Great Island Cabin Camp

Overview

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.

Recreation

The park’s sweeping sandy beaches invite visitors to fish, explore, beachcomb for shells, swim, watch coastal birds, or simply unwind in a place that still feels wild. Many anglers consider spring and fall at Cape Lookout to offer some of the finest fishing on the entire Atlantic Coast.

For paddlers, Cape Lookout is a dream. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline, from calm, glassy sound side waters to exhilarating surf, this seashore has become one of the premier kayaking destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you’re seeking peaceful solitude or an adventurous workout, the waterways here offer unforgettable experiences. The park’s sweeping sandy beaches invite visitors to fish, explore, beachcomb for shells, swim, watch coastal birds, or simply unwind in a place that still feels wild. Many anglers consider spring and fall at Cape Lookout to offer some of the finest fishing on the entire Atlantic Coast.

Facilities

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 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.

Natural Features

Cape Lookout National Seashore stretches like a slender ribbon of sand between Ocracoke Inlet and Beaufort Inlet. Spanning 56 miles, these wild barrier islands offer a rare, untouched coastal landscape, wide, windswept beaches backed by low, grass-topped dunes, open salt-spray flats edged with thickets of maritime vegetation, and broad, shimmering salt marshes along Core Sound. It’s a place where the scenery is simple, natural, and beautifully unspoiled.

Nearby Attractions

Top Attractions Within Cape Lookout National Seashore

1. Cape Lookout Lighthouse (South Core Banks)

The iconic black-and-white “diamond” lighthouse.

Great for photography, picnics, and exploring the light station area.

2. Cape Lookout Village Historic District

Restored historic buildings, including the Keepers’ Quarters Museum.

Scenic walking paths through a preserved coastal community.

3. Shackleford Banks (West of South Core Banks)

Home of the famous wild Banker horses .

Excellent beachcombing, shelling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.

Accessible by passenger ferry from Beaufort or Harkers Island.

4. Portsmouth Village (North Core Banks)

A preserved 19th-century village with walking trails, museum buildings, and marsh views.

Accessible by ferry from Ocracoke.

5. South Core Banks & North Core Banks Beaches

Miles of undeveloped shoreline for fishing, swimming, shelling, and exploring.

Known for some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast.

6. Kayaking & Paddle Routes

Calm sound side waters for beginners.

Challenging surf for experienced paddlers.

112 miles of shoreline to explore.

7. Birdwatching Hotspots

Excellent year-round birding: terns, plovers, oystercatchers, herons, and migratory species.

Prime viewing in spring and fall.

🐬 Nearby Mainland Attractions

1. Harkers Island Visitor Center (Gateway to the Park)

Exhibits, Junior Ranger program, park film, bookstore.

Ferry departure points to Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks.

2. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center (Harkers Island)

Celebrates decoy carving, fishing culture, and Down East heritage.

Great views from the observation tower.

3. Beaufort Historic District & Waterfront

Charming coastal town with shops, restaurants, and maritime history.

Water tours and wild horse cruises.

Home to:

North Carolina Maritime Museum

Rachel Carson Reserve (wildlife area across the channel)

4. Ocracoke Village (Near North Core Banks)

Accessible by state ferry.

Small, historic village with shops, restaurants, beaches, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse.

5. Fort Macon State Park (Atlantic Beach)

Restored Civil War fort.

Swimming beaches, trails, and ranger programs.

What people do here

• beach camping
• beachcombing
• boating
• camping
• clam digging
• crabbing
• fire lookouts/cabins overnight
• fishing
• hiking
• historic & cultural site
• hunting
• kayaking
• paddling
• sea kayaking
• star gazing
• surfing
• swimming
• water sports