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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.
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.
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.
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.
The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located just north of Cape Point Campground on Lighthouse Road. From the third Friday in April until Columbus Day visitors can climb the lighthouse with a ticket that can be purchased from a kiosk on the walkway leading to the lighthouse. 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.
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.
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.
This was amazing! I love all the history displayed here. It's really well maintained and there are lots of placards with info and cool facts. There's an audio tour you can do by calling in and it'll have posts with numbers for prompts. It's definitely worth a stop. There's boardwalks for a lot of the pathways and beach access to the sound and the ocean. The have opened up the old keeper's quarters and turned it into a museum (free entry) with information about the lighthouse and some history of the barrier islands.
The beach looks very clean and well taken care of, worst I found was an area need the visitor center that had some scattered cigarette butts. But it was easy enough to clean up. The water is much cleaner now. In September of 2018 Hurricane Florence wreaked some havoc, but it all seems to have been sorted out.
Wow!!! Amazing visit to The Cape Lookout lighthouse National Park. We took the ferry from Harkas Island to the Cape. It only took 15 minutes and they dropped us off right at the lighthouse dock. From the top you can see forever and then some. The rangers informed us that there are three different types of stairs that we have to encounter on our climb to the top. They are definitely helpful and safety is top priority. As you climb, there are other rangers along the way to help you if you need. Amazing time, if you are ever in the area, GO!!!
Ferry staff were great! Great afternoon exploring the area around the lighthouse
This was an amazing adventure put on by the NPS. The site features a great visitor center and a super friendly and knowledgeable staff. The ferry is a must do and the tickets can be sold out, so something you may want to reserve before you come out. We attended a program on the horses led by an NPS ranger - it was absolutely amazing. Check the NPS website before you come out and participate - lifelong memories await!
I love this place so much I wish I could go every day. It’s beautiful and fun and always an adventure. Quality family time or a peaceful escape, you decide. There is a person ferry and a car ferry available on the main land. They have a small station for gas and to air your tires back up, climb the lighthouse, camp or stay in a cabin. So much to do!
