A view of the bedroom area in one of the cabins
View of the exterior of the Great Island Cabin Camp Bath House from the camp road looking towards the ocean beach.
An aerial view of Great Island Cabin Camp.

Great Island Cabin Camp

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens March 13, 2025 and operates through November 29, 2025. Reservations open January 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. via Recreation.gov.

Hurricane Erin Closures At Cape Lookout National Seashore:

The National Park Service staff will be monitoring ongoing developments with Hurricane Erin and will post updates as needed on the park website at go.nps.gov/stormwatch, and via Facebook and Instagram.

Prospectus for Passenger Ferry Service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and Land Transp

Find more information for concession business opportunity to provide passenger ferry service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and land transportation on the South Core Banks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cc-calo001-26.htm

Costly Outcome: Shark Island

Located near the Point of Cape Lookout, a sandbar has begun to connect, known as Shark Island, which lies outside of Cape Lookout's jurisdiction. The sand in this region is soft, making it difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of becoming stuck.

Fireworks Prohibited within Cape Lookout National Seashore

Happy Independence Day! We look forward to spending the holiday weekend with you. A friendly reminder that for public safety, fireworks are prohibited within Cape Lookout National Seashore.

About

Great Island Cabin Camp is located on South Core Banks within Cape Lookout National Seashore, a 56-mile stretch of pristine barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The camp features 23 historic rustic cabins ranging from 4 to 12 person capacity, each equipped with bunk beds and mattresses, private bathrooms with hot water showers, propane oven/stove, and wiring for guest-provided generators. The beachfront location offers unparalleled access to some of the Atlantic Coast's best fishing, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Accessible only by vehicle ferry from the town of Davis, NC or by personal watercraft, the camp provides a true remote island experience. The barrier island consists of bare beaches with low dunes, flat grasslands, and extensive salt marshes along the sound. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline, Cape Lookout has become a premier destination for kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, shelling, swimming, and birding. Four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended as there are no paved roads on South Core Banks—travel is on sand roads and oceanside beaches, requiring an off-road vehicle permit.

Directions

From Morehead City, NC, take Highway 70 east approximately 22 miles to Davis, NC. Cape Lookout Cabin Camps and Ferry Service is located at 125 Grady Davis Lane and Davis Shore Ferry is at 148 Willis Road. Board the vehicle ferry to South Core Banks. All travel on the island is on sand roads and beach; 4WD, high-clearance vehicles strongly recommended. Off-Road Vehicle Driving Permit required, purchased via Recreation.gov.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store Yes
Price $120

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email CALO_information@nps.gov
Phone +1 (252) 728-2250

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

A view of the bedroom area in one of the cabins
View of the exterior of the Great Island Cabin Camp Bath House from the camp road looking towards the ocean beach.
An aerial view of Great Island Cabin Camp.
Cabin 3 bedroom.

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