What are the hours and season for Ocracoke Campground?

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

What are the fire rules at Ocracoke Campground?

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

What is the 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.

What are the best things to do near Ocracoke Campground?

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.

Is there wildlife at Ocracoke Campground?

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

What are the common problems at Ocracoke Campground?

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

What are the insider tips for Ocracoke Campground?

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

What makes Ocracoke Campground unique?

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.

How do I book a campsite at Ocracoke Campground?

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

Ocracoke Campground

Barrier island wild camping on the Atlantic — ferry access only

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC (Ocracoke Island)4.7 (1876)Sea level

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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 last truly undeveloped places on the East Coast.

Things to do nearby

Ocracoke VillageOcracoke LighthouseWild Horse AreaOcracoke Pony Pen

Best For

Fishing enthusiastsBeach puristsHistory buffs (Blackbeard’s home)SurfersOff-grid seekers

Site Types

TentRV (no hookups, max 35ft)

Amenities

Cold Outdoor Showers

Flush Toilets

Potable Water

Dump Station

Beach Access (direct)

Surf Fishing

Wild Horse Area

Picnic Tables

Fire Rings

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

April – October

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No shade — open sand exposure. Requires ferry — adds planning complexity. Wind can be intense. No hookups. Sand gets into everything.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard policy.

Why campers love Ocracoke Campground

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.

What's new in 2026

Ferry service updated to new vessels 2023. Reservations available 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov.

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

Not the right fit if…

✕You need shade or hookups — completely exposed barrier island, no hookups

Frequently asked questions

How much does Ocracoke Campground cost per night?+

Ocracoke Campground costs $28 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None — dry camping on open sand. Shade structures recommended.

What season is Ocracoke Campground open?+

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

Does Ocracoke Campground have hookups?+

None — dry camping on open sand. Shade structures recommended.

What is the maximum RV length at Ocracoke Campground?+

Ocracoke Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Ocracoke Campground?+

Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke Campground have beach access?+

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

What is the cell service like at Ocracoke Campground?+

Verizon has limited service on the island. Download everything before boarding the ferry.

How far is Ocracoke Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Ocracoke Village — 1 mile