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

Ryan S

April 27, 2021

5

Trip was awesome and visit was as expected at the cabin. This was our first time to the Great Island Cabin and our expectations of our cabin was based off what we had already read online. These cabins are basic and rustic to say the least but the location makes up for it. Considering the alternative accommodations (camping) on the island, the cabins are a 3 star hotel.

George S

Verified

April 24, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

5

It was good to return to the rustic cabins I had missed for years. A wonderful experience.

Shawn S

Verified

April 20, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: GI

4

Great time fishing, looking for shells, driving on the beach, and watching the kids play. Only issue was the oven not lighting.

John C

Verified

April 19, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: GI

4

ranger was available and knowledgeable, had ice. cabin was clean.
can you guys pull the dead car frames out of the beach?

Robert P

Verified

April 17, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: GI

3

a

Lisa S

Verified

April 16, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: GI

5

This place is so beautiful! I love it! The wind and the waves and the stars are gorgeous! The volunteers and rangers are helpful, kind, and reliable. Our stay was lovely and we will return again and again!

Joey G

Verified

April 15, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI

4

we enjoyed our stay. perfect weather. thankful for the rangers, very nice and courteous. will return

Dianna W

Verified

April 14, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: GI

1

This reservation was supposed to be moved out by a few weeks. I called on the phone. The representative I spoke with failed to move it AND I was charged for this trip. So unhappy with the service. I missed the chance to go on this island and was charged.

Deborah R

April 14, 2021

4

The island is beautiful - the people staffing the park site were helpful and the weather could not have been better. However, the cabins are a bit on the rough side - understandably, because of the weather conditions they have to endure all through the year. But the bathroom reeked of urine - again, understandable because the floors are wood, they get wet for one reason or another but that means the smell remains, no matter how clean they really are. We probably would camp in our own tent the next time we come because we can somewhat control the rustic factor but we would definitely return. Don't NOT come to this place because of the cabins - come because it is simply one of the most relaxing places we have ever been to - and it is very much worth it! The shell beds are amazing, the water is delightful, the beaches go on forever and the sense of peace is exactly what is needed in this crazy world. We took a buggy down to the lighthouse and we were disappointed that we couldn't climb it because it is closed for repairs but it is a beautiful ride to it. This place truly is a haven of peace and sunshine. We will come back and stay longer next time!

Rita S

Verified

April 11, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: GI

5

Great week of 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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