Jerniman's Campground

**🏝️ Introduction / Overview: Your Island Home Base on Ocracoke**

For North Carolina campers and RV enthusiasts, Ocracoke Island represents the quintessential Outer Banks getaway—a place defined by pristine beaches, a historic village, and an unhurried pace of life. **Jerniman's Campground** is a key component of this experience, offering a unique, amenity-rich, and conveniently located place to stay on this cherished island. Situated at the edge of the vibrant Ocracoke Village, this family-friendly campground has positioned itself as the practical choice for visitors who prioritize **convenience and essential services** during their island adventure. It is often noted as the closest private accommodation to the ocean, offering a pragmatic option for those wanting more than the rustic, hookup-free experience of the nearby National Park Service campground.

Jerniman's is designed to cater primarily to RVs and campers, providing the necessary hookups and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay while embracing the relaxed, coastal atmosphere. The experience here is characterized by the warmth of **genuine Southern hospitality**, exemplified by staff who are consistently praised for being attentive, kind, and going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction. While island life has its quirks—which may include sites that are cozy or water with a distinct flavor—Jerniman's delivers where it matters most: a strategic location, functional amenities, and a commitment to resolving issues with a personal touch that transforms a simple stay into a memorable experience. It's the perfect spot to set up camp before diving into all that Ocracoke Village and its stunning surrounding beaches have to offer.

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**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Steps from the Village Action**

The location of Jerniman's Campground is arguably its greatest asset for local North Carolina users seeking easy access to Ocracoke Village life. Situated at **990 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC 27960**, the facility is centrally located right at the entrance to the main village area. This means you are within walking or a very short bike or golf cart distance of many of the island’s most popular shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse.

Accessibility to the island itself requires a ferry ride, either from Hatteras (free) or from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter (reservations highly recommended and paid). Once on the island, Jerniman's sits directly off the main road, making it easy to find immediately upon arrival. Critically, the campground is noted for being the **closest village accommodation to the ocean access roads**, lying less than a half-mile shy of the first public beach entrance. While a vehicle is typically still needed to cover the distance to the main Lifeguard Beach area, the short hop is made easy, especially with the use of rented transportation. The compact nature of the village surrounding the campground eliminates the need for constant driving once you are settled, a major benefit for an Outer Banks vacation.

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**🛠️ Services Offered**

Jerniman's Campground provides a crucial set of services, especially valuable on a remote island like Ocracoke, ensuring guests have access to everything needed for a comfortable stay.

* **Full Hookup RV Sites:** Offers sites with essential 50/30/20 amp electrical service, water, and **sewer connections on most sites**, a significant advantage for RV campers on the island. * **Tent and Dry Camping Spots:** Designated areas for traditional tent camping and RVs without hookups, though these are more limited than the full-service sites. * **24/7 Private Bath House:** Features individual, private rooms containing a toilet and shower, available around the clock for guest convenience. * **Laundry Room:** On-site facilities available for a small fee, allowing campers to easily refresh their clothing during their stay. * **Dump Station:** Available on-site for the convenient disposal of waste. * **Camp and Convenience Store:** Located right next to the campground (Ocracoke Variety Store), offering essential groceries, hardware, camping supplies, and various snacks and drinks. * **Gas Station:** Conveniently located adjacent to the campground for quick refueling, a critical amenity on the island.

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**🌟 Features / Highlights**

The unique features and on-site amenities at Jerniman's Campground are designed to maximize your enjoyment and minimize hassle while exploring Ocracoke Island.

* **Golf Cart Rentals:** A major highlight—the campground provides **on-site golf cart rentals**, the preferred and most efficient way to navigate the village area, offering a fun and convenient alternative to driving and parking your vehicle. * **On-Site Dining:** Features an on-site restaurant/food service (Hart's Hot Dog Hut, seasonal) for quick and easy breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner options, keeping you fueled for your day. * **Village Proximity:** Its location at the threshold of the village means immediate access to local coffee shops, museums, galleries, and the famous Ocracoke restaurants. * **Family Entertainment:** Includes a small **Arcade** and a section for DVD, Book, and Board Game rentals, providing excellent options for family downtime, especially on rainy days. * **Exceptional Hospitality:** Repeatedly highlighted by guests, the **above-and-beyond customer service** and accommodating nature of the management are a significant feature that defines the Jerniman's experience. * **Picnic Tables:** Provided at most sites, offering a dedicated outdoor dining and relaxation area. * **Closet to Ocean/Beach Access:** As the closest private campground to the ocean access road, it speeds up your travel time to the wide, protected beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

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**☎️ Contact Information**

To ensure a smooth trip to this unique Outer Banks destination, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the peak summer and shoulder seasons.

Address: 990 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, USA

Phone (Reservations/General Inquiry): (252) 928-0308

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**💯 What is Worth Choosing Jerniman's Campground**

Choosing **Jerniman's Campground** is worthwhile for local North Carolina users who are seeking a highly practical, amenity-rich base camp for an Ocracoke vacation, especially if you travel in an RV or require hookups. The primary reason to choose Jerniman’s is its **unmatched combination of location and service**.

First, the **convenience** is paramount. Being at the very edge of the village means you can easily ditch your vehicle—a necessity on a small island—and rely on a rented golf cart or your own two feet to explore shops, restaurants, and the iconic Ocracoke Lighthouse. No other full-service campground offers this proximity to the village core.

Second, the **full hookups** for RVs (including sewer on most sites) provide a level of comfort and utility that the more rustic National Park campground does not offer, making longer stays easier and more comfortable. While the campsite spacing can be close, reflecting the premium value of island land, the convenience of on-site amenities like the laundry room, private bathhouses, and adjacent gas/convenience store more than compensate.

Finally, the **reputation for exceptional customer service** is a critical differentiator. The willingness of the management to proactively assist guests, as highlighted in glowing testimonials, provides a sense of security and genuine hospitality—a comforting thought when dealing with the unpredictable nature of island camping. For a stress-minimized, amenity-maximized Ocracoke experience with the friendliest faces around, Jerniman's Campground is the smart, local choice. Visitors should simply remember to bring their own drinking water if they dislike the taste of the local, heavily-treated supply and adhere to the **no open wood fire policy** (charcoal cooking in self-contained units is permitted) to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all.