Cape Point Campground

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the sites prior to paying. Cape Point Campground is centrally located to all of the attractions on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The campground puts you within walking distance of arguably the best fishing and surfing on the east coast.

Cape Point Campground is the largest campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each campsite is equipped with a paved parking pad, picnic table and charcoal grill. Rows D, E, and F are reserved for tent camping only. There are no hook-ups in the campground for RVs. Four sets of restrooms and outdoor shower facilities are dispersed evenly throughout the campground. Water spigots providing potable water are readily available.

Need to Know

The campground is in a low lying area that floods easily after a heavy rain. Reservations may be canceled with limited notice.
Camping is limited to a total of 14 days of camping between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Making reservations under another name or account to circumvent the 14 day restriction is prohibited.
Quiet hours are 10:00 pm - 6:00 am - Generators must be turned off during quiet hours.
Wood fires are not permitted in the campground. Only charcoal cooking fires are permitted in a grill, stove or other self-contained unit.
There is a limit of 6 persons per site, a maximum of 2 cars, or 1 car and 1 trailer, and a maximum of two tents.
Pets are welcome but must be on a 6' leash at all times. Electronic collars are not considered a leash. Pet excriment must be picked up and disposed of in trash recepticles.
Biting insects are prevalent in the summer months, therefore netting and repellent are recommended.
All equipment must fit on the site pad; large RVs over 25 feet may have to park second vehicles in auxiliary parking away from the campground, or purchase an additional campsite. Vehicles cannot park on the grass.
All campsites are exposed and subject to weather extremes. There are no shaded sites in the campground.
Must be 18 yrs of age to reserve a campsite.
For specific questions please call (252) 475-9054, hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm edt.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled between rolling dunes to the south and the largest remaining tract of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast to the north. The environment is naturally suited to accommodate many bird and mammal species. A large heard of white tail deer frequent the area.

Nearby Attractions

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located just north of Cape Point Campground on Lighthouse Road next to the Visitor Center. Standing at 198 feet, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It has undoubtedly saved the lives of many mariners navigating around the treacherous Diamond Shoals. The Museum of the Sea is also located near the Visitor Center within the shadow of the lighthouse. The museum's operating hours vary with the season.

Buxton Beach is a family friendly swimming destination staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is a short walk or bike ride from the campground. Parking is available at the old lighthouse site adjacent to the current location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Recreation

A short walk through the dunes leads you to the beach at the infamous Cape Hatteras. Many trophy fish have been landed from the point, and it has been a surfing destination for decades. If you prefer to drive to the beach you can access one of the many off-road vehicle ramps within a short distance of the campground. Exploration of the barrier islands beyond their beaches is possible on a hike through the nearby maritime forest. The Buxton Woods Trail is a 3/4 mile loop that can be accessed just north of the campground at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area on Lighthouse Road.

Contact Information

Default

46700 Lighthouse Road Buxton NC 27920

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 252-465-9602 OR 252-475-9616

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

North (From Richmond, VA)

Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

West (From Rocky Mount, NC)

Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

South (From Florence, SC)

Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!