What are the hours and season for Cape Point Campground?

Cape Point Campground is open April – October. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

What are the fire rules at Cape Point Campground?

Fire rules at Cape Point Campground: Campfires in provided fire rings only. No beach fires. No wood gathering.

What is the 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.

What are the best things to do near Cape Point Campground?

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.

Is there wildlife at Cape Point Campground?

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

What are the common problems at Cape Point Campground?

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

What are the insider tips for Cape Point Campground?

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

What makes Cape Point Campground unique?

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.

How do I book a campsite at Cape Point Campground?

Cape Point Campground is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Cape Point Campground"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/cape-point-campground to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Cape Point Campground

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

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC4.5 (1654)Sea level

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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.

Things to do nearby

Cape Hatteras LighthouseFrisco CampgroundBuxtonCape Hatteras Lighthouse

Best For

Surf fishermenKitesurfersBeach campersLighthouse visitorsOuter Banks road trippers

Site Types

TentRV (no hookups, max 35ft)

Amenities

Cold Outdoor Showers

Flush Toilets

Potable Water

Dump Station

Beach Access (direct)

ORV Access (permit)

Surf Fishing

Picnic Tables

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

April – October

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No shade, no hookups. Wind and blowing sand 24/7. Beach driving requires ORV permit and low-tire-pressure equipment. Bugs (no-see-ums) can be intense May–June.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard policy.

Why campers love Cape Point Campground

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.

What's new in 2026

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climb program expanded hours 2024.

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

Not the right fit if…

✕You need shade or hookups — bare-bones barrier island camping

Frequently asked questions

How much does Cape Point Campground cost per night?+

Cape Point Campground costs $28 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None — dry camping on sand.

What season is Cape Point Campground open?+

Cape Point Campground is open April – October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Cape Point Campground have hookups?+

None — dry camping on sand.

What is the maximum RV length at Cape Point Campground?+

Cape Point Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Cape Point Campground?+

Cape Point Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

Does Cape Point Campground have beach access?+

Cape Point Campground has beach access. Check the campground details for distance and access points.

What is the cell service like at Cape Point Campground?+

Verizon: limited. AT&T: limited. Buxton (3 miles north) has better signal.

How far is Cape Point Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Buxton NC — 1.5 miles