Details
Great Island, Core Banks, NC, 28524
National Park ServiceLast Updated: January 14, 2026
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic, wooden beachfront cabins with porches for individuals and families or small groups of up to 12 people. Cabins range in size from 288 to 960 sq ft., and Cabin 2 is accessible. All cabins are wired for generator use, needed to power electricity. Guests must provide their own generators, no larger than 5,500 watts or equipped with a GFI.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Cabin office hours: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Cabins: Check-in 2:00 pm Check-out 10:00 am
Weather
Located in Eastern North Carolina temperatures range from cool temperatures in the spring and late fall. Summer months are typically hot and humid but fortunately the winds along the coast blow about 10-15 miles per hour on a routine basis which can keep the summer temperatures from becoming oppressive. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common during the summer, plan accordingly.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Showers
Cell Phone Reception
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Ice For Sale
Directions
Cabins are only reached by ferry from the town of Davis, NC. Two different ferries carry both passengers and 4x4 vehicles over to the cabin area. For more complete directions to the ferry locations in Davis, NC follow the link to the directions page on our website
Rates & Fees
4-person cabins
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin.
ADA/Wheelchair accessible cabin (sleeps 6)
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin.
6-person cabins
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin.
8-person cabins
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin.
12-person cabins
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. If not using a generator - flashlights and camping lanterns for light inside the cabin.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
No grills or stoves may be used on the porches or under the cabins. Open campfires must be built on the ocean beach below the high tide line (in damp sand), fires may not be larger than 3 feet in diameter. All fires must be extinguished with water until they are “cold and out”, in other words the coals should be cold to the touch before they can be considered “out”. Remember that you are the fire department when you are there, practice good fire safety.Regulations Overview
What is allowed: * Pets are allowed in the cabins, but may not be left unattended. All pets must be kept leashed when outside of the cabin and when on the beach. * Driving may only take place on the open beach, or on established, marked sand trails within the camp or behind the dunes. * All drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, including for ATVs and UTVs. What isn't allowed: * Vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, may not drive on the dunes. * Fireworks, including sparklers, may not be used within the camp or on the beach. *Drones may not be used within the camp or on the beach. * Metal detectors may not be used within the camp or on the beach.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair access will be difficult outside of the cabin – all travel is done on/in soft sand which will make the use of standard or even power wheelchairs difficult. A manual (someone else must push) beach wheelchair is available for loan from the cabin office.
Internet Information
Internet and/or wifi is not provided. If connection is needed, bring a personal hotspot to make your connection. Even then the strength is generally not strong enough to allow for streaming services or connecting with online meetings or school distance learning.
Cell Phone Information
Bring a solar cell phone charger with you as there is no place to plug in a charger unless you are using a generator in the cabin. Cell phone signal strength varies according to provider. There are small “dead zones” up and down the beach, generally these areas are not very large and by moving a short distance can generally pick up the signal again. Can reach the 911 system from the island.
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
RVs and Camping Trailers are not permitted within the cabin camp area. RVs and Camping Trailers are only permitted in the dispersed camping areas on the open ocean beach of the barrier island.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Cabin area is flat but has no hard surfaces, all travel areas are soft sand making the use of a wheelchair or other mobility devices challenging. Cabin 2 is accessible with an entry ramp, and accessible restroom. Other cabins use short stairs to reach the porch area. Each cabin has its own restroom facilities, but there is a centrally located bath house with showers and toilets near the beach that is also accessible.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
Unpaved Roads - 4WD/High clearance required
Classifications
Developed Campground
Additional Information
There is space for only two vehicles to be parked next to a cabin. If your group has more vehicles, ask at the cabin office for where you may park them. Vehicles should follow the Beach Driving best practices (https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/orv.htm) – lower your tire pressure and have the equipment to dig your way out if you become stuck. If bringing a vehicle with you on your trip, be sure to purchase your driving permit before coming (https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/orv_ed_certificate.htm)
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