Cape Point Campground

$20.00/night

Show on map 252-465-9602 OR 252-475-9616

46700 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, NC 27920

Notice

OVERNIGHT USE LIMITATIONS: Restrictions limiting the duration of camping will allow all campers to have the opportunity to enjoy camping in America’s first National Seashore. Established limits are designated to prevent resource damage and impacts to sites and allow for an enjoyable recreational experience. Making reservations under another name or account to circumvent the 14-day restriction is prohibited. For more information, visit Laws & Policies - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

Camping is limited to a total of 14 days of camping between Easter Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Camping stay limitations are changing effective January 1, 2027.

Camping for more than 14 cumulative nights per campground from May 15th to September 15th (peak season) is prohibited.
Camping for more than 30 cumulative nights per campground from September 16th to May 14th (off season) is prohibited.
Holding or reserving a campsite for another party is prohibited. Sites may not be paid for by persons who do not intend to occupy the site.
Making reservations under a different name or account to circumvent the maximum stay limit is prohibited.

Sep 16, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

Overview

Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the sites prior to paying. Cape Point Campground is centrally located to all of the attractions on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The campground puts you within walking distance of arguably the best fishing and surfing on the east coast.

Recreation

A short walk through the dunes leads you to the beach at the infamous Cape Hatteras. Many trophy fish have been landed from the point, and it has been a surfing destination for decades. If you prefer to drive to the beach you can access one of the many off-road vehicle ramps within a short distance of the campground. Exploration of the barrier islands beyond their beaches is possible on a hike through the nearby maritime forest. The Buxton Woods Trail is a 3/4 mile loop that can be accessed just north of the campground at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area on Lighthouse Road.

Facilities

Cape Point Campground is the largest campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each campsite is equipped with a paved parking pad, picnic table and charcoal grill. Rows D, E, and F are reserved for tent camping only. There are no hook-ups in the campground for RVs. Four sets of restrooms and outdoor shower facilities are dispersed evenly throughout the campground. Water spigots providing potable water are readily available.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled between rolling dunes to the south and the largest remaining tract of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast to the north. The environment is naturally suited to accommodate many bird and mammal species. A large heard of white tail deer frequent the area.

Nearby Attractions

The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located just north of Cape Point Campground on Lighthouse Road next to the Visitor Center. Standing at 198 feet, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It has undoubtedly saved the lives of many mariners navigating around the treacherous Diamond Shoals. The Museum of the Sea is also located near the Visitor Center within the shadow of the lighthouse. The museum's operating hours vary with the season.

Buxton Beach is a family friendly swimming destination staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is a short walk or bike ride from the campground. Parking is available at the old lighthouse site adjacent to the current location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.

Camp site features

Across 200 camp sites:

Picnic table: 198 of 200 sites
Pets allowed: all 200 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 200 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 6 people

Fees

Reservations only via Recreation.gov Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.

Directions

North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. West (From Rocky Mount, NC) Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right. South (From Florence, SC) Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point Campground will be on your left. Follow Lighthouse Road until you reach Cape Point Campground on your right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

435 reviews

5 stars

266

4 stars

104

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

peggy C

Loop:K

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

Nice campground.

Shelley N

Loop:G

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

Unfortunately we had a emergency evacuation and could not stay otherwise it would have been great.

REBECCA w

Loop:K

Site:

Reviewed 19 days ago

We got evacuated and could not stay There But we have stayed there before and we love the campground

Tonya A

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 21 days ago

We have stayed here before and love it. The space between sites is awesome. I understand its "outdoors" but the mosquitos were CRAZY heavy. We talked to a bug guy who said they dont spray due to bee boxes being on historic property. This is a govt run campground and as far as we could tell had no bee boxes, so this was totally insane news to us. We will reconsider our location in the future knowing this info now. My husband has 19 bites ono his face alone and that AFTER bug spray. My ankle swelled to double its normal size from the bite I received. I know you can be a bug free zone but this was too much to handle.

Louise P

Loop:G

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

To much mosquitos.

Don L

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 25 days ago

Great place for have fun and enjoy OBX

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.