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

LeGrande A

Verified

September 29, 2023 Stayed at: 018, Loop: GI

2

Been going over for 32 years with no complaints. This year I have never seen so many cockroaches and ants inside the cabin #18 we went to see the Rangers and they handed half a can of raid. Now as I said been going for years and yes it is permeative housing and insects are there but they were out of control this year inside the cabin, turn the lights on at night there’s 30 - 40 cockroaches on the floor, on counter and sink, hit them with raid and another band would replace them. One in our party found a live one in his bunk ! We suggested that it should be pest bomb and closed to deaf ears ! Never thought I’d be writing this review but someone needs to know.

Bob B

Verified

September 27, 2023 Stayed at: 015, Loop: GI

5

Cabin was great, weather was great, in all we had a great time.

Kenneth D

Verified

September 22, 2023 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

4

Cabin was ready on time and everything functioned as advertised. The water heater was much imroved over past years so it was nice to have a decent shower after a day on the beach.

William P

Verified

September 7, 2023 Stayed at: 021, Loop: GI

3

Bad weather, mandatory evacuation. Park ranger and ferry company were very accommodating,

James M

Verified

August 25, 2023 Stayed at: 005, Loop: GI

5

Cape Lookout is a beautiful area, please respect it so we can all enjoy for years to come.

Sean N

Verified

August 24, 2023 Stayed at: 026, Loop: GI

5

Love Cape Lookout! The few things that should be addressed are speeding and trash. We picked up trash as we normally do but cannot do anything about the speeding on the beach. Outside of that we had a great time, and will continue to do our annual trip to Cape Lookout! Thank you.

michael c

Verified

August 13, 2023 Stayed at: 024, Loop: GI

3

The ocean was beautiful and the fishing was great. Its about an hour drive down the beach to the point but it is well worth it. Cabins are very primitive. If you dont bring a generator you should bring some lanterns or you will be sitting in the dark at night.You must bring everything you need. Everything! I will come again but I will be better prepared next time. Overall, it was a great experience.

JOHN F

Verified

August 6, 2023 Stayed at: 003, Loop: GI

4

great views from Cabin 3

Henry H

Verified

July 31, 2023 Stayed at: 019, Loop: GI

3

Great place and the park staff was first class and took care of issues

Russell B

Verified

July 26, 2023 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

5

Our cabin was ready when we arrived at the island. It was clean and everything operated as expected. We have tent camped on the island before, but after getting swamped by high tides following an unexpected storm we felt more comfortable in the cabin. One thing that would have improved our visit would have been if we had discovered the outdoor spigot sooner so we could have avoided tracking as much sand onto the porch. Our next trip will include a garden hose to make better use of that feature. We purchased ice and fuel when on the island when needed. We were disappointed that the lighthouse wasn't open, but the lighthouse keepers house was informative and interesting.

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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