Oregon Inlet Campground

A beautiful campground in a unique setting. This is an beautiful setting between Nags Head and and the deeper portion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It's rugged and windy with sand dunes inside the campground. The beach is just across the dunes and the Bodie Island Lighthouse is visible from the grounds. It's just north of Oregon Inlet, the Bonner Bridge Pier and Pea Island with its ever blowing dunes. This is not for everyone. There are no pools, playgrounds, or even shade. But, it has very nice bathrooms and you can experience the amazing harsh landscape of the area. To me, the lack of amenities make it special. That said, there is water and electric, and Nags Head is about 9 miles away with all the conveniences you could want. We used this as a starting point to explore from where the NC 12 pavement ends in Currituck to the southern end where the highway continues, but it's via ferry.

Very nice campground. It's hard to rate it due to the Govt shut down. The bathrooms were cleaned early every morning. Other than that we never saw any staff. The warm showers were a nice surprise, we had expected cold showers. We had our own path to the beach which was nice.

Lots and lots of mosquitoes all day not just at dusk so be prepared. Showers are from the Victorian times and very exposed. We have been to parks all over the country and used some pretty sketchy ones but we wouldn't use these. See picture. Beach is great, note, you cannot see it from the campsites. It's a small walk from the campsites up and over dunes. The beach is pretty but chunked up by all the trucks and cars that drive on it.

Probably one of the best well kept secrets of the OBX. If you like The boondock with your RV this is a place to go. There is water and electric, available at some of the sites. No sewage, but I was told there is a dump station, I just never saw it. There are showers, and bathrooms available and they are scattered throughout the campground.

This was our first time camping at a beach, so I was skeptical if I'd like camping in the wide open with no trees or privacy. But we picked site C19 (with water and electric) and it was great!! You can sit out back on your chair and face the dune and watch the moon rise in the evening and enjoy the ocean breeze. Sort of a long walk to the beach if you don't have a 4wd but it's still worth it. The marina across the street is very very nice, clean, loaded with all the things you'd want or need on your stay. Oregon Inlet is nice because you're away from all the traffic and busyness of the main highway at the Outer Banks. We will definitely return for the off-season!

We camp here every fall, the mosquitoes are not bad. Great family fun, beautiful view over the dunes. They are strict about checking out by noon.

Excellent location. Very central for the outer banks. Easy to find as well as easy to maneuver into our campsite. Very clean facilities throughout. The only downside we saw was not enough showers there was a line for showers every time we went. Otherwise, we loved it and would go back

This establishment is truly delightful, aside from the wind and lack of sleep last night. However, we cannot complain. We choose to be flexible and make the best of any situation that arises. The bathrooms are exceptionally clean, featuring open showers, as depicted in the photograph in front of the bathroom. I appreciate the open shower design, as it provides effective cooling, preventing me from sweating after showering. The sites are meticulously maintained, clean, level, and well-manicured. A short walk over the dunes from the sites leads directly to the beach. It is essential to note that there are no trees in the area, so summer visitors should be prepared. Although sewage facilities are not available, a dump station is conveniently located across from the campground. We will undoubtedly return in the fall.

Primitive camping, no fire allowed at the campsite, weird outdoor showers, walking distance to the beach. It was a fun experience but I would do it again in the summer. We went in October and it was kinda chilly to take showers outdoors. Camp spot: we stayed in a tent-only non-electric spot. There are no shaded sites in the campground. Wood fires are not permitted in the campground only charcoal is permitted. There's a picnic table and a grill. And it's walking distance to the bathroom. Attention: lots of sand spurs! They hurt! Shower: outdoor shower, no lights. For the shower to work you need to hold the cord and there was no electricity so it was annoying to take showers at night. Water was hot/warm, just annoying to have to hold the cord Beach: walking distance from the campground. Not too far but it does take a few minutes of walking on dunes. It's very quiet at the beach or at least it was in October. We saw some people having a fire at the beach and wish we had gotten some firewood before getting to the outer banks. Quiet hours: 10:00 pm - 6:00 am Generators must be turned off during quiet hours. Very fun experience. Didn't enjoy the showers but still loved the area and would be back.

WINDS ARE INSANE (July 13, 2024) POSITIVES: - nice & clean campground - Showers are decent - Spacing is good - 75ft of shallow waters with waves. Super fun for boogie boarding or just floating across the shoreline for kids & short tweens NEGATIVES - SUSTAINED 25MPH winds, gusts even more. - You can't enjoy being outside your rv or tent, everything blows away, can't dry clothes from the beach outside, it's even hard to simply eat out there without holding your plate & drink down. No campfires- it would be quite impossible to even start one. - The beach is insanely windy, the wind picks up the sand and basically sand blasts your shins! Seriously, I have a high pain tolerance & this was bad. I couldn't imagine being a short child.. ouch! There's no laying on the sand or sandcastles... either you can put a chair on the waters edge or be in the water. - You need a permit for driving on the beach & expect sand everywhere as the wind will blow it in. Truck or jeep required, saw 2 suvs get stuck. Sticky salt water sand doesn't vacuum out easily. - 75ft of shallow shoreline then it drops dramatically- not great for swimming. Stay for a day or a few hours, but other than that- the wind is a huge pain. campground was nice but the wind kinda ruins the experience.

A National Park campground with great accommodations but really small, tightly grouped sites. I love camping in the Outerbanks and this is my first time at Oregon Inlet Campground. Online reservations, a must to guarantee a spot, make it super easy and less stressful. The sites are all close to the restrooms and showers and really close to each other. Our site, 3A, had just barely enough room for a four-man tent, a car and the picnic table. Sites 14/15A were a much better option but still really small.

We loved our stay in this natural campsite although it was windy (25 mph) and cold a few nights. It is mid way between the North and South ends of the islands so easy to do day trips to all the areas and to get supplies.

Campsites are close together, as most Fed campsites are. There is no "screening" between sites. There is no shade. At all. There is no advantage to an RV non-electric/non-water site except to save a few bucks; the minimally marked paths over the dunes are equally close to both. Toilet buildings are clean, new looking and functional but have no heat (we camped in January). Likewise the showers, with their "saloon door" fronts, which are outside, across from the toilet building. Dump station is across the road (along the road) at the Fed marina. In our truck camper, it worked just fine and the beach and campground were empty. As two RNs like it. The campground hosts (Chris and Chris), were friendly and helpful.

Only 1 bathroom available in entire campsite with no parking and long walk depending on where you're camped. No privacy at all of any kind though decent spacing from other sites. Very quiet at night. Well located and easy to find.

Gorgeous beach. Even early spring when it's blustery and cold, the walk and the shoreline is worth it. Bundled up in my puff and scarf, the sun warms me.

Really enjoyable camp site and a great location to Nag's Head and the central OBX. * Nice clean and updated bathrooms. * Only a step away from sand dunes and the beach front. Nicely tucked in to beautiful surroundings. * Outfitted nicely for camping, (...just be knowledgeable about windy conditions)

Great campground close to a beach ramp! It's located directly across the street from a bait and tackle shop which is nice. They also recently added hookups.

Out of all the campgrounds we have stayed out this was my favorite. It's very rustic as there are really just basic camp sites, restrooms and shower house. More than anything it's the location that makes this place. Your just a short walk to the beach as you follow the trails over the dunes. It was no more than a two minute walk on the trail before you can hear the waves crashing. If your carrying your beach gear the dune can be a little challenging but that's also what makes it fun. From your campsite you can see the Bodie Island Lighthouse which is so beautiful to watch at night. The campground is situated on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore which is just perfect. You leave the touristy areas and travel about 10 minutes through the most peaceful natural surroundings. We loved that we could enjoy activities and then leave civilization to relax in such a serene place. If you get the chance step out at night and do some star gazing from your site. They are simply amazing. There is a marina near and Rodanthe is just a short trip to the south. We stopped at different beaches each day along the way. They are beautiful and there was never too many people. Sat on the beach and watched dolphins one morning. The only negative would be the bugs. You don't see them until you have an itchy welt. We just used bug spray and the problem was solved. It's also windy but the weather was hot when we were there. The wind kept the temperature bearable. Watch your awnings and make sure you keep light weight items put up. Our camp hosts and park rangers were incredibly nice which was our experience with all staff everywhere we went in the Outer Banks. Counting down the days till we return to the Oregon Inlet Campgrounds.

Four of us camped here for two nights (8/20-21) and we had a great time! The bathrooms were extremely clean which I appreciated so much! There were outlets and a hand/hairdryer. The showers were warm (with a pull handle to keep them running). The price was unbeatable; and split between 4 was practically free. We went into town to the grocery store (Harris Teeters) to pick up food for our cooler and the charcoal grills (they have one for each campsite). It was a very hot and sticky weekend, so the fact that the beach was a short distance over the dunes was very cool. The park rangers were awesome and so helpful :) Some things to be aware of: -Sand burrs- ouch! Wear sandals at all times -Bugs!!!! (At night) - bring DEET. I have bites all over my body. Although; the rest of my crew didn't get too many. I must be the sweetest. -Wind/storms - we encountered one which filled 1 out of 2 tents with water (the rain was diagonal!) Bring tarps to cover and large stakes. -Heat - this may be a no-brainier, but it was HOT. Be prepared with an extra tarp to provide shade if you are camping here in the summer. There are no trees anywhere. I highly recommend this campsite! A very simple, no-frills, but scenic camping experience :)

Very nice pet friendly campground right on the ocean. The tent-only loop is nice and quiet. Bath houses at each loop, grills and picnic tables at each camp site. The mosquitoes are very bad, so bring spray and candles.

Had a great time here, friendliest park rangers I've ever met. The campgrounds and facilities are very clean and the showers are warm. There are no electrical outlets, but thats fine because its camping. There is a fishing store that has a little of everything right across the street and the beach is right on the other side of the dunes. Also FYI, you can drive your 4x4 vehicle on the beach, but you must purchase a ORV permit. Permit's are $50 for 7 days. Will definitely be back here.

Well, where do I start. The campground itself was fine & exactly what we expected. We get a few/lot of people asking about the artwork on the bus & normally that's ok. At this place there was one drunken lady that kept telling everyone who walked passed to come to our bus for free stuff. Was getting old, I don't blame the campground but was just our experience was not the best. Got woken up at 2.30am from the campers next door partying on, loud & not a care in the world.so if I eliminate those 2 things it was a good spot.

Its like running a hotel, on the website it says if your going to be later than 7 call, we were so we did they knew we were staying two days, they told us to pick any spot, dont tell people to pick spots if other people have reserved spots. We were told to pick any spot we did then the next day they told us that people had reserves the spot we were in, (thats why we called to make sure) now im here moving all of my stuff i had set up because the ranger staff is incompetent. The spot is beautiful the ocean is amazing but im here in this amazing place in a pissy mood because of the staff. Get your stuff together please.

Never again no generator after 9 at night which sucked in the middle of the summer The wash rooms where ok shape they need some love and care Save your money and rent a nice campsite

Probably the best place to camp in the outer banks. The place is secluded, 3 dunes over from the ocean, and never at full capacity. You can hear the ocean when u sleep and the moonlight is so bright and breathtaking that you don't need a flashlight. Its about $20 a night. Only issue is that in the showers you have to pull a string down constantly in order to get any water.

For $20 a night, you are staying literally across the dune line from the beach. We chose this location because we love to fish off of the Oregon Inlet bridge. It's a bit removed from the commercialized part of Nags Head, so make sure to buy any essentials on your way in. I loved how secluded we felt from the overdeveloped portion of Nags Head. I was impressed with how clean the bathrooms and showers were. We had great neighbors who maintained the quiet hours for the most part. The ranger did speak with one rowdy group on the first night who subsequently quieted quickly. We're already planning our return trip.

Pros: right next to the beach Amazing fishing- we caught baby sharks( and returned them) Super clean bathrooms and WARM showers Easy access to nags head shopping ( restaurants supplies) Cons; Beach had too much sea weed and at high tide brought in stones and black mud/sludge Water was not clear like other places in outer banks No shade - gets hot Overall- due to bad beach would not recommend. Have heard better things about Frisco campground

We stayed 4 nights in mid August 2015. To begin with, it is next to the beach, only $40/night ($20 for holders of he Senior pass), and the park service staff is friendly and helpful. Having checked out the campground on Google Earth, I knew which sites were nearest the ocean for tent campers; e.g. A-loop sites including A-11, A13. Reservations guarantee a site, but you choose the specific site when you register, by driving through and checking what is available. I got site A-11. Although the surf was barely audible during the day from our site, it was quite prominent at night; possibly because of high tide, and also highway noise was mostly gone at night. From the campsite, the beach is accessible via some wandering path across a couple of dunes - perhaps 200 yards. As mentioned elsewhere, you need footwear on the sand to avoid sand spurs. They are quite prevalent and quite sharp. They often somehow ended up inside the tent, and one stuck through the floor of the tent - even though the tent was sitting on a tarp. The camp bathrooms were fine and the showers are great. It is mentioned elsewhere that the showers are not heated - this is incorrect ; you get buckets full of nice warm water. I had chosen the specific nights for new moon (moonless) and we really lucked out there - the night sky was clear and pretty spectacular. The milky way just glowed in the sky. To top it off, we had the Perseids meteor shower on the first night (8/12). The night sky was great all 4 nights we were there. Just across the road from the campground is the Oregon Inlet Fishing center, which has a basic store where you can get ice. Nags Head is about 15 minutes North of the campground with plenty of shopping and entertainment. Ok here are a few negatives: 1. It's hot with no shade in the summer - yeah, I know this is like duh - but still it can be uncomfortable when the sun is beating down on your tent. A mitigation here is that there is usually a breeze, and occasionally the breeze is pretty stiff - blowing over tents. You should have long tent stakes. 2. mosquitos. You will see some reviews that say there are mosquitos, and others that say they didn't see any. Here's the dope - At night, if there is not a stiff breeze to drive them away, they will attack. We used Picaridin-based spray which works quite well. Any time, in fact, there is not a breeze, the mosquitos may be present, but particularly at night. And the breeze was lessened or absent at night, so this detracted from the ability to enjoy the night sky. 3. sand spurs - already mentioned 4. A biggie - the Oregon Inlet beach allows 4-wheel drive access. This has been carried to excess to where during the day the beach is covered with SUVs and trucks, and the aftermath is that the beach is substantially torn up with SUV/truck tracks. As a result, this is not a beach where one can enjoy a natural experience; it's more about the 4WD truck/SUV culture which fits in with the Nags Head/Outer Banks culture. On the highway I drive carefully, typically at the speed limit. In the park and Nags Head i often encountered aggressive drivers who were not having any of that.

Beautiful scenery, lots of campground spaces that are within walking distance to the ocean! The staff are very friendly. Bathrooms and showers were clean and easy to get to. Great location for beach camping!!!

My husband and I took a trip down to OBX about a month and a half ago. (We took our dog with us as well.) We had originally planned to stay at another campground in Kitty Hawk, but upon driving into it, we quickly decided the place looked creepy, and we drove further south to look for something else. We saw the sign for Oregon Inlet and decided to give it a try. SOOOO glad we did! This place was beautiful! The rangers were very friendly. It was only $20 a night, and what a steal of a deal! I can't remember, but I think it was only $5 for the dog...don't quote me on that, though. IThe campgrounds are just over a couple of sand dunes...to me, this is right on the beach. (Where else in the world can you sleep right on the beach for $20 a night?!) It's a no-frills kind of place, so if you're looking for a swimming pool, golf course, water park, arcade center, laundry facility, heated shower kind of place, go somewhere else. For those of us that want a simple, bare necessities kind of campground, look no further! You can hear the waves and smell the ocean. Yes, you can hear the traffic since the grounds are just off of the highway, but it really isn't that bad. Across the street is the marina, and there is a little convenience/souvineer shop as well. (I can't remember what the hours are, but it's not a 24/7 shop.) Each camp site has a picnic table and a charcoal grill. We leashed our dog to the picnic table while we were at camp. Much more convenient than having to stake his leash in the sand. There are prickery things growing in the campsites, so you may want to make sure you wear shoes/flip flops. They are small, but suprisingly painful. (Make sure you don't track them into your tent!) They have a shower house, which consists of 4 unisex stalls. I felt that the walls in between the stalls were sufficient to allow for privacy. The doors secure with a hook and eye type thing...I felt like they were pretty solid for camround showers. Yes, you do have to pull on a string for water to flow, which makes it hard to shower (one hand is occupied with the string), but it's such a minor inconvenience that it didn't even phase me. The water is not heated. You might want to bring a plastic bag with handles to hang on the hook so you can keep things in there that you don't want getting wet. The restrooms are like typical camp restrooms. Flush toilets, running water...No soap. Bring sanitizing wipes if you're like me and fear public toilets! Lol. It's about a 10 or 15 minute drive to get to the nearest town/gas station. (Makes you feel a bit more secluded!) There were lots of other people there, and even though we had neighbors, I feel like we could all spread out enough. Noise level was not a problem for me, even though both of our neighbors had very young children. The beach (just over the dunes) was fantastic! I have nothing negative to say about this campground. We truly enjoyed ourselves, and so did the dog! We will definately recommend this place to others, and whenever we make it back to OBX, this is where we will be staying.