Oregon Inlet Campground
Oregon Inlet Campground is an NPS campground at Oregon Inlet, just south of Nags Head, with 107 sites (47 with utilities). Open year-round at $28/$35 per night via Recreation.gov, it’s the northernmost NPS option on the seashore.
NPS Campground · Nags Head
Oregon Inlet Campground is a National Park Service campground inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore, just north of the Basnight (Oregon Inlet) Bridge. It’s the first NPS campground you reach heading south and one of the only NPS sites on the Outer Banks open year-round. The location puts you directly between the Atlantic and the Oregon Inlet fishing center, with easy access to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge just across the bridge.
Park Details
- Address: Highway 12, Nags Head, NC 27954
- Reservations: www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
- Sites: 107 total; 47 sites with utility hookups (electric + water)
- Season: Open year-round
Amenities
- Heated showers
- Modern restrooms
- Potable water
Fees & Rates
- $28/night — sites without utilities
- $35/night — sites with electric + water hookups
What’s nearby
You’re minutes from Jennette’s Pier, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is next door for charter trips, and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge begins just south across the bridge — one of the East Coast’s premier birding destinations.
Driving the beach
For ORV runs along Pea Island or inlet surf-fishing access, Beach4x4.com rents permitted Jeeps with delivery directly to Oregon Inlet Campground.
Explore More on OBX RV
This park is part of the Kill Devil Hills & the Northern OBX 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
- Hookups & Utilities: OBX Campground Comparison
- OBX Seasonal Strategy: When to Go
- Nearby Attractions
- OBX RV Packing Checklist
- The Ultimate OBX RV Guide
- OBX RV FAQ
Reserving Oregon Inlet Campground
Oregon Inlet Campground books on Recreation.gov 6 months ahead. The 47 utility sites are the first to fill; check the NPS alerts page for current ORV ramp status before arrival.
For past customer feedback see reviews of Beach4x4.com.
About Oregon Inlet Campground
Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost National Park Service campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the only NPS campground on the Outer Banks that operates 365 days a year. Positioned just south of the Marc Basnight Bridge at the tip of Bodie Island, it offers direct access to some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast, uncrowded Atlantic beaches, and sweeping views of Oregon Inlet. The campground underwent a major infrastructure upgrade adding electric and water hookups to 47 of its 107 sites, making it a viable destination for RVers who previously avoided NPS campgrounds due to the lack of hookups.
Campground Layout and Site Types
The campground is organized into several loops set behind the dunes along the Atlantic side of Bodie Island. Most sites have paved or packed-gravel pads adequate for travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. The 47 utility sites offer 30/50-amp electric service and water; they are the first sites to be reserved and should be booked the moment your window opens on Recreation.gov. The remaining 60 primitive sites are available first-come, first-served during low-demand periods and by reservation in peak season. There is no sewer hookup at any site, but a dump station is available on-site. Shower facilities and flush toilets are maintained on the property.
Fishing at Oregon Inlet
Fishing is the primary draw for many Oregon Inlet campers. The campground sits within walking distance of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, one of the most productive charter-boat marinas on the East Coast, and the surf along Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is legendary for red drum, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, and sea mullet. The inlet itself produces striped bass and puppy drum in the fall. Anglers looking for more OBX surf fishing should also consider Cape Point Campground, the NPS site closest to the legendary Cape Point fishing beach on Hatteras Island. Anglers should be aware that ORV beach driving requires a separate NPS permit and that nesting-season closures can restrict access to some beach stretches adjacent to the campground.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
The Bodie Island Lighthouse — a striking black-and-white banded tower dating to 1872 — is less than two miles from the campground and open for climbing seasonally. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and birding trails begin just south of the inlet and attract birders from across the country during spring and fall migration. The towns of Nags Head and Manteo are within a 15-minute drive, offering grocery stores, restaurants, and RV supply shops. The Wright Brothers National Memorial and Jockey’s Ridge State Park are a short drive north on US-158.
Seasonal Conditions and What to Expect
Because Oregon Inlet is open year-round, it attracts a wide range of visitors across all seasons. Summer brings the most campers, warmest water, and peak mosquito and biting fly activity — a high-DEET repellent and screened canopy are strongly recommended. Fall is the favorite season for many regulars: the red drum run, lighter crowds, cooler temperatures, and spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. Winter camping here is uniquely peaceful — the campground often has fewer than a dozen rigs off-peak, the beaches are empty, and the inlet wildlife is at its most active. There is very little natural shade; a pop-up canopy or awning extension is essential for daytime comfort.
Tips for Your Stay
Bring a 50-foot water hose — spigots are at the site but distance varies. A 30-amp to 50-amp adapter is useful if your rig runs 50-amp and you land on a 30-amp utility site. Sand stake your awning and tents securely; wind off the inlet is consistent and can reach 20–30 mph on breezy afternoons. Cell service is adequate with Verizon but spotty on other carriers — bring a hotspot or signal booster. If you plan to drive on the beach, obtain your NPS ORV permit before arrival at the Whalebone Junction visitor center or online through the NPS website. See the OBX RV Packing Checklist for a full gear list tailored to Outer Banks camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon Inlet Campground have hookups?
Yes — 47 of the 107 sites have 30/50-amp electric and water hookups. There are no sewer hookups, but a dump station is on-site. The remaining 60 sites are primitive with no utilities.
Is Oregon Inlet Campground open in winter?
Yes, Oregon Inlet is the only NPS campground on the Outer Banks open year-round. All other NPS campgrounds (Cape Point, Frisco, Ocracoke) are seasonal.
How do I reserve a site at Oregon Inlet Campground?
All reservations are made through Recreation.gov. The booking window opens six months in advance at 10 a.m. Eastern. Utility sites book quickly — set a reminder and book the day your window opens for summer dates.
Are pets allowed at Oregon Inlet Campground?
Yes, leashed pets (maximum 6-foot leash) are permitted in the campground and on most adjacent beaches. Pets are not allowed in posted shorebird-nesting closures.
What is the nightly rate at Oregon Inlet Campground?
Primitive sites run approximately $28/night; utility sites with electric and water are approximately $35/night. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount.
See where Oregon Inlet Campground sits on the OBX RV parks map or compare it with other campgrounds in the full directory.