Ocracoke Campground is the only campground on Ocracoke Island and one of the most remote NPS campgrounds on the East Coast — accessible only by ferry. With 136 oceanside sites and year-round operation, it’s the destination of choice for RVers who want to fully unplug from the OBX mainland experience.
Quick Facts
- Type: NPS, no hookups
- Location: Ocracoke Island (ferry access only)
- Sites: 136 oceanside
- Open: Year-round
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, 6-month window
Why Stay at Ocracoke
Ocracoke Campground delivers the most isolated, lowest-development RV experience on the OBX. The campground is a short walk to the Atlantic via boardwalks, and the historic Ocracoke Village (about 3 miles south) is a self-contained community of restaurants, shops, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the British Cemetery. Because the island is ferry-access only, it filters out the casual day-trip crowd and creates a much quieter overall vibe.
Sites and Hookups
No hookups — all sites are dry. There’s a dump station on site and potable water spigots. Sites accommodate a range of rig sizes; check Recreation.gov for individual site dimensions before booking.
Getting There
Three ferry routes serve Ocracoke:
- Hatteras–Ocracoke (free, 60 min): Most common for RVers coming down the OBX. First-come, first-served — no reservations.
- Cedar Island–Ocracoke (paid, 2.25 hours): Reservation-based, priced by vehicle length.
- Swan Quarter–Ocracoke (paid, 2.5 hours): Reservation-based.
See our Ocracoke Ferry Guide for full logistics.
What’s Nearby
- Ocracoke Village — 3 miles south, restaurants, shops, lighthouse
- Ocracoke Lighthouse — the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S.
- Pony pen — view the wild banker ponies (descendants of Spanish horses)
- British Cemetery — historic WWII gravesite
Booking Strategy
Recreation.gov opens reservations 6 months ahead at 10:00 a.m. ET. Summer weekends fill within minutes. Plan your ferry crossing as carefully as your campsite — Cedar Island and Swan Quarter routes need reservations made when you book the campsite. Book groceries and propane before crossing; Ocracoke has a small market but selection and prices reflect the remote location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hookups at Ocracoke Campground?
No — all sites are dry. Plan your fresh water and tanks accordingly before crossing on the ferry.
How long is the ferry ride?
Hatteras–Ocracoke is about 60 minutes. Cedar Island and Swan Quarter routes are 2+ hours each.
Can I take a 40-foot rig on the ferry?
Yes, but reservation-based ferries charge by length and the free Hatteras route can mean long waits in summer for big rigs. Measure bumper-to-bumper before booking.
Is there grocery and propane on Ocracoke?
Limited. There’s a Variety Store and small markets in the village, but stock up on Hatteras Island before crossing.