South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

4.85

15 reviews

South Core Banks, Great Island, NC 28524, USA

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Cape Lookout National Seashore site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Cape Lookout National Seashore site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees vary based on activity. Reservation fees include $8 for online reservations and $3 for walk-in reservations. Cancellation fees...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(252) 728-2250calo_information@nps.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.85

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beach

"User reviews highlight the unique backcountry camping experience on the beach, appreciating the remoteness and fishing opportunities but noting the lack of amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Core Banks, Great Island, NC 28524, USA

South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

South Core Banks, Great Island, NC 28524, USA

Driving directionsTake 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.

Access is challenging as the South Core Banks is only reachable by ferry or private boat. Vehicles must be able to drive on soft sand with 4x4 highly recommended. There are no paved roads or hard surfaces on the island.

Nearby places

Davis, NC (approximately 5 miles by ferry crossing), Morehead City, NC (approximately 25 miles by road and ferry crossing)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Davis, NC, including groceries and basic necessities. Visitors must bring fuel and camping supplies as none are available on the island.

Best Time to Camp at South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

South Core Banks treats campers to a coastal climate that's both inviting and dynamic. During peak camping months, you'll enjoy balmy days averaging 76°F that cool to a comfortable 53°F for sleeping under the stars. The island serves up predominantly clear skies, perfect for stargazing and sunrise beach walks. Ocean breezes keep things interesting, with winds that can whip up to 26 mph, adding nature's soundtrack to your stay. Rain rarely crashes the party here, with precipitation chances hovering around just 7.7%, making this an ideal destination for those seeking reliable outdoor conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in NC

Balmy peak months (~76°F) and prime beach/fishing conditions make summer excellent.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall brings cooler temps and likely fewer visitors for solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild spring temps and fewer crowds likely make spring a very good time to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but exposed coast and limited amenities make winter less comfortable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not applicable as there are no peak season pricing structures at this dispersed camping location.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; not affected by seasonal closures.

About South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

Imagine waking to the rhythmic sound of Atlantic waves just steps from your tent on South Core Banks, a pristine 20-mile barrier island that feels like nature's best-kept secret. This remote stretch of Cape Lookout National Seashore offers the ultimate escape for adventurers seeking true wilderness camping. With no designated sites or facilities, you'll stake your claim anywhere along the windswept beach, creating your own private paradise. The journey here requires a ferry ride or private boat, and once on the island, only 4x4 vehicles can conquer the shifting sands. Whether you pitch a tent in the dunes or park your off-road vehicle on the beach, you'll experience coastal camping at its most raw and authentic.

This campground is designed for primitive, backcountry-style camping directly on the beach. Both tent and vehicle camping are allowed, with no designated sites.

Historical SignificanceYour camping spot sits within waters that have witnessed centuries of maritime drama and triumph. Cape Lookout National Seashore has long served as both a navigational landmark and a graveyard for ships caught in the treacherous Diamond Shoals. The iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white diamond pattern, has guided mariners since 1859 and remains a must-see destination during your island adventure. As you explore, you're walking in the footsteps of Native Americans, colonial settlers, and generations of fishermen who've called these barrier islands home, each leaving their mark on this ever-changing landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSouth Core Banks treats campers to a coastal climate that's both inviting and dynamic. During peak camping months, you'll enjoy balmy days averaging 76°F that cool to a comfortable 53°F for sleeping under the stars. The island serves up predominantly clear skies, perfect for stargazing and sunrise beach walks. Ocean breezes keep things interesting, with winds that can whip up to 26 mph, adding nature's soundtrack to your stay. Rain rarely crashes the party here, with precipitation chances hovering around just 7.7%, making this an ideal destination for those seeking reliable outdoor conditions.

ElevationYour beachfront campsite sits at sea level, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Carolina coast in an endless horizon of possibilities.

Natural Features and SceneryThis untouched barrier island presents a masterpiece of coastal wilderness where golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see. Towering dunes sculpted by ocean winds create natural windbreaks and intimate camping nooks, while the endless Atlantic provides a constantly changing backdrop of blues and greens. Ghost crabs scuttle across the beach at twilight, brown pelicans patrol the surf line, and if you're lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the waves just offshore. The absence of development means nothing interrupts your view of spectacular sunrises over the ocean and equally stunning sunsets painting the sound-side marshes in brilliant hues.

Geological RegionSouth Core Banks exemplifies the dynamic nature of barrier island ecosystems, where wind and waves continuously reshape the landscape. This slender ribbon of sand serves as nature's buffer, protecting the mainland while creating unique habitats where maritime forests, salt marshes, and open beach converge. The island's sandy foundation shifts with each storm and tide, creating an ever-evolving camping environment where dunes migrate, new channels form, and the very shape of your beach may change from one visit to the next.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No official check-in time as camping is unstructured.

Check-out

No official check-out time as camping is unstructured.

Stay Limit

Information unavailable

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unlimited as camping is dispersed rather than site-specific.

Groups

There is no specific information on group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo designated layout; camping is entirely dispersed along the beach with no defined sites or loops.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll camping is first-come-first-served; there are no reservations required or accepted.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations additionally forfeit the first night’s fees. No-show reservations are charged a $20 fee along with the forfeiture of the first night’s fees.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground, making it unclear if it caters to individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground does not have designated sites or sizes as it operates on a dispersed camping model along the ocean beach.

PrivacyPrivacy depends on the chosen camping location, as there are no designated sites. Campers can select secluded spots along the beach.

Recommended SitesCampers should select areas higher on the beach to avoid high tide zones. Shade is limited so bring protective gear for sun exposure.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of beach and outdoor activities, including fishing, driving on the beach, and general backcountry beach camping experiences.

FishingFishing is highlighted as a great activity here. A user review mentions catching 'big blue fish and a pompano.'

Beach activitiesCampers can enjoy dispersed camping and driving on the beach. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to soft sand.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong ocean currents, high wind speeds, and soft sand that can impede vehicle movement. Limited onsite amenities mean campers must be fully self-sufficient.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and ensure fires are extinguished before departure.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not applicable as the camping is dispersed and unstructured.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Davis, NC, which includes basic medical facilities. Advanced emergency services are available in Morehead City, NC.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are advised to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesCamping occurs directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The beach features dynamic tides and opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other marine activities.

Camp HostNo onsite campground hosts; visitors should contact the Cape Lookout National Seashore ranger station for assistance.

Weather at South Core Banks -- Beach Camping

Reviews

4.9

15 reviews

Top-Rated

South Core Banks -- Beach Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the unique backcountry camping experience on the beach, appreciating the remoteness and fishing opportunities but noting the lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Fishing is praised, with one user saying it was 'great' and mentioning the catch of 'big blue fish and a pompano.' The experience of driving on the beach is also described as enjoyable.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of amenities is a common complaint, with one user noting that 'restrooms near the lighthouse don’t have a sink' and recommending bringing your own toilet paper. Another camper mentioned that...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own toilet paper, be prepared for minimal amenities, and ensure that their vehicles are 4x4 for navigating the soft sand.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

While no specific trends are mentioned, user reviews suggest the campground's limited amenities might make it less suitable during extreme weather conditions.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We camped on Cape Lookout. Fishing was great. Amenities are very limited and one night was enough for me.' 2. 'Bring your own TP for restrooms, and restrooms near lighthouse don’t have a sink.'...

Based on 15 reviews