How much does camping cost at Great Island Cabin Camp?

Camping fees at Great Island Cabin Camp range from $80-$180/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Great Island Cabin Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Great Island Cabin Camp 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 Great Island Cabin Camp before I book?

Yes! Great Island Cabin Camp has 9 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 Great Island Cabin Camp?

Great Island Cabin Camp is open March 12 to November 28. 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 Great Island Cabin Camp?

Yes, Great Island Cabin Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Great Island Cabin Camp?

Cell phone service at Great Island Cabin Camp is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Great Island Cabin Camp have?

Great Island Cabin Camp has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Great Island Cabin Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Great Island Cabin Camp. 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 Great Island Cabin Camp?

Great Island Cabin Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Great Island Cabin Camp?

Popular activities at Great Island Cabin Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Great Island Cabin Camp

4.40

602 reviews

131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, NC 28531, USA

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping North Carolina Swimming Camping North Carolina Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$80 - $180/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open March 13 throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$80 - $180/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open March 13 throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Great Island Cabin Camp

$80.00 - $180.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC-315140: $120.00; CABIN NONELECTRIC-315252: $155.00; CABIN NONELECTRIC-315261: $80.00; CABIN NONELECTRIC-315341: $120.00; CABIN...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

252-728-2250 Harkers Island Visitor Center / (252)725-0256 Great Island Cabin Camp OfficeCALO_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, NC 28531, USA

Great Island Cabin Camp

131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, NC 28531, USA

Nearby places

Morehead City (~22 miles/approx. 30 minutes drive to ferry departure point)

Davis (~0 miles, ferry departure point)

Weather at Great Island Cabin Camp

Best Time to Camp at Great Island Cabin Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and fewer crowds — expect daytime highs roughly 60–78°F (cooling through October into November) with lower humidity and crisp mornings ideal for exploring dunes and marshes. Fishing and bird migration are at their peak, and the island’s grasses and marshes take on rich golden tones that make for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Crowds drop after Labor Day, giving you the feel of a true secluded barrier-island escape, but keep in  Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall praised for best conditions, pleasant temps, peak fishing and many positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 12 to November 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 13 through November 29, 2025.

About Great Island Cabin Camp

Great Island Cabin Camp sits on a barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore, accessible only by passenger ferry from Harkers Island. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground offers primitive tent sites and rustic cabins with hot showers, flush toilets, and screened porches. Visitors come for fishing, beachcombing, stargazing, and exploring the island's dunes and marshes on foot.

Great Island Cabin Camp primarily offers cabin lodging, with options ranging from smaller cabins for families to larger ones accommodating groups of up to 12 people. Tent camping is not permitted within the cabin area, although families may be allowed to set up tents for minors near their cabins with a permit. Primitive tent camping is available elsewhere on the island.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and fewer crowds — expect daytime highs roughly 60–78°F (cooling through October into November) with lower humidity and crisp mornings ideal for exploring dunes and marshes. Fishing and bird migration are at their peak, and the island’s grasses and marshes take on rich golden tones that make for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Crowds drop after Labor Day, giving you the feel of a true secluded barrier-island escape, but keep in  Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a low-elevation barrier island where wind-sculpted dunes and expansive grasslands meet salt marsh systems and open Atlantic shoreline. Sea oats anchor the dunes. Inland marshes support shorebirds and nesting sea turtles during summer months. The landscape shifts constantly with wind and tides, creating a raw coastal environment three feet above sea level. Miles of undeveloped beach stretch in both directions from the cabin cluster.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe camp provides 23 rustic cabins ranging from 288 to 960 square feet. Cabins accommodate up to 12 people and vary in proximity to shared facilities and the beach. Cabin 2 is wheelchair accessible, and all cabins are wired for generator use but require guests to bring their own generators.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of organized cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabins accommodate up to 12 guests depending on cabin size.

Groups

No specific group sites are mentioned. Cabins accommodate up to 12 people, making them suitable for small groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityCabin 2 is accessible for individuals with disabilities. Shared facilities include accessible flush toilets and showers.

Site SizeCabins range from 288 sq ft to 960 sq ft, accommodating groups up to 12.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely by cabin location, with some cabins close to one another, such as cabins 021 and 022. Multiple reviews noted proximity to neighboring cabins as a concern.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, avoid cabins like #21 and #22 which have close neighbors. For beach access, cabins closer to the dunes are ideal.

Best CampsitesCabin 22 gets praise for privacy and beach proximity. Cabin 11 offers an open floor plan with good ocean breezes. Cabins 021 and 022 sit close together, with multiple reviews noting the lack of separation as a concern. Privacy varies widely depending on which cabin you book.

Need help booking Great Island Cabin Camp?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Great Island Cabin Camp offers amenities catering to rustic and basic camping experiences. The cabins provide bunk beds with mattresses, a private bathroom with running water (sink and shower stall), a propane oven or stove in the kitchen, and screened windows and porches for bug protection. Facilities include centrally located flush toilets and showers, accessible flush toilets, and potable water sourced from treated well water (iodine-treated). Users praise the peaceful surroundings and proximity to the beach but note issues with maintenance such as ant infestations, damaged screens, and hot water fluctuations. Ice and fuel are available for purchase on-site.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Lodging and accommodations

Camp Store

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Great Island Cabin Camp features diverse activities that cater to both adventure and relaxation. Popular options include fishing, kayaking, exploring 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline, shelling, beachcombing, swimming, bird watching, and visiting nearby Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Spring and fall are considered peak seasons for fishing. The camp also offers excellent opportunities for stargazing and observing wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

602 reviews

Recommended

Great Island Cabin Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Great Island Cabin Camp are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting the serene environment, excellent fishing opportunities, and functional amenities. However, complaints often focus on cabin maintenance issues like mold, ant infestations, and unreliable hot water systems. Visitors overwhelmingly appreciate the location's beauty and seclusion, but note challenges with bugs, lack of electricity, and occasional poor customer service.

Review Summaries

Based on 602 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the tranquility of the campground, proximity to the beach, fishing quality, and opportunities for stargazing. Several reviewers enjoyed the rustic yet functional features of the...

Based on 602 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes complaints about poor cabin maintenance (black mold, ant infestations), unreliable hot water, and proximity to neighboring cabins. Bugs such as biting flies and mosquitoes...

Based on 602 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabin 14 drew several negative reviews due to mold, mice, and overall poor cleanliness. Cabin 11 received positive feedback for its functional amenities and proximity to the beach. Cabin 21 was noted...

Based on 602 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray, duct tape for repairing screens, lanterns or generators for lighting, and a hose for outdoor spigots. Visitors emphasized the importance of planning and...

Based on 602 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are praised for excellent fishing and pleasant weather. Summer reviews frequently mention bugs and heat challenges, with users recommending generators and fans. Winter reviews are...

Based on 602 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cabins are rustic but adequate. The scenery makes it totally worth it.' - Jodie L. 2. 'Fishing never disappoints!' - Desiree B. 3. 'The cabins allow you to experience this remote beach in...

Based on 602 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided, though Cabin 2 is noted as being wheelchair accessible.

Based on 602 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several users appreciated the pet-friendly policies, mentioning bringing dogs and highlighting the screened porches as a convenient feature for pets.

Based on 602 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a remote island experience with basic amenities, excellent fishing, and don't mind ferry logistics or generator sounds.

Skip if

You need reliable hot water, pristine facilities, or prefer campgrounds accessible by car.

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Campgrounds

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Great Island Cabin Camp

About Cape Lookout National Seashore

Context for the broader area surrounding Great Island Cabin Camp, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.

Directions

Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531