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
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

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Boating

Fishing

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

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 (933)

What Guests Are Saying

Great Island Cabin Camp offers a unique, rustic experience perfect for families and fishing trips. While the cabins are basic, they provide essential amenities and have been noted for cleanliness and helpful staff. Visitors appreciate the beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a memorable destination despite some minor issues with accommodations.

Review Summary

4.3
933 reviews
5
60.7%
566
4
23.6%
220
3
7.4%
69
2
4.3%
40
1
4.1%
38

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Walter M

Verified

July 21, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI

4

We really enjoyed our time on Cape Lookout. The cabins had hot water and a stove. Thank you for providing the opportunity to experience this unique part of 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

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

10AM

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Fires & fuel

  • Guests should obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site to protect forests; transporting firewood is illegal in some states.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 5, 2026

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