Cape Point Campground

Outer Banks beach camping — where the Gulf Stream meets the cold Atlantic

Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC, NC

Price: From $20 per night

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (1654 reviews)

Season: April – October

Cape Point is the southernmost campground on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located at the point where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current collide — creating the most productive fishing waters on the East Coast. 202 sites in an open setting with direct beach access. Famous for world-class surf fishing (red drum, bluefish, false albacore) and dramatic weather. ORV beach access available with permit. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — tallest brick lighthouse in the US — is 1.5 miles north.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.

Amenities: Cold Outdoor Showers, Flush Toilets, Potable Water, Dump Station, Beach Access (direct), ORV Access (permit), Surf Fishing, Picnic Tables

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/cape-point-campground to be notified when sites open up.

Primitive beach camping at Cape Hatteras National Seashore at the elbow of the Outer Banks — the easternmost point on the cape. Known as the surfing capital of the East Coast and one of the top surf fishing spots in the country.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (1.5 mi from camp) at sunrise before 7am. A ranger leads a free lighthouse climb program most mornings in season. Early arrivals get the view from 198 feet without the noon crowd.

What is new at Cape Point Campground: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climb program expanded hours 2024.

Wildlife alert: Loggerhead sea turtles nest May–September. Piping plover nesting closes beach sections. Portuguese man-o-war occasional.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire rings only. No beach fires. No wood gathering.

Things to do near Cape Point Campground: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (1.5 mi) — tallest lighthouse in the US at 198 feet, ranger climb program most mornings. Frisco Beach (adjacent) — consistently good surf break.

Insider tips for Cape Point Campground: Cape Point surf fishing — current convergence at the cape creates one of the best fishing spots on the coast Bring sand anchors — Outer Banks wind will destroy a standard tent

Skip Cape Point Campground if: You need shade or hookups — bare-bones barrier island camping.

Best time to visit Cape Point Campground: Sep–Nov — Best surf fishing. Fall migration birding spectacular.. Apr–May — Before summer heat. Red drum run in April..

Common issues at Cape Point Campground: Beach access sometimes closed for shorebird nesting. Check nps.gov/caha for current closures before visiting.

What campers say about Cape Point Campground: "Woke up and walked to the lighthouse at 6am. Nobody else there. The sun coming up over the Atlantic from 198 feet is something I’ll never forget." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Best surf fishing on the East Coast. Caught red drum in the surf from the campground beach." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Frisco Campground (Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC (Hatteras Island)), Ocracoke Campground (Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC (Ocracoke Island)), Oregon Inlet Campground (Manteo, NC), Long Point Cabin Camp (Harkers Island, NC).