Lodging

NPS Photo

The rustic, wooden cabins at Long Point and Great Island offer beachfront views of the pristine, undeveloped barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The cabin camps can only be reached by boat, adding an element of both privacy and adventure. The park's sandy beaches are prime locations for fishing, shelling, swimming, birding, and simply relaxing.

Season Dates

Great Island Cabins will be open from March 13, 2025 - November 29, 2025. Updates on Great Island cabins and the availability of other amenities (gas and ice sales, bath house, etc) can be found on the Park Conditions page. Both barrier islands, North Core Banks and South Core Banks, are open for vehicle/tent camping as well as surf fishing, shelling, etc. Check directly with the vehicle ferries for their operating schedules.Due to the amount of damage inflicted by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, Long Point Cabins are not available for the 2025 season.

Reservations

Cabin reservations begin for the 2025 season: January 4, 2025 at 10:00 am online at Recreation.gov . Reservations for cabins at Cape Lookout National Seashore can be made one of two ways:

• Online at Recreation.gov
• By phone at 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777) Reservations are accepted by phone from 10:00 AM to midnight EST

Note: Cabins can be reserved on an availability basis the day of arrival at the Cabin Office during business hours (8 am - 3 pm). In person reservations can only be made with a credit card.

Cancelations

Customers who cancel a cabin reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Refunds resulting from storm closures will be handled on a case by case basis.

Cabin Rules

Visitors are only able to check into their cabins at 2:00 PM EST. To check in, you must go to the cabin offices to retrieve your key codes. Prior to check in, you are not allowed to place personal items on the porches while you wait. If arriving after 3:00 PM, call the Cabin Office ahead of time to arrange for your keys and access to your cabin after the office closes.

You must check out of their cabins at 10:00 AM. If you do not check out our staff will remove your belongings to prepare cabin for the next party. Your items will be at the Cabin Office.

Note: If your party has multiple reservations for the same cabin under different names, please inform park rangers at the cabin office when checking in.

Cabin Information

Great Island Cabin Office Hours 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 7 days per week during the open season
Great Island Cabin Information 252-725-0256 (cell phone) during the open season
General/Off-Season Information 252-728-2250 ext. 0

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Great Island Cabin Camp located?

Great Island Cabin Camp is on South Core Banks Island, which is one of three islands that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore.

How do I reach Great Island Cabin Camp?

Great Island Cabin Camp can only be reached by vehicle ferries or a personal watercraft. 

How many cabins are in Great Island Cabin Camp?

There are 23 cabins available to reserve at Great Island Cabin Camp. 

Are any of the cabins accessible?

Cabin 2 is the only accessible cabin in Great Island Cabin Camp. 

Do the cabins have electricity?

All cabins are wired for 110 volt electricity, but visitors must supply the generator. Generators should be under 5500 watts to prevent tripping the circuit breakers. Do not store gas cans in generator shed, or modify the generator plugs in any way. 

Do the cabins have air conditioning?

The cabins do not have air condition. However, you can bring an air conditioner with you, and install it yourself. Please call the cabin office before arriving so we can remove the window screens prior to your arrival. 

Cabin Office Phone Number: 252-725-0256 

What is available to purchase at Great Island Cabin Camp?

Ice and gasoline can be purchased at the cabin office. Cash is not accepted, credit cards only. Fuel sold is unleaded gasoline and "non-highway" diesel.

What amnesties are included in each cabin?

Each cabin includes a hot water heater, private bathroom with shower, table and chairs, kitchen with propane oven/stove (propane included), bunk beds with mattresses, and a charcoal grill. 

Can my pet stay in the cabin?

Visitors who are renting one of the cabins may keep their pet in the cabin or on the porch unattended if the pet is kept in a crate. Pets should be inside at night to avoid encounters with raccoons.

What items should I bring when staying in a cabin? 

When staying in a cabin, you should bring towels, bedding, pillows, cookware, food, beverages, coolers to store perishable food, fire wood, generator, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. 

 

Additional Information

Vehicles on the Islands

All vehicles on the islands must obtain the ORV Beach Driving Permit. Visitors renting a cabin will have an unpaved parking area near their cabin with space for two vehicles. Additional parking is available with a permit (ask at the cabin office) in the cabin area's unpaved long-term parking lot.

There are no roads in the national seashore: all driving is done on loose sand. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended. Information on the ORV Beach Driving Permit and driving on the islands can be found on the Beach Driving page.

Beach Camping

Primitive beach camping is also available. For more information, please visit the Beach Camping page.

Long Point Cabins
Due to the amount of damage inflicted by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, Long Point Cabins are not available for the 2025 season.

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