National park · Outer Banks · North Carolina

Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground is the National Park Service campground at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks, on NC-12 just north of the bridge over Oregon Inlet and about 15 minutes south of Nags Head. It is the most RV-friendly NPS campground on the seashore: the only one with utility sites and heated showers, and the closest to full services. It suits first-time OBX campers, families who want the beach without full off-grid mode, and RVers who want shore power at a public-campground price.

Oregon Inlet Campground at a glance

Hookups Mixed none + electric/water
Sites 107 total; 47 have electricity and water
Max RV length 40 ft total vehicle length
Cost $28–$35
Fees 47 of 107 sites have electricity and water; no sewer at the site.
Reservations Up to 6 months; same-day online
Season Open year-round
Showers Heated

Source-backed: Official NPS campground page (checked 2026-08-05). Rates and site details change — verify with the operator before you book. Compare it with every other park we track in the price index.

Why RVers stay here

Oregon Inlet Campground is the National Park Service campground at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks, on NC-12 just north of the bridge over Oregon Inlet and about 15 minutes south of Nags Head. It is the most RV-friendly NPS campground on the seashore: the only one with utility sites and heated showers, and the closest to full services. It suits first-time OBX campers, families who want the beach without full off-grid mode, and RVers who want shore power at a public-campground price.

Practically, there are 107 sites, 76 of them RV-capable, and 47 with electric and water; there is no sewer at any site. Current fees are $28 without utilities and $35 with, with a 50% Senior/Access discount on the campsite portion. NPS lists a 40-foot maximum total vehicle length at all sites, so measure the full hitched combination. Reservations run through Recreation.gov up to six months ahead, same-day bookings are allowed online or by phone, and it is open year-round with a noon checkout. The trade-off is exposed barrier-island camping: no shade, sand, wind and mosquitoes when the breeze drops, and the 47 utility sites go first for summer weekends.

  • The only Cape Hatteras NPS campground with utility sites: 47 with electric and water
  • Heated showers, unique among the seashore's four campgrounds
  • $28-$35 a night, a fraction of private-park rates on the islands
  • Open year-round and 15 minutes from Nags Head groceries, fuel and propane
  • Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, ORV beach ramps, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Pea Island refuge all close by
  • !No sewer hookups; electric and water only on 47 sites, dry camping on the rest
  • !40-foot maximum total vehicle length at all sites; the exact site record controls
  • !No shade, sand, wind and mosquitoes; hurricanes and nor'easters can close NC-12

What our guides say about Oregon Inlet Campground

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Regional guide

Outer Banks Camping: RV Parks Along North Carolina's Barrier Islands

The most accessible and best-equipped NPS campground on the seashore. It sits at the northern end of Hatteras Island, making it the first NPS option for most visitors coming from Nags Head. It is the only seashore campground with utility sites and heated showers.

Oregon Inlet is also the closest NPS campground to full services. You can drive 15 minutes north to Nags Head for groceries, fuel, and anything else you forgot to pack. That convenience makes it the best choice for first-time OBX campers or families who want the beach experience without committing to full off-grid mode.

Read our complete Oregon Inlet Campground review for utility-site strategy, exact RV fit and current rules.

Read the guide →

Our verdict

Book Oregon Inlet if you want the easiest OBX beach camping with a shot at shore power and a hot shower; skip it if you need sewer, shade or a rig over 40 feet total.

Oregon Inlet Campground: frequently asked questions

Does Oregon Inlet Campground have full hookups?

No. 47 of the 107 sites have electricity and water, and NPS does not list sewer connections at any campsite. Plan to use a dump station on longer stays.

How much does Oregon Inlet Campground cost per night?

NPS lists $28 per night without utilities and $35 with electric and water. Senior and Access pass holders get 50% off the campsite fee, but not the utility portion.

What is the max RV length at Oregon Inlet Campground?

NPS lists a 40-foot maximum total vehicle length at all sites, and says 76 of the 107 sites can accommodate RVs. Measure your full hitched combination and match it to the exact Recreation.gov site record.

Do you need reservations at Oregon Inlet Campground?

All reservations and payments go through Recreation.gov, online or by phone, up to six months ahead. Same-day bookings are permitted when sites are open, but rangers do not take payment at the campground.

Is Oregon Inlet Campground open year-round?

Yes, under current NPS operating information, which makes it the easiest Outer Banks NPS campground for winter and shoulder-season trips. Weather can still cause temporary closures.

How far is Oregon Inlet Campground from Nags Head?

About 10 to 15 minutes north on NC-12, which is where the last fuel, groceries and propane are before the campground.

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