Ocracoke Island campsites are in high demand for those wanting to vacation on the outer banks of North Carolina. The island is accessible only by air or sea and the accommodations are limited.
Hotels and cottages fill up very quickly on Ocracoke Island. They're also quite expensive. Ocracoke Island campsites offer a less expensive alternative for those who want to experience all that Ocracoke Island has to offer without breaking the bank. It doesn't matter whether you'll be roughing it in a tent or sleeping in a luxurious RV, you can find a campsite to suit your needs for between $20 and $35 per night.
Teeter's Campground
A small, privately-owned campground just outside the village, this campsite offers two full hookup sites, 12 with water and electricity and 10 tent sites. The rates range from $20 to $30 with tent camping being the least expensive option. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and some of the tent sites offer a grill. Bathhouses are available, but there are no onsite laundry facilities. The campground is open March through November. You can call (800) 705-5341 to make reservations. They do not accept credit cards.
Beachcomber Campground and Ocracoke Station
This slightly larger campground, located less than a mile from Silver Lake, is also privately-owned. It offers 29 electricity and water sites and 7 tent sites. Picnic tables and grills are available for every site and bathhouses are also available. The rates range from $25 for a tent site to $35 a night for RV hookups. The rates are based on six people per campsite, and there is a $5 fee for each additional person. The rates are different during holidays.
This facility has a deli that serves fresh sandwiches. Gourmet groceries, beach supplies and souvenirs are also available on-site. The campground is open year-round, and reservations are recommended during the summer. Call (252) 928-4031 for more information about Beachcomber Campground.
Ocracoke Campground (NPS)
This public campground, maintained by the National Park Service, has 136 campsites and is the largest campground on Ocracoke Island. Because the campsite has ocean access, it requires longer tent stakes for the sandy soil. The sites are unimproved and offer no utility hookups. Only cold water showers are available and there are no laundry facilities. The amenities available at Ocracoke Campground include:
- Barbecue Grills
- Boating
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fishing
- Swimming
The rate is $23 per night. Two tents, vehicles or RVs are allowed per campsite. Reservations can be made online with the National Park Service and are recommended during the summer months. They also recommend making a reservation for ferry service.
Vacationing at Ocracoke Island Campsites
Who says you just have to camp? From relaxing on the beach to exploring the island's fascinating history, there's something for everyone on Ocracoke.
Historic Ocracoke
This island's extensive history dates back to Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer who lived in the late 16th century. The village was established as a port in 1715. It is most well-known for its connection to the famous pirate, Blackbeard, who was killed near the island in 1718.
Ocracoke is home to one of the country's oldest and shortest lighthouses still in use on the Atlantic coast. Built in 1823, the lighthouse can be seen for only 14 miles off the coast. It isn't open to the public, but is one of ten sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour.
Ocracoke Island is also home to the Banker Ponies, a herd of horses that are said to be descendants of horses left on Roanoke Island by Sir Walter Raleigh. There are a number of other explanations of their origin, but this seems the most plausible.
There are a number of other attractions to see during your stay on Ocracoke.
Other Activities
You can fill your days with a number of activities. Bird watching, kayaking, swimming, hiking and sunbathing are just a sampling of the activities you can enjoy while camping on Ocracoke.Ocracoke Island was named 2007's number one beach in the country on Dr. Beach's coveted Top Ten Beach list.
More Information
No matter which campground you choose or how you spend your time, Ocracoke Island campsites offer a truly unique experience. For more information about camping on Ocracoke Island, visit the following websites:
- Ocracoke-NC.com (difficult to navigate but good information)
- Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
