Overview

Escape to North Core Cabin Camp — a one-of-a-kind coastal getaway on North Core Banks within the stunning Cape Lookout National Seashore. Just off the mainland of North Carolina, this secluded destination offers unspoiled beaches, endless ocean views, and a true taste of island adventure.

Built to replace the former Long Point Cabin Camp—which was lost to Hurricane Dorian in 2019—North Core Cabin Camp continues the tradition of seaside stays with a renewed spirit of resilience and natural beauty.

Here, you’ll enjoy a primitive, self-sufficient camping experience surrounded by sand, sea, and sky. Each cabin features a hookup for your own generator, while restrooms and hot showers are available at a shared community bathhouse. Be sure to bring everything you’ll need for your stay—fuel and ice are not sold on-site, keeping this island experience refreshingly simple and off the grid.

Getting here is part of the adventure. The camp is accessible only by boat, offering a sense of privacy and escape that’s hard to find anywhere else. Cross scenic Core Sound in your own vessel or bring your vehicle over on the vehicle ferry to explore miles of oceanside beaches. Once you arrive, it’s just a five-mile drive from the ferry landing to your cozy coastal retreat.

Discover your next great adventure at North Core Cabin Camp—where the wild beauty of Cape Lookout meets the timeless joy of island living.

Facilities

North Core Cabin Camp offers 16 primitive metal cabins situated along the scenic Atlantic Coast, ideal for individuals, families, and small groups seeking a simple coastal getaway. Each cabin allows the use of user-provided generator electricity, includes a furnished window air-conditioning unit, and provides access to potable water.

Cabins 1–8 accommodate up to four guests, while cabins 9–16 accommodate up to eight guests.

·        The four-person cabins measure approximately 20 feet long by 8 feet wide (160 sq. ft.).

·        The eight-person cabins measure approximately 40 feet long by 8 feet wide (320 sq. ft.).

All cabins feature a raised deck, with Cabin 1 offering enhanced accessibility via an entrance ramp.

Inside each unit, guests will find bunk beds (configured for 4 or 8 sleepers), mattresses, and a combination sleeping/living area that includes a counter with upper and lower storage cabinets.

A centrally located bathhouse provides restrooms, hot water, and shower facilities for all guests.

Please note: Refrigerators are not provided. Campers must bring their own linens, bedding, cookware, food, food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies, and any additional personal items needed for their stay.

Natural Features

Cape Lookout National Seashore extends approximately 56 miles along the North Carolina coast, from Ocracoke Inlet in the northeast to Beaufort Inlet in the southwest. This series of undeveloped barrier islands is characterized by wide sandy beaches, low dunes covered with scattered sea grasses, open grasslands bordered by dense vegetation, and extensive salt marshes along the sound. The area preserves a natural coastal environment that offers visitors opportunities for recreation, exploration, and the appreciation of diverse coastal habitats.

Recreation

The park’s sandy beaches provide excellent opportunities for fishing, shelling, swimming, birdwatching, and quiet relaxation. Spring and fall are considered prime fishing seasons, offering some of the best angling conditions along the Atlantic Coast. Kayaking is also a popular activity, with 112 miles of undeveloped shoreline ranging from calm sound waters to the open surf. These diverse coastal conditions make Cape Lookout National Seashore one of the premier paddling destinations on the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Nearby Attractions

Historic Portsmouth Village

Portsmouth Village - Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

Contact Info

Important Notices

• North Core Cabin Camp Policies and Information

  • Access and Transportation: Reaching the North Core Cabin Camp requires either a personal boat or use of the vehicle ferry services from Davis, North Carolina. Reservations for the ferry are required. For more information, visit Cape Lookout Cabins & Camps Ferry – Davis, NC.

• • Check-In: Guests should check in by calling (252) 725-0256 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to receive their cabin access code. Please reference your reservation during the security process.

• • Check-Out: Guests should check out by calling (252) 725-0256 before 10:00 AM on the day of departure.

• • Minimum Stay: A minimum stay of two nights is required.

• • Ice and Fuel: Ice and fuel are not available at the North Core Cabin Ranger Station. When available, these supplies can be obtained through coordination with the ferry service. Guests should contact the ferry service in advance to confirm availability before booking their reservation.

• • Cleaning Policy: The reservation holder is responsible for leaving the cabin in the same condition as upon arrival. This includes basic cleaning such as sweeping floors (broom and dustpan provided), wiping down kitchen counters and sinks, and removing all trash and personal belongings. A $100 cleaning fee will be charged if the cabin is not cleaned as described.

• • Maintenance Policy: Guests are responsible for reporting any broken or damaged facilities. Please call (252) 725-0256 or email [insert email] to document the issue. Refunds will not be issued for unreported maintenance concerns.

• • Weather Policy: Severe weather, including tropical storms and hurricanes, can impact park operations. Official park closures of the cabin camp will result in an automatic refund through Recreation.gov. These closures are posted on the park’s website, social media, and official news releases, and reservation holders are notified. Cancellations outside of official closures follow the standard reservation cancellation policy.

• • Off-Road Vehicles (ORV): ORVs are permitted on North Core Banks. Each vehicle must display a separately purchased ORV permit decal to operate within the park.

• • Stuck or Stranded Vehicles: A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for travel throughout the park. Guests should follow all park safety notifications (available on nps.gov/calo) and tire air pressure recommendations. Vehicles should remain above the high tide line; getting stuck below this line may result in severe damage from salt water.

• • Tow Truck and Recovery Services: Tow or recovery services may be required if a vehicle becomes disabled or stuck. Response times vary depending on private service availability and ferry schedules; service may not be immediate and could extend to the following day.

• • Electricity: Electricity is not provided at the facility. Guests must supply their own generators to operate cabin electrical systems, including the window air-conditioning units.

• • Camping Restrictions: Camping in tents within the cabin camp is prohibited. Families (not groups) may obtain a permit to allow accompanying minors to stay in a maximum of two tents outside the cabin. Requests for youth camping must be submitted to the park in advance at CALO_SUP@nps.gov.

• • Hunting: Hunting is prohibited within the cabin camp. For information on authorized hunting areas on the islands, visit NPS Cape Lookout Hunting Information. State hunting regulations apply.

Available Activities

• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Boating - Boating
• Beach Camping - Beach Camping
• Beachcombing - Beachcombing
• Birding - Birding
• Hunting - Hunting
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Paddling - Paddling
• Sea Kayaking - Sea Kayaking
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Surfing - Surfing
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Activities - Water Activities
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Camping - Camping

Directions

<p>From <strong>Morehead City, North Carolina</strong>, take <strong>Highway 70 east</strong> for approximately 30 miles. Continue straight on <strong>Highway 12</strong> for 2.1 miles, then turn <strong>right onto Old Cedar Road</strong> and continue for 3.2 miles. Turn <strong>left onto Morris Marina Road</strong> and drive to the end of the road. Morris Marina Cabin Camps and Ferry Service is located at <strong>1000 Morris Marina Drive, Atlantic, NC</strong>.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>In the event of severe weather, including tropical storms or hurricanes, official park closures of the cabin camp will result in an <strong>automatic refund</strong> through <a href="http://Recreation.gov" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov</a>. Refunds for storm-related disruptions <strong>outside of official closures</strong> will <strong>follow the standard cancellation policy</strong>.</p><p><strong>Refund Requests:</strong> All refund requests must initially be processed through your account on <a href="http://Recreation.gov" rel="nofollow"><strong>Recreation.gov</strong></a>, by calling a <a href="http://Recreation.gov" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov</a> customer service representative at <strong>(877) 444-6777</strong>, or using an option listed at <a href="http://Recreation.gov" rel="nofollow">Recreation.gov</a><a href="https://help.recreation.gov/helpcenter?id=external_contact_us" rel="nofollow"> Help Center</a>. After submission, a member of the park’s management team will review the request and approve or deny it based on the published policies and terms of purchase.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 252-728-2250 HARKERS ISLAND VISITOR CENTER OR 252-732-4574 LONG POINT CABIN CAMP OFFICE

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip