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

Mary A

Verified

April 8, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: GI

5

Our cabin was wonderful even though the weather was cold for a few days. Exploring the island is also a neat thing to do. Loved it and will be back in September.

Jeff S

Verified

April 8, 2021 Stayed at: 023, Loop: GI

5

Amazing seems to be the common description of this place and rightly so. It truly is an amazing and special place. We stayed the last few days of March and first days of April. The weather was glorious and the beaches were ridiculously deserted. We have never surf fished but got a crash course from a great guy named David who owns the Davis Shore Bed and Breakfast. We stayed there one night and it is a great place to stay.

We caught a lot of fish and searched tide pools at low tide and found a ton of shells and sea creatures.

We stayed in cabin 23 and it was great although it was in need of minor repairs. The towel rack fell off and the sink drain became disconnected. I was able to fix both. The cabins allow for electrical hookup which we didn't have and didn't miss. However, our weather was in the 60's and 70's. I am guessing that with no trees to shade any of the cabins, they will be murderously hot in the summer so a generator and portable air conditioner would be great.

We were given a key with the disclaimer that it may not work. It didn't but no worries we kept our valuables in our car. The rangers and volunteers and Ferry service were all very nice and helpful.

Pro fishing tip for those who haven't surf fished. Lookup "drop rig" and rig your pole that way. You can buy a surf rod, sand spike and enough tackle and bait to fish for about $60. It is a ton of fun and well worth it. 30 lb test mono works well.

Catherine H

Verified

April 7, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: GI

5

Beautiful beaches. Peaceful and quiet!

Niles C

Verified

April 6, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: GI

5

Enjoyed our stay . Beautiful place. stayed in a 6 man cabin. No problems other than having to relight oven pilot. Will be back 4 more times this year.

Jennifer M

Verified

April 6, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: GI

5

Loved it!

Alana M

Verified

April 3, 2021 Stayed at: 023, Loop: GI

4

.

John G

March 26, 2021

2

The staff were efficient and helpful.
The cabin was in the worse shape of any I’ve stayed in on the island.
The water heater was almost uncontrollable. Scalding hot to cold.

Gillian O

Verified

March 25, 2021 Stayed at: 022, Loop: GI

5

It was absolutely amazing. Park staff were friendly and accommodating, and driving our SUV on the beach was exciting. Totally blissful.

Tom A

Verified

March 21, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: GI

3

One of my favorite places on earth! Peaceful to say the least

Alyssa B

Verified

March 21, 2021 Stayed at: 020, Loop: GI

5

LOVED visiting the island & enjoyed unplugging from amenities for our vacation. Sights, sounds & volunteers were amazing. Even though the cabins seem close, you have privacy & cannot hear your neighbors (nor generators). Can’t wait to return! ❤️

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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