Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
EThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2023

Great location with basic amenities

Camped at Oregon Inlet for its location near Alligator River NWR, and Bodies Lighthouse.

The PROS:

  • Great location - plenty of beach access
  • Warm water in the showers. However, I did wish they had an attached dressing area that was dry. 
  • Quiet and respectful 'neighbors'

The CONS:

  • Mid-September was hot, muggy and buggy. Also afternoon heavy rain showers.
  • Hard to enjoy the campground during the day due to the heat, and at night due to the bugs. I took a Tent with bug screens that covered the picnic table, so that helped but bugs still got in. Used Thermocells to help create a bug free zone relatively. Next time I will waterproof the tent cover for rain showers and it dripped a bit.
  • Bathroom doors left wide open and poorly ventilated, so they were hot and buggy, even at night. I discovered air conditioned bathrooms at Bodie's lighthouse and at the visitors center at the beginning of Route 12.
  • Yes, there are sand spurs at the campsites. I wore shoes so didn't have a problem.
  • It is true that you hear road noise through out the night. I found that week nights were notably quieter than weekend nights, including Sunday night.
  • The campsites are small and closely together with no sun protection.
  • Beach access involves walking over two high sand dunes on soft sand. Not terribly difficult, but hard for me with bad knees.
  • No area for washing dishes. I take a portable wash bucket. Took my dishes up and showered and washed them in the shower room.
  • One water spigot near the shower areas. I wasn't sure which was potable. Red and blue water spigots unmarked.
Site15
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore by Emily C., September 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore by Emily C., September 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore by Emily C., September 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore by Emily C., September 15, 2023