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

Charles W

Verified

November 19, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI

5

Just what we needed. Staff has always been amazing. Cabins are a good price for what you get. This year there are an abundance of paper wasp both tent camping and cabins. But we have stayed here on the island 90 days this year between the whole group and not one of us has been stung. We are done for the season but will be back next year

George S

Verified

November 19, 2024 Stayed at: 004, Loop: GI

5

An annual experience. Wonderful.

LeGrande A

Verified

November 16, 2024 Stayed at: 026, Loop: GI

4

Much better condition of the cabin than last year, not nearly as many roaches this year, hottest water we’ve had in 30 years

Ronald H

Verified

November 16, 2024 Stayed at: 020, Loop: GI

5

Reserving cabin 20 was easy and its real close to the ranger shack where you can get ice, and real close to the showers, upon arrival be prepared to deal with a little sand, brooms provided. this cabin has an 8ft and 6ft table and folding chairs, 4 bunk beds and a nice restroom, tp provided. we brought a Honda 2200 which ran the lights and hot water heater with no issues. also, if you plan to use the gas stove, don't forget to bring pots and pans to cook with. The only downside to this cabin is the location is right near the ranger shack, so you do have some traffic off and on, really didn't bother us. overall great experience.

Tony F

Verified

November 15, 2024 Stayed at: 003, Loop: GI

4

Just what you need for a fishing trip. Fresh water, showers and a place to sleep. Beats tent camping for sure!

Phil B

Verified

November 14, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: GI

5

Cabins are nice and staff was excellent. Beaches are better than most places.

Jeff Z

November 11, 2024

5

I appreciate the NPS giving us the opportunity to enjoy our natural resources!

Rick B

Verified

November 10, 2024 Stayed at: 020, Loop: GI

4

Good trip! Ladies in office were great & very helpful. So was Savannah in maintenance. Will b back!👍😊🎣

walter c

November 9, 2024

2

Fishing was good. Weather great.

Steve S

Verified

November 7, 2024 Stayed at: 023, Loop: GI

5

Another great fishing trip with family members. A timeless adventure that I hope to repeat next year. Staff and accommodations were awesome.

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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