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.

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.

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.

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.

Important Notices

• 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.

Available Activities

• Water Sports - Water Sports
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Beach Camping - Beach Camping
• Beachcombing - Beachcombing
• Clam Digging - Clam Digging
• Crabbing - Crabbing
• Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight - Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Hunting - Hunting
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Paddling - Paddling
• Sea Kayaking - Sea Kayaking
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Surfing - Surfing
• Swimming - Swimming

Directions

<p><strong>From NC-101, Havelock, NC 28532 to Davis, NC 28524 Ferry Landing</strong></p><p>41 min (33.3 miles)</p><p>via NC-101 E and US-70 E</p><p>Head east on NC-101 E toward Cunningham Blvd</p><p>18 min (15.7 mi)</p><p>Take Merrimon Rd to US-70 E/Hwy 70 Bettie</p><p>6 min (4.7 mi)</p><p>Follow US-70 E to Horseshoe Rd in Davis</p><p>16 min (12.6 mi)</p><p>Continue on Horseshoe Rd.</p><p>Drive to Grady Davis Ln</p><p>1 min (0.2 mi)</p><p><strong>Cape Lookout Cabins & Camps, Inc.</strong></p><p><strong>125 Grady Davis Ln, Davis, NC 28524</strong></p><p><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6oyr6teV8eFDsfq5" rel="nofollow"><strong><em>https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6oyr6teV8eFDsfq5</em></strong></a></p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Please note: Customers who cancel a cabin reservation <strong>less than 14 days prior</strong> to the arrival date will pay a <strong>$10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.</strong> Refunds resulting from storm closures will be handled on a case-by-case basis.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 252-728-2250 HARKERS ISLAND VISITOR CENTER OR (252)725-0256 GREAT ISLAND CABIN CAMP OFFICE

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip