Cape Point Campground

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Buxton · NPS

Reserve at Recreation.gov → Call 877-444-6777

Cape Point Campground is the NPS campground in Buxton near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with 202 no-hookup sites at $28/night. Reservations through Recreation.gov; open spring through fall. Closest base for surf-fishing the Point.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse near Cape Point Campground in Buxton, NC

NPS Campground · Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Point Campground is one of the most iconic NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks, set on the dune flats just inland from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton. With 202 no-hookup sites, it’s a primitive-style campground aimed at self-contained RVs, tent campers, and anglers heading for Cape Point — one of the premier surf-fishing spots on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Park Details

  • Address: 46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC 27920
  • Reservations: www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
  • Sites: 202
  • Hookups: None
  • Season: Open spring–fall

Amenities

  • Unheated showers
  • Modern restrooms
  • Potable water

Fees & Rates

$28/night.

Notes

Large NPS campground near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. No hookups available — plan for full boondocking or generator use within NPS quiet-hour rules.

What’s nearby

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.) is minutes away, along with the Buxton Woods Coastal Preserve and the ORV (over-sand vehicle) ramps out to Cape Point itself. Buxton village has grocery, hardware, and seafood options within a few miles. See all OBX nearby attractions for planning your days around the campground.

Driving the beach

For ORV access to Cape Point itself — the legendary convergence of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current — Beach4x4.com rents permitted Jeeps with delivery directly to Cape Point Campground.

Explore More on OBX RV

This park is part of the Hatteras Island: Avon, Buxton & Frisco region. Browse every park on the Outer Banks at the full parks directory, or see them mapped at the OBX RV Parks map.

Other parks in this region

Related guides for planning your stay

Booking Cape Point Campground

Cape Point Campground reservations open 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. Sites near the lighthouse and Point go in minutes during peak summer windows.

For past customer feedback see reviews of Beach4x4.com.

About Cape Point Campground

Cape Point Campground is arguably the most famous campground on the Outer Banks — an NPS campground in Buxton positioned within sight of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and a short walk from Cape Point itself, where the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream converge to create one of the most productive and legendary surf-fishing locations on the Eastern Seaboard. With 202 sites spread across open dune-grass loops, it is also the largest of the four NPS campgrounds in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, though all sites are primitive (no electric, water, or sewer hookups). The campground is seasonal, typically opening in late spring and closing in late fall. For a primitive NPS experience further south, see Frisco Campground; for the only year-round NPS option, see Oregon Inlet Campground.

The Cape Point Experience

Camping at Cape Point puts you in the heart of the seashore experience. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — the tallest brick lighthouse in North America at 198 feet — is visible from many sites and is a 10-minute walk or short drive from the campground. The Point itself, a shallow sandspit extending into the ocean where you can stand with both currents swirling around your feet, is one of the most spectacular natural features on the entire Outer Banks. Surf fishing from The Point is legendary: red drum (channel bass) runs in the fall draw anglers from across the country, and bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and trout are common throughout the season. The lighthouse beach access boardwalk is accessible from the campground, and NPS beach driving (ORV permit required) opens sections of the cape that are inaccessible by foot.

Campground Layout and Site Types

Cape Point’s 202 sites are primitive — no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any site. Water spigots and flush-toilet bathhouses are positioned throughout the loops, and a dump station is available on-site. Sites are gravel or packed sand with some paved pads; there is no published maximum RV length, though longer rigs (40+ feet) may find maneuvering tight in the older loop sections. Very little natural shade exists; an awning or pop-up canopy is essential. Generator hours are typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with strict quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

Beyond the lighthouse and The Point, Buxton offers a good selection of restaurants, grocery stores, surf shops, and hardware stores. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds are free to access daily and the lighthouse is open for climbing (fee required) from late spring through early fall. Canadian Hole in Avon, about 8 miles north, is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding spots in the world. Frisco Campground and the Frisco Native American Museum are a short drive south. Water sports — surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding — are accessible from multiple beach accesses within a few miles. The Frisco Woods soundside campground is ideal for a kayaking day trip.

Seasonal Conditions

Cape Point is open approximately late May through late October, with exact dates varying by year. Summer (late June–August) is the busiest period, with all 202 sites often full on weekends. Fall (September–October) is the peak fishing season and a favorite for regulars — the red drum run can be spectacular, crowds thin out, and temperatures moderate. Spring brings good fishing and lighter crowds but also the beginning of nesting-season beach closures that can restrict ORV access. Biting flies and mosquitoes are most intense in late spring and early summer; a DEET-based repellent is essential. Sand and wind are constants throughout the season — secure everything that can blow away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cape Point Campground have hookups?

No. Cape Point is fully primitive — no electric, water, or sewer at any site. Water spigots and flush toilets are distributed throughout the loops, and a dump station is on-site. For full-hookup alternatives, see the OBX hookups and utilities guide.

How close is Cape Point Campground to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

The campground is approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the lighthouse visitor center and grounds. The lighthouse is visible from most sites in the campground.

How do I make a reservation at Cape Point Campground?

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, opening six months in advance at 10 a.m. Eastern. First-come, first-served availability may exist in the shoulder season; check Recreation.gov for current availability.

What is the nightly rate at Cape Point Campground?

Approximately $28/night for all primitive sites. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount.

Is Cape Point Campground open year-round?

No. Cape Point is seasonal, typically open from late May through late October. For year-round NPS camping on the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet Campground is the only option.

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