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

Amber A

Verified

April 19, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: GI

5

First guest of the season! It was cold but with a propane heater the cabin was nice and toasty! Just wish the hot water was more consistent in the cabin. Bathhouse showers were PERFECT!

Niles C

April 19, 2022

5

8 of us had a great time fishing and enjoying the beauty of the island.

Samuel J

Verified

April 16, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: GI

5

We had a wonderful time!!
The cabins were very clean!

Shawn V

Verified

April 13, 2022 Stayed at: 020, Loop: GI

5

We went april 3rd. We planned ahead. It was everything we thought it would be. Driving the beach from tip to tip was really great very few people there mostly fishing. No bugs of any kind. Cabins could of been cleaner but hey its rustic and did not overly expect. Like it so much we already booked again

Todd S

Verified

April 12, 2022 Stayed at: 024, Loop: GI

5

I stayed for a night because there was no more availability other than a Friday night. I was completely satisfied with the cabin itself. Let's be honest, It is a cabin on a remote island and is not a 5-star hotel. With that said, I think everything was in order, worked and was as clean as it could be being surrounded by sand and all. I will definitely come back and ask for #24 if available.

Jeff S

Verified

April 8, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: GI

5

The cabins are amazing. They are in the middle of a little slice of heaven. Just make sure you know what you are renting. They are bare bones and this isn't glam camping by the standards of a lot of people. For our family, it is absolutely perfect.
Pros
Comfortable beds
Gas stove
hot and cold running water
shower
toilet
Right on the beach
Surf fishing
sea shell collecting
driving up and down the beach
You can drive around with AWD if you are smart about it (4WD is recommended). We do and have never had a problem.

Cons
Not much. Some of the cabins could use some maintenance and TLC. With the amount of money that is brought in by renting them I am surprised they are not better maintained. Still, they are great and the major things on the ones we rented worked. Our sink drain leaked on last years rental.
When it is hot as hades outside you will do well to bring a generator and air conditioner. There is no shade and the cabins get hot.

Teresa B

Verified

April 5, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

5

Perfect

Teresa B

Verified

April 4, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

5

Need more cabins what a great place to escape to

Dawn B

Verified

April 3, 2022 Stayed at: 022, Loop: GI

5

It is always a great experience visiting the Cape Lookout National Seashore Cabins. Great and wonderful forestry service personnel there. They always are very attentive to answer or help with anything you might ask or need. We went for the week in March, we usually go in August so we tried something different and as always such a wonderful trip that was much needed. Cabins always clean and nice, great spot. Will never go anywhere else. Thank You

Kevin M

Verified

March 31, 2022 Stayed at: 021, Loop: GI

1

This was the first time I have rented the cabins and actually have scheduled renting two ore times this year.
From the moment we got off the ferry, The park ranger, (with his BLUE LIGHTS BLAZING) was harassing anyone he could. he was even blocking the trails with his blazer harassing people as they were coming up to their cottage.
Often he was driving at very high rat of speed down the beach causing safety concerns to those fishing and when we asked others staying on the beach, this same officer was checking their fishing licenses "EVETRY DAY". when he knew they were legal.
When we pulled up to our cabin, there was a built (dug out) fire pit far away from the cabin, dunes and near the beach. So we assumed it was our designate place for a modest fire. so we did. That night a park volunteer came by and inspected out fire. he said it was in a good location and wished us good night. GREAT !!
Well no, next morning, no fire burning, Barney Fife came up to our cabin, (BLUE LIGHTS BKAZING) telling me we had an illegal fire. I explained what the volunteer told us and he said the volunteer expressed that he told us to move it. (THIS IS A LIE).
So this way over zealous poor example of an officer was all to egger to write me a $130.00 dollar ticket. (FINE !) I wished him well, be safe now leave us alone.
Later that day, 15 miles down the beach, Barney Fife , (BLUE LIGHTS BLAZING) again checking the same guys licenses while fishing.
My son was driving his truck (slowly) I in my jeep. My son took a wide turn on beach to come around "door to door" to talk to me and OMG ,,, Barney fife came racing up, (BLUE LIGHTS BLAZING) accusing my son of doing doughnuts on the beach.

In all sincerity, This guy has issues and SHOULD NOT have access to the public. He's obviously a power driven individual with an authority complex. this is a public beach and I saw no one BUT HIM being dangerous and equally concerning is no one could enjoy nature, the beach, God's creation.

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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