQ

Reaching Ocracoke Campground by ferry

Ocracoke Campground is ferry-only — the free NCDOT Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is the most common route, with paid Cedar Island and Swan Quarter options from the mainland. Reservations on Recreation.gov.

For past customer feedback see reviews of Beach4x4.com.

About Ocracoke Campground

Ocracoke Campground is the most remote and arguably the most magical NPS campground on the Outer Banks. Located on Ocracoke Island — accessible only by ferry — the campground sits directly behind the dune line with the Atlantic Ocean just a short walk across the sand. With 136 sites, all primitive, it offers an experience entirely unlike the more accessible NPS campgrounds on Hatteras Island (Cape Point, Frisco) or the year-round Oregon Inlet Campground to the north.

Getting to Ocracoke: Ferry Information

Reaching Ocracoke requires planning around the ferry schedule. The most common route for RVers is the Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry, which departs from the south end of Hatteras Village and arrives at the north end of Ocracoke Island. The crossing takes approximately 60–70 minutes, is free of charge, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Because RVs and trailers occupy multiple vehicle slots, ferry lines during peak season (July–August and holiday weekends) can be 2–4 hours or more. The Cedar Island–Ocracoke and Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferries are toll-based alternatives that allow advance reservations and are highly recommended for RVers who want to guarantee a crossing time. All routes are operated by NC Ferry Division.

Campground Layout and What to Expect

Ocracoke Campground’s 136 sites are arranged in loops behind the primary dune ridge. Sites are a mix of open sand and packed gravel pads. All are primitive — no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Cold-water showers and flush toilets are on-site, along with a dump station. Because of the island setting, wind is a constant — often blowing 15–25 mph consistently throughout the day. Sand stakes for awnings and tents are not optional here; they are essential. There is no natural shade at any site, and the sun exposure on Ocracoke is intense in summer. Bring shade structures, UV protection, and significantly more water and provisions than you think you need, as island grocery options are limited.

Ocracoke Village and Island Activities

Ocracoke Village, about 3 miles south of the campground on the island’s southern tip, is one of the most charming small towns on the NC coast. The historic village has locally-owned restaurants, shops, the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, and the famous Ocracoke Lighthouse — the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina (1823). The Ocracoke Pony Pasture, where the island’s famous wild ponies are maintained in a protected enclosure, is accessible between the campground and the village. Beach access is everywhere — the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway traverses the island, and pull-offs for swimming, fishing, and surfing are abundant. Kayaking in the Pamlico Sound marshes and Silver Lake harbor is excellent.

Tips for Staying at Ocracoke Campground

Plan your ferry crossing carefully — early morning arrivals at the Hatteras ferry terminal generally avoid the worst wait times. For peak season stays, seriously consider the reservable Cedar Island or Swan Quarter routes even though they are tolled. Bring extra-long sand tent stakes (12 inches or longer) — the loose Ocracoke sand will not hold standard stakes. Stock provisions for at least 2–3 days, as the island’s one small grocery store can run out of basics during high season. Cell service is limited and primarily Verizon; a satellite communicator is useful for emergency communication. Check NC Ferry Division weather and schedule updates before departure — service can be suspended in adverse weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get an RV to Ocracoke Campground?

By ferry only — there is no bridge to Ocracoke Island. The free Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry (NC DOT) departs from Hatteras Village; the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries are toll-based but reservable. RVers in peak season strongly benefit from using a reservable ferry route to avoid multi-hour waits.

Does Ocracoke Campground have hookups?

No — all 136 sites are primitive with no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Cold showers, flush toilets, and a dump station are on-site. For full-hookup options on the OBX, see the OBX hookups guide.

How far in advance should I book Ocracoke Campground?

Book the day your Recreation.gov window opens (6 months in advance at 10 a.m. Eastern) for summer dates. Factor in ferry reservations — book both together for peak-season trips.

Is Ocracoke Campground open year-round?

No — it is seasonal, generally open April through November. Oregon Inlet is the only year-round NPS option on the Outer Banks.

See where Ocracoke Campground sits on the OBX RV parks map or compare it with other campgrounds in the full directory.