Author Topic: Camping on the outer banks?  (Read 10302 times)

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Offline eorogers

Camping on the outer banks?
« on: June 29, 2022, 12:48:11 pm »
I am planning a tour starting from central Colorado Sept 6th, riding the TransAm to Yorktown and then the Atlantic Coast south eventually to Jacksonville NC to visit my daughter in mid-November.  I am self contained, planning to camp all the time. 

I am trying to decide whether or not to take the Outer Banks alternate.  The ACA map shows lots of camping alternative on the Outer Bank, but does not say how crowded it will be in November. 

My question is will I need reservations at the campgrounds there, and if so can I expect to make them a few days in advance or will they be booked solid that time of year?

This will be my first tour east of the Rockies and I'm not sure what to expect.

Thanks Much

Eric

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2022, 01:57:58 pm »
November?  I don't know how many campgrounds will be open either on the Outer Banks or on the mainland.

Unless things have changed, there's no camping on the National Seashore land except in campgrounds.  You may (or may not) have better luck in the towns along the road.

Offline HobbesOnTour

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2022, 04:03:53 pm »
When I attempted to cycle down the Outer Banks in October 2019 my plans were disrupted by a hurricane, or rather the damage remaining after a hurricane. Something to bear in mind.
My experience (further inland) was that campgrounds closed at Halloween.

I'd suggest contacting campgrounds individually, in advance, if you're depending on them.

Good luck!

Offline eorogers

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2022, 05:22:40 pm »
Good Points - Thanks

Eric

Offline DanE

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2022, 01:31:55 pm »
Two of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds are open year round, the other two close at the end of November. The campgrounds are large to provide for the summer tourist season. In November, you only have fishing going on. Hurricane closure is your biggest threat.

https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

It usually only takes two days to ride the Outer Banks so only one overnight is needed. So, one night on the road say at either Frisco or Cape Point. Maybe a second night at Ocracoke before you take the Cedar Island ferry.

You should take the Outer Banks option if you have the chance. This is one of the most unique sea coasts in the country and probably the most threatened by rising sea levels. Keeping NC 12 open seems to be a constant battle by NCDOT. I think you will be fine.

Offline eorogers

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2022, 06:09:05 pm »
Thanks Dan - That really helps :-)

Eric

Offline Ty0604

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2022, 06:01:12 pm »
When I attempted to cycle down the Outer Banks in October 2019 my plans were disrupted by a hurricane, or rather the damage remaining after a hurricane. Something to bear in mind.
My experience (further inland) was that campgrounds closed at Halloween.

I'd suggest contacting campgrounds individually, in advance, if you're depending on them.

Good luck!

Same. I had planned to camp along the coast from Philadelphia to Kill Devil Hills this past May but the Nor’easter that passed through pushed me further inland and eventually was so bad I had to get hotels.

As someone else pointed out, most campgrounds along the route will close for the season before the OP is in the area.
Instagram: tyjames0604

WI—>WA—>CO—>TN

Offline DanE

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2022, 04:04:50 pm »
I don't know where you are in your trip but if all went to plan you should be approaching the Outer Banks about now.

The National Park Service issued this warning concerning the Outer Banks today with concerns about this upcoming week.
https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/news/cape-hatteras-national-seashore-expects-impacts-from-two-weather-systems.htm

Good luck with your trip.

Offline eorogers

Re: Camping on the outer banks?
« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2022, 05:14:50 pm »
Thanks for the heads up.  I finished that part last week :-)