Cape Point Campground

Star4.25
417 reviews
46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

Quick Facts

0

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open March 29, 2025 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cape Point Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric sites is $20. Reservations are required and can only be made through Recreation.gov. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
252-465-9602 OR 252-475-9616
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 417 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciousbeach

Some mention

reservation

"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.""

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Campground Map

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

Cape Point Campground

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC, 27920, USA

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.
Road access to Cape Point Campground is fully paved and accessible year-round, but visitors should note the campground is in a low-lying area prone to flooding after heavy rains. Seasonal factors, such as hurricanes or high tides, may temporarily affect accessibility.
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)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be purchased in Buxton, NC, which is 2 miles from the campground. Larger stores and additional resources are available in Avon, NC, 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cape Point Campground

Mother Nature paints Cape Point with dramatic brushstrokes throughout the year. Summer arrives with sultry temperatures and ocean breezes that carry the salt-sweet scent of the sea, while autumn transforms the landscape into a windswept paradise perfect for kite flying and beachcombing. The maritime climate brings its share of drama—sudden afternoon thunderstorms can flood low-lying areas, turning sandy paths into temporary streams. Wise campers come prepared for nature's mood swings, knowing that each season offers its own coastal magic.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Beach, lifeguards and ocean breezes are positives; heat, bugs and crowds are negatives.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter, fewer bugs and scenic fall weather; flooding can still be an issue.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open season begins in spring; pleasant weather but occasional flooding/storm risk.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Feb per seasonal info.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 26, 2025 - September 6, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 29, 2025 - November 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: During heavy rain or high tides, flooding may close sections of the campground. Visitors are advised to check conditions before arrival.

About Cape Point Campground

Where the Atlantic Ocean meets endless sky, Cape Point Campground reigns as the crown jewel of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This expansive coastal haven weaves through a captivating landscape where windswept sand dunes give way to ancient maritime forests. Surfers chase perfect waves at dawn while anglers cast lines into the churning surf, all within steps of your campsite. Whether you choose a sun-drenched spot among the dunes or seek shelter in the forest's embrace, Cape Point offers an authentic Outer Banks experience where the rhythm of the tides sets the pace for unforgettable adventures.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available after 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 10:00 AM.
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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

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.
HikingHiking options include a short walk to the beach and the nearby Buxton Woods Trail, a 3/4-mile loop trail that is accessible just north of the campground.
FishingThe campground is renowned for its proximity to some of the best fishing on the East Coast. "Best campground on the East Coast for surfing and fishing!" Many anglers visit to fish for trophy species such as red drum.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at nearby Buxton Beach, a lifeguarded area during the summer season.
BikingThe campground's flat terrain and proximity to local attractions make it suitable for biking. Visitors note: "Biking to the lighthouse or to the main road is easy."
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to deer, rabbits, and various bird species. "We enjoyed watching the deer and other wildlife that roam the campground freely."
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include walking, sunbathing, and shell collecting. "Amazing shells on the beach."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding is a frequent issue, especially during heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer. Wildlife such as deer and snakes frequent the area.
Active AlertsDuring heavy rain or high tides, flooding may close sections of the campground. Visitors are advised to check conditions before arrival.

Weather at Cape Point Campground

Reviews

4.3
417 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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