Cape Woods Campground is a private, full-hookup park in Buxton tucked into the maritime forest near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s the closest private full-hookup park to the lighthouse and the best fit for RVers who want lighthouse-area access plus full amenities (which the nearby NPS Cape Point doesn’t offer).
Quick Facts
- Type: Private, full-hookup
- Location: Buxton, NC (Hatteras Island)
- Setting: Maritime forest, shaded
- Best for: Lighthouse visitors who want hookups, shaded summer sites
Why Stay at Cape Woods Campground
Cape Woods gives you the Buxton location without the no-hookup tradeoff of Cape Point. The maritime forest setting means shade — a real luxury on the OBX in July and August — and the location is walkable/bikeable to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse area. Buxton itself is the most service-rich village south of Avon, with grocery, propane, restaurants, and surf shops within a 5-minute drive. Book directly through the Cape Woods Campground website or call ahead during peak season — sites turn over quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Sites and Hookups
Full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric) at most sites. Big-rig owners should call ahead — the forest setting and tighter loops mean rigs over 38 feet may have limited site options.
What’s Nearby
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — short bike ride or drive
- Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve — hiking trails
- Cape Point surf-fishing access — 4×4 only
- Buxton village services — grocery, restaurants, gas
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cape Woods compare to Cape Point Campground?
Cape Woods is private with full hookups; Cape Point is NPS with no hookups but better immediate beach access. Cape Woods is generally easier on first-time RVers and big rigs.
Is the campground walkable to the lighthouse?
Bike-friendly, yes. Walking is doable but on the long side.
Cape Woods Campground: What to Expect On-Site
Cape Woods Campground feels different from the big oceanfront resort parks farther north on the OBX. The maritime forest setting means more shade than almost any other Hatteras campground, which is a real advantage in July and August when the sun is brutal. Sites are tucked into the live oaks, so privacy is better than the open-layout NPS campgrounds at Cape Point and Frisco, and the canopy keeps the salt spray off your RV.
For families, the Cape Woods Campground layout works well: a central pool, a small camp store with ice and basic groceries, and a quiet enough vibe that kids can ride bikes on the loop roads without dodging through-traffic. The beach is a short drive (or a longer bike ride for older kids), and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is genuinely walkable for visitors who want to skip the parking-lot hassle on busy summer days.
Big-rig RVers should call ahead. Some Cape Woods Campground sites have tree-canopy clearance that works fine for Class C and trailer rigs but can tag the roofline on tall Class A coaches. The park is happy to assign you a more open site if you ask in advance, but the back-loop wooded sites — which are the best ones for privacy — are typically reserved for 30-foot and shorter rigs.