Details
South Core Banks, Great Island, NC, 28524
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 26, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Opening and closing of this area is tied to the seasonal operation of the vehicle ferries out of the town of Davis, NC. Season opens each year around March 12-15 and ends December 31. Ferries to this area do not run during the winter.
Weather
Located in Eastern North Carolina temperatures range from cool temperatures in the spring and late fall to the typical hot and humid summer temperatures. Fortunately the winds along the coast blow about 10-15 miles per hour on a routine basis which can keep the summer temperatures from becoming oppressive. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common during the summer, plan accordingly.
Amenities
Cell Phone Reception
Directions
Take a ferry from Davis, NC over to Great Island on South Core Banks. The barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore may only be reached by boat -- either your own boat or a ferry from the mainland.
Rates & Fees
No Fee Camping
There is no fee charged for camping
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Open flame fires (campfires) allowed on the ocean beach below the high tide line (in damp sand) away from all vegetation. Contained fires, such as in a camp stove, are allowed near the campsiteRegulations Overview
All camping is primitive beach camping dispersed along the open ocean beach seaward of the dunes. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Campsites must be at least 100 yards from the lighthouse and 100 feet from any other structure. Camping is not permitted in the Cabin Camp, the Cape Lookout Light Station complex, in Cape Village or in long term parking areas. Hammocks must be free-standing. Hammocks may not be hung in shade shelters, attached to other structures or strung between trees. Groups of 25 or more campers are required to obtain a Special Use Permit. Camping vehicles, including any style trailer or pop-up camper, vehicles with a rooftop tent, or truck bed camper, must be kept on the oceanside beach, seaward of the primary dunes, not between or on top of dunes. Vehicles are prohibited from camping on the trail behind the dunes known as the "back road" unless there is a specifically designated spot. Drivers must follow the regulations for off-road vehicles (ORVs).Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchairs and scooters, unless they are a beach wheelchair with wide tires for all-terrain use, will find it difficult to move on the beach.
Internet Information
Internet and/or wifi is not provided. If connection is needed, bring a personal hotspot to make your connection. Even then the strength is generally not strong enough to allow for streaming services or connecting with online meetings or school distance learning.
Cell Phone Information
Bring a solar cell phone charger or cell phone car adapter with you as there is no place to plug in a charger unless you have brought a generator with you. Cell phone signal strength varies according to provider. There are small “dead zones” up and down the beach, generally these areas are not very large and by moving a short distance can generally pick up the signal again. Can reach the 911 system from the island.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
RVs and camping trailers may be used for beach camping. All camping vehicles and trailers must remain on the open beach, seaward of the dunes. There are no hard surfaced roads or camping pads on the islands. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for driving on the beach and/or pulling a camping trailer. The maximum size of the trailer or RV depends on if it will fit on the deck of the ferry. The different ferries can handle lengths from 38 to 54 feet. Call and talk directly with the ferry about your RV and/or trailer.
RV Maximum Length
54
Additional Information
During the summer months, drinking water is available at the restrooms near the lighthouse and from a spigot on the back road near the boardwalk to the beach. At the cabin camp, drinking water is available in the public restrooms. These sources of water are turned off during the coldest part of the winter. Keep a clean camp – store all food, and even trash, in sturdy, sealable containers, to prevent raccoons. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There is no trash pickup on the islands, take all trash back to the mainland for disposal. Dump stations are located in Great Island Cabin camp and on the back road near the point of Cape Lookout. Ice and gas sales are through the cabin camp. A public bath house with showers is located in the cabin camp.
Trailer Maximum Length
54
ADA Information
The wide sandy beaches of South Core Banks are covered in soft sand which makes for uneven footing and not easy for mobility assistance devices to navigate. There are no hard surfaces anywhere on the island, all travel is by walking or driving directly on the beach. There are no established campsites on the island, primitive style camping is dispersed along the beach. Restrooms and other amenities may be miles from where you are camping. A public bath house is located in the Great Island Cabin Camp with accessible toilets and showers.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
No Roads
Classifications
Primitive Camping Areas
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