South Core Banks -- Beach camping
Campground · Dispersed · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $0.00
- Type
- Campground
- Sites
- 0 reservable · 0 first come
- Phone
- (252) 728-2250
- Coordinates
- 34.7606, -76.4122
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
From the managing agency.
Is South Core Banks -- Beach camping free?
No. South Core Banks -- Beach camping charges $0.00.
Can I bring an RV to South Core Banks -- Beach camping?
South Core Banks -- Beach camping has 0 sites on record. 0 sites are reservable and 0 are first come.
How do I get to South Core Banks -- Beach camping?
Take a ferry from Davis, NC over to Great Island on South Core Banks. The barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore may only be reached by boat -- either your own boat or a ferry from the mainland.
What is the weather like at South Core Banks -- Beach camping?
Located in Eastern North Carolina temperatures range from cool temperatures in the spring and late fall to the typical hot and humid summer temperatures. Fortunately the winds along the coast blow about 10-15 miles per hour on a routine basis which can keep the summer temperatures from becoming oppressive. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common during the summer, plan accordingly.
What are the rules at South Core Banks -- Beach camping?
All camping is primitive beach camping dispersed along the open ocean beach seaward of the dunes. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Campsites must be at least 100 yards from the lighthouse and 100 feet from any other structure. Camping is not permitted in the Cabin Camp, the Cape Lookout Light Station complex, in Cape Village or in long term parking areas. Hammocks must be free-standing. Hammocks may not be hung in shade shelters, attached to other structures or strung between trees. Groups of 25 or more campers are required to obtain a Special Use Permit. Camping vehicles, including any style trailer or pop-up camper, vehicles with a rooftop tent, or truck bed camper, must be kept on the oceanside beach, seaward of the primary dunes, not between or on top of dunes. Vehicles are prohibited from camping on the trail behind the dunes known as the "back road" unless there is a specifically designated spot. Drivers must follow the regulations for off-road vehicles (ORVs).
Nearby
- GREAT ISLAND CABIN CAMP0.0 mi
- North Core Banks - Beach Camping13.0 mi
- LONG POINT CABIN CAMP13.0 mi
- OYSTER POINT CAMPGROUND19.9 mi
- Oyster Point Camp19.9 mi
- FLANNERS BEACH CAMPGROUND34.1 mi
- OCRACOKE CAMPGROUND37.2 mi
- CEDAR POINT CAMPGROUND38.4 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
