About Great Island Cabin Camp
Number of accommodations: 23
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Pet Friendly -
Potable Water -
Showers -
Dump Station
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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23 Sites Available
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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.
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
Bobby D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 004, Loop: GI
Always a great experience, we are now trying to book a possible 4th trip to the island!
This is our new annual tradition with family.
Felipe L
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI
The cabin was in good condition. Brought a generator to have electricity. The heater and stove worked fine. Watch out for the horseflies. Loved having the beach so close. Would like to stay again in the future!
David G
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 016, Loop: GI
cabin was filthy, I don't believe it was cleaned.
no t/p bulbs missing and burned out
fish bait and fish parts under cabin
used hypodermic needle on windowsill
Kristen B
VerifiedJune 27, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 022, Loop: GI
My family had a wonderful time at the cabins. This is our third year going - my kids always look forward to this trip. Canβt wait for next year.
Danielle T
VerifiedJune 22, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 016, Loop: GI
This is our fourth time staying at the Great Island cabins at Cape Lookout, and it is definitely a beautiful, magical place that we'll visit again! The cabins themselves, though, do have some drawbacks. A few specifics:
1) They're never cleaned, it appears. Every time we arrive, we have to sweep the cabin to get up tons of sand, hair, and even trash before "moving in". This year the finger-smudged "Mermaid Lives Matter" message was on one of the windows- which was also on there last year...so that tells you how often those are cleaned.
2) They're poorly maintained- Cabin 16 has not had a door on the second bedroom for the past 2 years, we had to hang a sheet up with thumb tacks for changing/sleeping in there. This year we arrived and there was no shower head in our shower, we had to ask for one but be aware that the office closes at 3 so ask early! The shower setup could use some attention from staff- the very flimsy shower curtain blows around in there while you shower, resulting in water all over the floor outside of the shower. You can see they have had to replace the bathroom floor often but it might be wiser to just install a sturdier curtain with weights or magnets at the bottom to keep water in the shower and save the floor.
3) Flies are an issue, so bring fly swatters (these are in some but not all of the cabins) and fly paper. The trash cans in our cabin had NO LID which you can imagine made the fly situation worse. Can we get a trash can lid for cabin 16?
4) There are often holes in the screens, so bring duct tape or report these when you arrive, as you will have bugs biting you in your sleep.
As a general tip, we love to drive down to the point of the island past the light house and around to the sound-side of the island. There are small waves there that are just the right size for kids to boogie board and play in. Also we learned the ferry service will deliver items to you that they sell during your stay by ferry for free (fly swatters). Lifesaver!
Donald C
June 22, 2021
Cape Look Out NP is a fantastic park to stay and visit. Limited hours of operation for the park station is a concern. If this were a private facility the rangers station would be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM - 7 days per week.
Jessica o
VerifiedJune 21, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI
Our family does this every summer and itβs the most magical special week of our year. We love the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, the primitive minimalism, and the excuse to slow down and enjoy spending time together. We love lazing in the sound, digging for clams, playing uno by lantern light. I hope these cabins will be available forever. They are our favorite special place.
John T
VerifiedJune 18, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 022, Loop: GI
Great spot. Rustic cabins (plywood walls), but it's got a shower, toilet, and stove. Screens are busted out, which made it a bit buggy, and I didn't see much evidence that the bathroom was cleaned anytime recently, but I still enjoyed my time. I'd recommend it to others that I knew were ok with a no frills experience on the beach.
Neil P
VerifiedJune 10, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI
First time renting the cabin, Cabin was as expected based on website description. Ferry service and "greeters" were exceptional. Friendly and informative. My 3 experiences with the park attendant at check-in and ice purchase were less then desirable. Attendant was short with answers and not that inviting. I dismiss bad experiences as a one off but for this to happen 3 times is unexceptionable. Another member of my party had the same experience. Besides that the cabin and visit was fantastic. I've dealt with many Parks workers and this was the worse.
Ramsey G
VerifiedJune 10, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 017, Loop: GI
Amazing as always. This place a is a slice of heaven.
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.β3:00 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. |
