OutReserve

Great Island Cabin Camp

An aerial view of Great Island Cabin Camp, with the ocean on the right, the sound on the left, and the cabin area in the center
A view of the bunk beds in the bedroom of Great Island Cabin 3.
Sunlight shining on 3 bunk beds in a plywood cabin
Great Island Cabin Camp Bath House

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
Showers
Showers

About Great Island Cabin Camp

Great Island Cabin Camp sits on South Core Banks within Cape Lookout National Seashore, just off the North Carolina coast. This historic, remote camp has long been a favorite destination for fishermen and beachgoers. Because it is only accessible by water, visitors arrive either by personal boat or by reserving space on one of the vehicle ferries that cross scenic Core Sound to South Core Banks.4WD, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended due to deep sand on the Back Road and along the oceanside beaches. There are no paved roads on South Core Banks. An Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Driving Permit is required and must be purchased on Recreation.gov before your trip. Upon arrival, present your proof of purchase to staff at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office, and they will issue the appropriate decal for your vehicle.

Number of accommodations: 23

Campground Amenities

  • Beach Access
    Beach Access
  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Potable Water
    Potable Water
  • Showers
    Showers
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Mar 12 to Nov 30

Sites & Availability

23 Sites Available

Site
Price
🏠 001, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 002, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 003, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 004, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 005, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 006, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 007, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 008, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 011, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 012, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 013, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 014, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 015, Loop: GI
12 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 016, Loop: GI
12 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 017, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 018, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 019, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 020, Loop: GI
8 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 021, Loop: GI
4 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 022, Loop: GI
4 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 023, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 024, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 026, Loop: GI
6 guests Β· Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (457)

What Guests Are Saying

Great Island Cabin Camp offers a memorable experience with friendly staff and scenic views. Many guests appreciated the rustic charm of the cabins, highlighting updates like improved hot water systems and comfortable mattresses. While some noted minor cleanliness issues and rustic accommodations, the overall atmosphere, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environment make it a desirable destination for repeat visits.

Review Summary

4.3
457 reviews
5
60.4%
276
4
23.6%
108
3
7.4%
34
2
4.4%
20
1
4.2%
19

Anna B

Verified

April 9, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 002, Loop: GI

5

This was our family's fourth year visiting CL in the spring, and it might have been my favorite trip yet. Our kids are 6 and 8 and they had a blast. They swam in the shallow waters around Shark Island, saw stingrays, and rolled down the sand dunes. We stayed in Cabin 2 and it was super nice (compared to cabins from past years). There had been several updates that made such a difference - a new oven and updated bathroom flooring. The cabin was clean (though typically sandy) and was plenty of room for our family. The Rangers were helpful and kind.

Our kids are used to life being so fast-paced and, for lack of a better word, easy. It feels important to show them how beautiful and perfect a trip can be without all of the typical "luxuries". Fostering their love for a place so wild and unique is truly a joy, and I'm grateful that the natural park system exists.

Sean M

Verified

April 9, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 018, Loop: GI

5

Great experience! Very comfy mattresses!

Robert M

Verified

April 3, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 019, Loop: GI

5

The cabin was definitely rustic but it was perfect for our family group. Well situated and easy to get to. We did have a problem with starting the stove but the maintenance crew took care of us quickly.

We were there during spring break time and it was a little cold for water activities BUT excellent otherwise. Temps we comfortable, excellent shelling, excellent fishing. The campground itself was nice and quiet. Really great experience. No issues with cabin 19 and would stay in it again.

Ginger F

Verified

March 30, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 024, Loop: GI

2

Way too much for the bare bone accommodations. I felt like I got hit by a bus after sleeping on those hard mattresses for a couple days

David C

Verified

March 29, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 012, Loop: GI

3

no review

Kevin G

Verified

March 23, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 023, Loop: GI

5

Everyone involved very friendly and helpful.

Mindy y

Verified

March 22, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 020, Loop: GI

4

This was a rustic cabin but everything worked. Loved it!

Keith E

Verified

March 18, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 026, Loop: GI

5

Excellent Cabin. Private spot with a trail onto beach. Cabin was in great shape. Good hot water. Stove was fairly new. Images show of cabin are old. Cabin was well maintained. Of all the cabins, this one was the best. Great spot. Dogs loved it…..

Scott P

Verified

March 5, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 018, Loop: GI

5

Great to have a dry place to call

Rodney A

Verified

December 29, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 017, Loop: GI

5

Awesome place to visit and go fishing 🎣

Location Great Island Cabin Camp

Address:
131 Charles Street
Harkers Island, NC, 28531
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 34.7606 / -76.4122

Elevation: 1 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Getting to and from Great Island Cabin Camp requires either a personal boat or vehicle ferry service departing from Davis, North Carolina: Cape Lookout Cabin & Camps Ferry Service. Vehicle ferry reservations are required.Because of deep sand on the Back Road and oceanside beaches, 4WD, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. There are no paved roads on South Core Banks. An Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Driving Permit must be purchased on Recreation.gov before arrival. Upon reaching the island, present your proof of payment at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office, where staff will issue your vehicle decal.Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic beachfront cabins, each with a porch and space for individuals, families, or small groups of up to 12. Cabins range from 288 to 960 sq. ft., and Cabin 2 is handicapped accessible. All units are wired for guest-supplied generators (5,500 watts max or equipped with a GFI), which are needed for electricity.Each cabin includes bunk beds with mattresses, a private bathroom with a sink and shower, hot water, a table and chairs, and a small kitchen with cabinets and a propane stove/oven. Refrigerators are not provided. An outdoor grill is located beside each cabin, and additional bathhouse facilities are centrally located in camp.Guests must bring their own linens, bedding, cookware, food, coolers, first-aid supplies, and any other necessities. Most visitors also pack flashlights or lanterns. Ice and fuel are available at the camp office.To ensure safe conditions for all guests, cabin occupants must check out by 10:00 a.m., and incoming guests may not check in before 2:00 p.m. This allows staff adequate time to clean and disinfect cabins between stays. Thank you for your cooperation.Office hours are 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. If arriving after 3:00 p.m., call (252) 725-0256 during business hours so staff can arrange for a volunteer to greet you or ensure your you have a cabin door code.Camping in tents within the cabin camp is not permitted, though families (not groups) may obtain a permit allowing minors to stay in up to two tents outside the cabin.Hunting is prohibited in the Great Island Cabin Areas. For information on permitted hunting zones on the islands, please contact the Visitor and Resource Protection division. All North Carolina hunting regulations apply.Firewood Notice: To help protect coastal forests, obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site. Transporting firewood can spread harmful pests and is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

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