How much does camping cost at Cape Point Campground?

Camping fees at Cape Point Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cape Point Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cape Point Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cape Point Campground before I book?

Yes! Cape Point Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cape Point Campground?

Cape Point Campground is open April 03 to November 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cape Point Campground?

Yes, Cape Point Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Cape Point Campground?

Cell phone service at Cape Point Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cape Point Campground have?

Cape Point Campground has 200 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Point Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cape Point Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cape Point Campground?

Cape Point Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cape Point Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cape Point Campground?

Fire policies at Cape Point Campground: Wood fires are not permitted in the campground. Only charcoal cooking fires are permitted in a grill, stove or other self-contained unit.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

417 reviews

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

Pet FriendlyStargazingFishing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open March 29, 2025 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 8% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open March 29, 2025 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 8% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cape Point Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

252-465-9602 OR 252-475-9616

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

Cape Point Campground

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

Nearby places

Buxton, NC (2 miles, 5 minutes)

Avon, NC (10 miles, 15 minutes)

Nags Head, NC (53 miles, 1 hour)

Manteo, NC (55 miles, 1 hour, 10 minutes)

Driving directionsNorth (From Richmond, VA): Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. West (From Rocky Mount, NC): Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. South (From Florence, SC): Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

Weather at Cape Point Campground

Current alerts(10)

A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood.
All campsites are exposed and subject to weather extremes. There are no shaded sites in the campground.
All equipment must fit on the site pad; large RVs over 25 feet may have to park second vehicles in auxiliary parking away from the campground, or purchase an additional campsite. Vehicles cannot park on the grass.
Biting insects are prevalent in the summer months, therefore netting and repellent are recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Cape Point Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and peak coastal activity — expect daytime highs usually in the 60s–70s°F (50s–60s°F at night) and crisp, windy conditions perfect for kite flying and long beach walks. Surf fishing and surfing remain excellent as water temperatures lag behind air temps, and migrating birds and fewer summer visitors make wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding. Crowds thin after Labor Day, and campsites are easier to get in late Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: cool ocean breeze and lifeguards, but bugs, heat, and campsite flooding reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to November 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 29, 2025 - November 30, 2025.

About Cape Point Campground

Cape Point Campground sits within Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Buxton, offering National Park Service tent, RV, and primitive camping steps from the Atlantic. The very large campground provides budget-friendly access to barrier island beaches, surf fishing, and the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Clean, spacious sites with flush toilets, showers, and a dump station serve visitors exploring the Outer Banks coastline.

Cape Point Campground offers a mix of standard non-electric campsites and tent-only non-electric sites. It is described as a primitive campground without modern hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and peak coastal activity — expect daytime highs usually in the 60s–70s°F (50s–60s°F at night) and crisp, windy conditions perfect for kite flying and long beach walks. Surf fishing and surfing remain excellent as water temperatures lag behind air temps, and migrating birds and fewer summer visitors make wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding. Crowds thin after Labor Day, and campsites are easier to get in late Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

ElevationPerched at sea level where land barely rises above the waves, Cape Point Campground offers an intimate connection with the ocean's moods. This low-lying landscape means campers experience the raw power of coastal storms firsthand, as rainwater pools and flows across the sandy terrain, creating ephemeral wetlands that attract shorebirds and remind visitors of nature's constant reshaping of these barrier islands.

Natural Features and SceneryRolling sand dunes border the campground, sculpted by wind and waves on a barrier island that continues to shift with each storm and tide. This is the largest remaining maritime forest on the North Carolina coast, where twisted live oaks and sea oats provide limited shade. White-tailed deer and cottontail rabbits move through the vegetation at dawn and dusk. Brown pelicans and ospreys work the coastline. The open layout means you'll see stars clearly on cloudless nights, and the lighthouse beam sweeps overhead after dark.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging facilities like cabins or lodges at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs are available, including stargazing and educational talks. "The stargazing stories by the Rangers on the beach at night were magical."

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outside of this period, stays may extend up to 99 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 6 people, a maximum of 2 cars, or 1 car and 1 trailer.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, accessible drinking water, and accessible restrooms are available.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and flat. "The pads were flat and grassy, and it’s hard to beat the location.

PrivacySites are not heavily shaded or secluded, as the campground is open with limited vegetation between sites. "The campground is basically a field with zero privacy.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites prone to flooding after rain, particularly in Loops K and J. Opt for dry sites closer to the entrance during wet conditions.

Best CampsitesLoop K sites offer views of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Reviewers note that specific sites flood more readily than others, so checking conditions in person or calling ahead helps avoid standing water.

Need help booking Cape Point Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Cape Point Campground is the largest campground within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering several essential facilities but without hookups for RVs. Amenities include paved parking pads, picnic tables, charcoal grills, outdoor showers, and potable water available through spigots. Flush toilets and accessible facilities are provided, but hot water in showers is not available. "Showers are cold but in July in the OBX they were a blessing!" Accessibility options for campers with disabilities include accessible picnic tables, drinking water, and restroom facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cape Point Campground offers beach access, fishing, surfing, and hiking opportunities nearby. "The beach was extensive and scenic," and visitors frequently highlight its appeal for fishing and wildlife viewing. The location is ideal for observing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and enjoying ocean-front activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyWood fires are not permitted in the campground. Only charcoal cooking fires are permitted in a grill, stove or other self-contained unit.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available and include large dumpsters conveniently located around the campground.

Cell CoverageCell service is available and functional for most providers. "Plenty of cell signal (ATT and Verizon)!"

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

417 reviews

Satisfactory

Cape Point Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are highly polarized, with some praising the campground's proximity to the beach and affordability, while others criticize the frequent flooding and lack of amenities such as hot water and hookups. "It’s a beautiful and quiet location, especially at night, with a view of the stars and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse."

Review Summaries

Based on 417 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and spacious sites, proximity to the beach and lighthouse, and peaceful surroundings. Many visitors also appreciated the affordable pricing at $20 per night.

Based on 417 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent flooding, mosquito infestations, lack of hot water, and minimal shade are common complaints. "The campground is in a low-lying area prone to flooding after rains."

Based on 417 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop K: Frequently reported as quieter; Loop J: Noted for proximity to the beach; Loop D: Some sites are prone to flooding.

Based on 417 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and be prepared for standing water in some sites. Early reservations or checking site conditions in person is recommended due to flooding tendencies.

Based on 417 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors in the summer appreciate the cool ocean breeze and clean facilities but report bugs and high heat. Fall and winter visitors enjoy quietness and fewer bugs, but flooding remains an issue...

Based on 417 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms and showers were clean. Camping area was well maintained." "Flooded. Awful online options to change or cancel reservations." "Great bang for the buck. Expectations set correctly by...

Based on 417 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors with disabilities benefit from accessible facilities, but issues like flooding and lack of paths to restrooms from some sites are concerns.

Based on 417 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. "Dogs loved it!"

Based on 417 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable Outer Banks beach access with fishing, hiking, and proximity to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Skip if

You need hot showers, guaranteed dry sites during storms, or consistent on-site staff presence.

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Campgrounds

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Point Campground

About Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Context for the broader area surrounding Cape Point Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!

Directions

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located along NC-12 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You can reach the seashore from the north by following US 158 to Nag Heads, NC and the turn-off to NC-12 and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From the south, you can take NCDOT ferries from Swanquarter, NC and Cedar Island, NC to the village of Ocracoke on Ocracoke Island. The provided physical address is the location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, roughly in the middle of the park.