Ocracoke Campground

Barrier island wild camping on the Atlantic — ferry access only

Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC (Ocracoke Island), NC

Price: From $28 per night

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (1876 reviews)

Season: April – October

Ocracoke is one of the most unique federal campgrounds in the US — accessible only by free NPS ferry (40 minutes from Hatteras) or private ferry from the mainland. 136 sites on a narrow barrier island with direct beach access, wild horses, and some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast. No hookups, no shade, no frills — just wind, waves, and stars. The village of Ocracoke (1 mile from campground) has excellent seafood restaurants, a distillery, and the grave of Blackbeard’s crew. One of the

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: Cold Outdoor Showers, Flush Toilets, Potable Water, Dump Station, Beach Access (direct), Surf Fishing, Wild Horse Area, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings

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

One of the most unique federal campgrounds in the US — accessible only by free NPS ferry (40 minutes) or private ferry. 136 sites on a narrow barrier island with direct beach access, wild horses descended from Spanish mustangs, and some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast.

Ocracoke Pony Pen at dawn — the wild horses are viewable from a fenced area 1 mile from the campground. The beach behind the pony pen at sunrise with horses silhouetted against the Atlantic is one of the most striking images on the East Coast.

What is new at Ocracoke Campground: Ferry service updated to new vessels 2023. Reservations available 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov.

Wildlife alert: Wild horses — do not approach or feed. They bite and kick. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach May–September. Diamondback terrapins cross roads.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire rings only. No wood gathering on the island. Beach fires prohibited.

Things to do near Ocracoke Campground: Ocracoke Pony Pen (1 mi) — Spanish mustangs descended from 16th-century shipwrecks. Ocracoke village (1 mi) — one of the most authentic small fishing villages on the East Coast, Blackbeard’s last port. Surf fishing from the beach — red drum and bluefish caught directly from the campground beach.

Insider tips for Ocracoke Campground: Take the free NPS ferry from Hatteras — runs every 30 minutes in peak season Bring a heavy-duty tent and long stakes — the Outer Banks wind will destroy a cheap tent

Skip Ocracoke Campground if: You need shade or hookups — completely exposed barrier island, no hookups.

Best time to visit Ocracoke Campground: Sep–Nov — Best surf fishing, fewer crowds. Wild horses most active.. Apr–Jun — Before summer heat. Birding excellent during spring migration..

Common issues at Ocracoke Campground: No shade anywhere in the campground. Bring a pop-up shade canopy. Wind provides some cooling but sun exposure is intense.

What campers say about Ocracoke Campground: "Wild horses on the beach at sunrise. No one around. This is one of the last wild places on the East Coast." — Recreation.gov reviewer "The ferry ride itself is magical. Arrived to a different world." — Recreation.gov reviewer "No shade. No hookups. Wind is constant. Bring stakes for your tent and a shade canopy." — Recreation.gov reviewer

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