I have been camping at the National Seashore (NS) campgrounds along the Outer Banks (OBX) NC for 15 years. During that time I would usually stay at the Oregon Inlet or Frisco campgrounds.
If you've never been, these National Seashore campgrounds are very nice but maybe not for everyone as they have little to no shade, and no electricity or water hookups. BUT they do have easy walking access to beautiful nearly deserted beaches, outdoor shower stalls that have air-temp water (feels great after a day at the beach) and of course bathrooms. I believe there are three of these National Seashore campgrounds on the OBX and they are all a short walk over dunes to the beach.
Usually while on the OBX I would always take a day trip and take the free ferry from the tip of the OBX to the Island of Ocracoke. The island is quaint, with a
light house and lots of arts and craft shops, some restaurants and a "downtown" harbor where there are lots of people walking around or riding bikes.
Always when I left Ocracoke for the day I would notice another NS Campground on the way out of town on the way to the ferry. It is the only one of the NS campgrounds that I have mentioned that requires a reservation, the others are first come first serve.
Well, I decided to finally try the Ocracoke NS Campground, got back last week and I'm here to report. I'm kind of hesitant because selfishly I would like to keep it a secret! It is in my opinion the jewel of all the OBX National Seashore campgrounds.
It has the same sparse amenities as the others, no electricity or water hooks-ups, but the proximity to the beach, the people that camp there and the island its self make the difference! The beach is literally right over the dunes, not a 10 minute walk like the other campgrounds, one dune and you're there. At night you sleep to the sound of crashing waves.
The people that camp there are groupies! Some of them have been coming back to camp there every year for forty years! They all know each other just from meeting there over the years and they are super friendly. My first night there my neighbor invited me to a delicious dinner. I met and befriended more campers there than I had in all my 15 years at the other OBX campgrounds.
If you love the beach and don't mind
dry camping you owe to yourself to try this place!