North Core Banks - Beach Camping
North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
North Core Banks - Beach Camping
No fees available
Campsite 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderAbout North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Experience true coastal wilderness camping on the pristine shores of North Core Banks, where the Atlantic Ocean becomes your front yard. This remote barrier island sanctuary offers backcountry-style dispersed camping with no designated sites—just you, the sand, and endless ocean views. Accessible only by boat or ferry, adventurers can pitch tents or bring 4x4 vehicles to explore the soft sand beaches and the legendary sand "back road" winding behind the towering dunes.
Backcountry-style beach camping. Both tent camping and vehicle camping are allowed; camping is done directly on the ocean beach and there are no designated campsites.
ElevationYour campsite sits at sea level, where the rhythm of Atlantic waves and the feel of cool sand beneath your feet define the elevation more than any number ever could. Here on the ocean beach, you're camping at the very edge of the continent, where land meets sea in an ever-shifting dance of tides and wind.
Natural Features and SceneryNorth Core Banks presents a landscape of raw, untamed beauty where golden sand dunes rise like natural fortresses between the ocean and the island's interior. The beach stretches endlessly in both directions, offering unobstructed sunrise views over the Atlantic and miles of shoreline for solitary exploration. Behind the dunes, a primitive sand trail known locally as the "back road" threads through maritime vegetation, providing an alternate route for those equipped to traverse its challenging terrain. This is barrier island camping in its purest form—no amenities, no crowds, just the elemental experience of sleeping where ocean spray mingles with salt air and the stars seem close enough to touch.
Geological RegionSituated within the protected boundaries of Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Core Banks represents a classic barrier island ecosystem shaped by centuries of wind, waves, and shifting sands. This dynamic ribbon of land serves as the Outer Banks' natural buffer against the Atlantic, its beaches and back-barrier environments constantly evolving with each storm and season.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeNo established campsites; camping is done directly on the ocean beach (dispersed beach camping).
Sites PrivacyDispersed beach camping with no designated sites; privacy varies by location on the beach.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse a capable 4x4 vehicle for beach and back road travel; camp directly on the ocean beach; pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace.
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed, backcountry beach camping with no designated sites or hard surfaces; both tent and vehicle camping permitted directly on the sand.
Activities you can enjoy
Backcountry ocean-beach camping and beach-based activities are the primary uses; vehicle beach driving on soft sand and the sand 'back road' is permitted (4x4 highly recommended). The area is reached only by ferry and visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Hazards
General hazardsSoft sand requiring capable vehicles (4x4 highly recommended); driving on beach and sand trail can be hazardous. Backcountry conditions with no developed campsites.
Weather at North Core Banks - Beach Camping
58
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 28.1 mph
Partly cloudy
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresDirectly on the ocean beach (oceanfront).
Campground Map
North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Driving directionsTake a ferry from Atlantic, NC over to Long Point 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.
Accessible only by boat (ferry from Atlantic, NC or private boat).Reviews from booking and map sources
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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