Oregon Inlet Campground

Introduction / Overview

For North Carolina residents and avid outdoor enthusiasts looking for an authentic coastal experience, the Oregon Inlet Campground is a premier destination. Situated as the northernmost campground within the protected boundaries of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this location offers a unique blend of rugged oceanfront beauty and convenient access to the amenities of the northern Outer Banks.

Operated by the National Park Service (NPS), this campground is designed to put campers directly in touch with the raw, natural environment of the barrier islands. While it is certainly not a luxury resort, its value lies in its unbeatable location. Guests are nestled on the eastern side of the island, separated from the vast Atlantic Ocean only by a row of beautiful, sea oat-covered dunes.

The atmosphere here is focused on outdoor recreation and appreciation of nature. Whether you are passionate about world-class fishing, surfing, or simply basking on the expansive beaches, Oregon Inlet Campground serves as the ideal launchpad. It is also well-known for being a gateway to the famous fishing grounds of Oregon Inlet and placing you within a short distance of the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse. Though amenities are practical and essential, as is typical for a National Seashore facility, the well-maintained sites and the clean bathhouses—even during times of limited staffing, as noted by customers—ensure a comfortable and practical stay. If your goal is to be right on the ocean, embracing the natural beauty and the sound of the Atlantic, this campground is a top choice in the OBX.

Location and Accessibility

The Oregon Inlet Campground boasts a strategic location on the southern tip of Bodie Island, making it highly accessible and perfectly positioned for adventure in the Outer Banks.

Address:

Oregon Inlet Campground, 12001 North Carolina Hwy 12, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Geographic Advantages:

• Main Road Frontage: Located directly on North Carolina Highway 12 (NC-12), the campground is easy to find, situated just south of the full-service town of Nags Head.
• Nags Head Proximity: The amenities, restaurants, shops, and services of Nags Head are only about 8 miles north, providing a convenient option for supplies and dining outside of the park.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore: As an NPS campground, it provides direct, protected access to the Seashore’s vast and pristine coastline.
• Oregon Inlet Fishing Center: The renowned Oregon Inlet is immediately to the south. A convenient dump and water fill station for campers is located directly across Highway 12 at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, which also features a public boat launch for access to the calmer waters of the sound.
• Bodie Island Lighthouse: The historic Bodie Island Lighthouse is approximately four miles north on NC-12, offering seasonal climbs and sightseeing opportunities.

Services Offered

Oregon Inlet Campground provides essential, functional services to support both tent and RV campers, ensuring a practical and enjoyable stay in a rugged coastal setting.

• Campsite Pads: The campground offers 120 sites, each featuring a paved parking pad, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill for cooking.
• Utility Hookups: Limited sites are available with water and electric hookups (some offering 30/50 AMP service), which are highly sought after by RV users. Standard sites without hookups and tent-only sites are also available.
• Restroom and Water Facilities: Three bathhouses across the loops feature flush toilets and potable drinking water. The facilities are noted for being consistently cleaned daily by staff.
• Showers: Outdoor showers (often in a wooden shelter for privacy) are available. It is important to note that while some sources suggest these are heated, many customer reviews indicate the water is often unheated or only warmed by the sun. Campers should be prepared for what may be a cold or lukewarm shower.
• RV Dump Station: A complimentary dump and water fill station is located conveniently across NC-12 at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, available for the use of registered campers.
• Pet Friendly: Leashed pets are allowed, though owners should be mindful of the presence of sand spurs/burrs common in the sandy soil.

Features / Highlights

The true allure of Oregon Inlet Campground lies in its unique geographic features and the unparalleled recreational opportunities they afford.

• Direct Atlantic Ocean Access: The campground is situated on the ocean side of the barrier island. Campsites have their own path or are just a short walk up and over the dunes to the expansive Atlantic Ocean beach. This direct access is a major draw for beach lovers and surf anglers.
• World-Class Fishing & Water Recreation: The proximity to Oregon Inlet provides access to some of the East Coast’s best offshore and surf fishing. Additionally, the calmer sound waters across the highway allow for activities like crabbing, clamming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and boating.
• Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Beach Access: The adjacent beach can be accessed by vehicle, which is ideal for dedicated surf fishermen, provided the appropriate Cape Hatteras Off-Road Vehicle Permit is secured.
• Proximity to Cultural Landmarks: The location is minutes from the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse and Coquina Beach Day Use Area, which offers a vehicle-free, family-friendly beach experience with seasonal lifeguards.
• Open, Unobstructed Coastal Setting: The sites are situated on level, sandy soil among the dunes, offering little to no shade, which translates to dramatic, unobstructed views of the wide-open sky, perfect for sunrises and stargazing.

Contact Information

As an NPS-operated facility, reservations for the Oregon Inlet Campground are typically managed online through the official federal reservation system, particularly during the peak summer season when the 14-day stay limit is enforced.

Address:

Oregon Inlet Campground, 12001 North Carolina Hwy 12, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Phone:

(252) 441-6246

What is Worth Choosing

Oregon Inlet Campground is uniquely worth choosing for North Carolina campers who prioritize location over luxury. If you are looking for a practical, clean, and well-managed site that puts you closer to the Atlantic Ocean than nearly any other facility in the region, this is your spot.

The campground offers a tremendous value proposition, especially for those with an America the Beautiful Pass or Senior/Access Passes, providing affordable beachside access. It’s the perfect home base for a vacation focused on active coastal recreation:

• If you want to cast a line into the surf within minutes of leaving your tent or RV.
• If you need ORV access to explore the extensive Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.
• If you prefer a rugged, natural, and open landscape over a manicured, shaded resort.

However, prospective campers should be properly prepared: the sites are exposed to the elements, there is very little natural shade, and the coastal environment means that biting insects, particularly mosquitoes, can be prevalent throughout the day during warmer months—so pack plenty of repellent.

Ultimately, the choice of Oregon Inlet Campground means opting for an authentic, classic Outer Banks experience. You are choosing the expansive beaches, the sound of the ocean waves, and direct access to one of the most dynamic and beautiful stretches of coastline in North Carolina.