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Cape Point Campground
NPSNational Park Service — Buxton · North Carolina · Cape Hatteras National Seashore
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Location | Buxton · North Carolina · Cape Hatteras National Seashore · 35.23621, -75.92250 · Map |
| Sites | 200 public sites counted from the federal listing — 151 standard nonelectric; 49 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 200 sites Water hookups at 0 of 200 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 200 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 200 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 50 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 199 sites · 30 ft: 199 sites · 35 ft: 199 sites · 40 ft: 199 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| 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. |
| Check-in / out | In 03:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 201 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Beach accessCell service reportedDrinking waterShowers |
| Phone | 252-465-9602 OR 252-475-9616 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-06-11.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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. […]
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Trip Card — Cape Point Campground
Buxton · North Carolina · Cape Hatteras National Seashore
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton · North Carolina · Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| 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 … |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 50 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 200 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251945 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.