Truck Camping in the Outer Banks. Suggestions needed!

[msiminoff]

Hi friends,
We're headed to the outer banks this weekend, staying for several days at least.
I'd appreciate any tips y'all may have on the best places to stay with a TC.
Keep in mind that I'm rolling on 19.5's, so beach travel is limited to hard-pack only.
Thanx!
Cheers,
-Mark

[thedavidzoo]

It has been 5 years, but I think there were water spigots right around the shower area we used, at Ocracoke.

[Oldtymeflyr]

Yes, at the dump stations there is potable water. The dump stations are about 1/2 mile from the camping sites. I do not know the details of Hatteras Campground.

[towpro]

one last question, do these NPS campgrounds in OBX have a place I can fill those collapsible 5 gallons jugs to add to my tanks?

[thedavidzoo]

We had a good site at Ocracoke, basically up and over the dune to the beach. Spent 10 nights one summer. Those unheated showers are a trip! Very rustic in a good way!

[towpro]

Thanks Cptn, been going there for years but never swayed much away from the KOA or hatteris resorts for camping. now that were empty nesters and not towing 30 something feet behind me I am inclined to try other places.
if I spend 1/2 as much can I go twice as often? :).

the KOA used to have a "fisherman's special" deal where I think it was $750 and you could use up to 30 days divided up as you wanted between mid October and Easter. We looked forward to getting older where we could maybe come down for 2 weeks in October than split the last 2 weeks over the winter.
last year they changed the rules so now its 30 consecutive days 😞
but now the NPS is open into November I think.

[CptnBG]

Depending on where you are parked at Ocracoke but it is not far at all. Some sites are right at the dunes. There is also a ramp with public parking beside the campground, also a very short walk.

Cape Point NPS Campground has a lot of problem with flooding. I've never camped there.

There is also a NPS Campground at Frisco. A little more of a walk but again there is parking at the ramp. Also a boardwalk from the campground. The upper loop has great views of the ocean but quite a long walk.

[towpro]

how far is the walk from the NPS campground in Ocracoke to the actual beach/water?
how about cape point campground?
we get spoiled at the KOA, the only thing between the beach and campground is a dune (and some times a lot of that is also missing)

[CptnBG]

That system blew through Southwest Va as well, lotta wind! Enjoy Ocracoke, one of my favorite places. Have a meal/beverage at Howard's Pub. Even with your 19.5's, you may be able to drive out the sand road to the beach at ramp 72, just don't go through the ramp (soft sand). You can rent golf carts in the village, a great way to tour the island but you can't take them out on the beach.

[towpro]

it usually rains all week every time I go there also.
so this year we are going several times for long weekends. Surly we will find some sun.

Getting closer now, put in the inverter so we can watch satellite off batteries.
my fear is going into a national campground and the guy next to me runs a "lawn mower" generator all day.

[msiminoff]

Well, this is what we were greeted with upon arrival in Kill Devil Hills (Kitty Hawk) last night...

We stayed dry and enjoyed the light show, but boy oh boy was it LOUD for a while.

Down in the Hatteras area now and heading to Ocracoke soon. We don't need hookups and we're very much looking forward to the peace and quiet.

Thanks for all of the tips!!
-Mark

[billyg]

Hi depending on the time of year don't forget the bug spray. The big flys and no-see-ums will eat you alive. Bill

[pegdiver]

Just a note - the ferry off Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island or Swan Quarter has a fee. The ferry to and from Hatteras is free. The Federal campgrounds do not have electric or water hookups but do have cold water showers and toilets and a dump station.

[skiles]

I would recommend Frisco Woods in Buxton. I haven't stayed there with our TT but I used to tent camp there. It's a pretty nice facility. It backs up to the Sound.

[NCWriter]

Don't miss the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at the south tip of Hatteras near the free ferry to Ocracoke. Lots of cool stuff.