North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Open — Open year-round for primitive beach camping. Vehicle camping with trailers or RVs permitted March through November only. Ferry access required from Atlantic, NC. No reservations needed, first-come first-served.
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
North Core Banks Beach Camping provides a true backcountry experience on a remote barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore. The entire 20-mile stretch of ocean beach is available for dispersed camping, with no established campsites or facilities. Access is exclusively by ferry from Atlantic, NC, or private boat, making this a destination for experienced campers seeking solitude and adventure. All camping occurs directly on the ocean beach seaward of the primary dunes. Both tent and vehicle camping are permitted, though vehicles must be 4x4 capable to navigate the soft sand beach and the unpaved trail behind the dunes known as the "back road." Vehicle camping with trailers, RVs, or rooftop tents is restricted to March through November and must remain on the oceanside beach. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, bringing all water, food, and supplies, and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. The islands offer exceptional opportunities for fishing, shelling, bird watching, and solitude. Weather ranges from cool spring and fall temperatures to hot, humid summers tempered by consistent 10-15 mph coastal winds. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Campsites must be at least 100 yards from the lighthouse and 100 feet from any structures, with camping prohibited in historic districts and cabin areas. Open fires are allowed below the high tide line away from vegetation. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Directions
Take a ferry from Atlantic, NC to Long Point on North Core Banks. The barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore are accessible only by boat, either private vessel or passenger ferry service. Contact ferry operators directly regarding vehicle transport capacity and scheduling.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 54ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| calo_VC@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (252) 728-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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