Forum Discussion

Veronica's avatar
Veronica
Explorer
Aug 27, 2016

Beach boondocking on the mid-east coast

Labor Day weekend plans have been cancelled and I am itching to see the ocean. I'm in SWVA on the TN border, so Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina beaches are options. Pretty sute campgrounds will be full, but the reason I bought my new to me class B was so I could go without reservations. I'm not picky about where I sleep. I know parking lots aren't "boondocking" but for trips like this I'm fine with them. I just want to spend a day or two with my butt in the sand and my feet in the ocean.

Any suggestions? I hear the Outer Banks isn't necessarily friendly for overnight parking.
  • All_I_could_aff's avatar
    All_I_could_aff
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2016
    I second the Assateague state campground on the Maryland side. I just spent three days there this past weekend. Literally a 30 second walk from sites to the ocean.


  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2016
    It is a bit of a drive but Assateague National Seashore CG is nice. Beachside & bayside loops. Wild horses roaming around. Don't leave any food out.
  • huachuca's avatar
    huachuca
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2016
    On Recreation.gov the NPS Frisco campground is showing 47 sites available for Friday through Tuesday @ $28/night. Reservations are non site specific but, with a third of them open, you should be able to get a pretty decent one.

    Be sure to get over to Ocracoke on the free ferry
  • RGar974417's avatar
    RGar974417
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2016
    I believe the Outer Banks may be your best bet. There are 4 National Park Campgrounds. Most are first come first serve. Since it's Labor Day Weekend, kids are back in school so there won't be as many people camping. Get there as early as you can. We prefer the National Park's Frisco Campground. There's also Cape point, Oregon Inlet and Oracoke.
  • Veronica's avatar
    Veronica
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2016
    Overnighting in a parking lot is kind of perfect. I'm into the vagabond lifestyle and as a teacher, I don't have a lot of money for expensive campsites. Sometimes they're great, but not this trip. More of a wandering adventure is what I'm hoping for.
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2016
    If you don't mind over-nighting in a parking lot, the Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp may be just what you are looking for. We over-nighted there a few years back with no problems. The Oregon Inlet Campground is right next door.
  • pinesman's avatar
    pinesman
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2016
    Although expensive, Cape Hatteras KOA and Camp Hatteras on the Outer Banks of NC are both currently showing openings for Labor Day weekend.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2016
    Actually, you stand a good chance of catching a cancellation at on of the campgrounds. I suggest you call a few in the area and see if there are. You may be able to get on a callback list as well. People's plans change, rigs breakdown etc.

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