The Refuge on Roanoke Island

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the historic and tranquil fishing village of Wanchese, The Refuge on Roanoke Island offers North Carolina campers an ideal retreat on the Outer Banks. This RV park specializes in providing a comfortable, modern, and quiet base camp away from the high-traffic tourist crowds of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, yet still providing convenient access to all the charm of Roanoke Island and the pristine Atlantic beaches.

The Refuge is recognized as a clean, well-maintained facility, with many sites backing up to a tranquil canal or sound-overlooking pond. This provides beautiful views and the immediate opportunity for light water activities like fishing and kayaking. The management and staff are frequently praised by guests as "super nice and helpful," ensuring a positive and seamless experience from check-in to departure.

Unlike a primitive campground, The Refuge caters exclusively to RV, motorhome, 5th wheel, and pop-up trailer campers—tent camping is not permitted. This focus allows the park to deliver on high-quality, full-service amenities. While the majority of the total 59 sites are leased annually, approximately 15 spacious, full-hookup sites are dedicated to nightly and weekly rentals, making early reservations highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season when the Outer Banks truly shines. For North Carolina residents looking for a peaceful, well-appointed RV spot that serves as a gateway to both the history of Manteo and the beaches of the Outer Banks, The Refuge is a hidden coastal gem.

Location and Accessibility

The Refuge on Roanoke Island is strategically situated on the southern end of Roanoke Island, between the historical town of Manteo and the working fishing port of Wanchese. This location offers a perfect balance between seclusion and access.

The physical address is:

2881 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981, USA

The campground is easily accessed via North Carolina Highway 345, a well-maintained road that connects directly to US-64, the primary route onto Roanoke Island from the mainland and the major route leading to the barrier islands (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills). It’s only a short drive—less than 10 minutes—to the historic downtown Manteo, home of the Lost Colony and Roanoke Island Festival Park. Furthermore, the main Outer Banks beaches of Nags Head are less than a 10 to 15-minute drive away across the Washington Baum Bridge. The park's grounds feature gravel roads and level, spacious gravel pads, ensuring easy navigation and comfortable setup for all sizes of RVs (accommodating vehicles up to 40-45 feet).

Services Offered

The Refuge provides premium, full-service amenities designed for maximum RV comfort, rivaling many larger resort parks.

• Full RV Hookups: All rental sites feature full hookups, including water, sewer, and electrical service, with both 30-amp and 50-amp availability to accommodate modern rigs.
• Climate-Controlled Bathhouse: A full-service bathhouse offers air-conditioned and heated restrooms, equipped with multiple clean showers, toilets, and dual vanities. Though noted as "a little small" by some, cleanliness is consistently praised.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available on-site, a critical convenience for extended stays.
• Recreational Pool: A well-maintained outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally (typically Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day) and offers comfortable lounge chairs and a view overlooking the sound/pond area.
• Pet Amenities: The campground is pet-friendly and includes a small, dedicated dog park area where "fur babies" can play, provided they remain leashed outside of this area.
• WiFi and Connectivity: WiFi access is provided, making it convenient for guests to stay connected, research local attractions, or work remotely.
• Picnic Pavilion: A covered pavilion and surrounding picnic tables offer ample space for relaxing, meeting fellow travelers, or enjoying a meal outdoors.
• Flexible Stays: Accommodates daily, weekly, and extended-stay rentals, offering flexibility for North Carolina travelers.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of The Refuge are its peaceful atmosphere, waterfront location, and access to unique Outer Banks activities.

• Waterfront/Sound View Sites: The 15 nightly rental sites are often positioned overlooking the water (a pond/canal system that connects to the sound), providing beautiful views and a serene setting. These are highly valued sites for their privacy and scenery.
• On-Site Water Access for Kayaks/Canoes: Guests can launch their kayaks or canoes from the docks onto the canal, which connects to the sound, allowing for peaceful exploration of the natural marshlands and waterways of Roanoke Island.
• Fishing Pond/Canal:** The central body of water is excellent for fishing (catch and release is common) and crabbing, offering a low-key activity right at the campground.
• Proximity to Historic Manteo: It is less than a 10-minute drive to downtown Manteo, allowing easy exploration of cultural gems like the Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Elizabethan Gardens, and the North Carolina Aquarium.
• Quick Beach Access: The famous, pristine beaches of Nags Head on the barrier island are only a short, convenient drive away, allowing for day trips of surfing, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
• Impeccable Cleanliness and Management: Customer reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the grounds and facilities and the super nice, helpful manager, which significantly enhances the overall stay experience.
• Quiet Hours Policy: Strict quiet hours (11:00 PM to 8:00 AM) are enforced, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep away from the typical Outer Banks party scene.