Hatteras Island offers a wide variety of accommodations, so there is something to suit everyone.
Cape Hatteras has about a dozen classic, old-school motels, some of which have been serving vacationers since the 1950s and '60s. These motels are clean and comfortable and updated with new amenities, but they are infused with the flavor of old Hatteras Island. These basic accommodations are favored by fishermen, families on a budget and people who long for the simplicity of yesteryear.
You can expect to find a range of amenities in the newer Hatteras Island hotels and motels, including one chain hotel in Buxton and a few bed and breakfast inns. A nice feature of Hatteras hotels, motels and inns is that most of them are locally owned, some by natives who’ve lived here all their lives. Staying in these accommodations gives you the chance to meet some very interesting people who are truly appreciative of your business.
Camping on Hatteras Island is big. There are more than a dozen campgrounds dotting the island, from simple mom-and-pop establishments to full-blown mega-resorts. Tent or trailer campers looking to get back to nature will enjoy the no-frills National Park Service campgrounds at Buxton and Frisco or some of the smaller campgrounds. RV travelers seeking full hookups, swimming pools, game rooms, planned activities and the camaraderie of the RV lifestyle will not be disappointed with the Hatteras Island camping resorts.
The most popular form of Cape Hatteras accommodation is the rental home, in which vacationers rent a fully equipped house by the week. There are thousands of vacation rental homes on Hatteras Island, ranging from two bedrooms on the sound to 10 or more bedrooms on the oceanfront, some luxurious, some simple. Rental home prices vary according to their amenities and proximity to the water. The rental process is made easy by numerous professional Outer Banks property management companies that take care of everything from deposits and contracts to cleaning and maintenance. Rental homes are generally rented by the week, though partial week rentals are also allowed. The rental company will offer you the option of purchasing renters’ insurance. It doesn’t cost much, and if you purchase it you won’t lose a deposit or be out any money if a hurricane threatens during your rental week or if some kind of emergency occurs and you can’t make it during your week.
All three types of Hatteras Island accommodations are available year round, though some establishments close in the winter. The summer season is when rates are at their highest because that is when there is most demand for accommodations. Be sure to make reservations well in advance. Fall is also a busy season on Hatteras Island because of the excellent fishing.
The accommodations in this section are organized into two categories: Hatteras Hotels and Motels, which includes Bed & Breakfast Inns, and Campgrounds. Within these categories, the accommodations options are listed alphabetically in each of the seven villages, starting in Rodanthe (the northernmost village) and ending in Hatteras Village. Note that there are no hotels or inns in Waves or Frisco. For information on week-long rentals, see Hatteras Vacation Rentals.
Sea Sound Motel Sea Sound Road, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2224
Sea Sound Motel is located mid-island, between N.C. Highway 12 and the ocean, though the beach is only a five-minute walk away. There are 11 rooms here, including efficiencies with full kitchenettes, deluxe rooms with two queens with mini-kitchens and regular rooms with one queen bed. A swimming pool is on site, plus there’s a picnic area, basketball court and fish-cleaning station.
Salvo
Salvo Inn Motel N.C. Highway 12, Salvo
(252) 987-2240
The only motel in Salvo offers basic accommodations just a short walk from the ocean. The Salvo Inn Motel has 16 rooms, three of which are efficiencies. All rooms have a microwave oven, refrigerator and coffeemaker. The motel also has three cottages available to rent. One is a three-bedroom cottage, and the others have two bedrooms.
Avon
Motel N.C. Highway 12, Avon
(252) 995-5774
This nostalgic beach motel offers nearly 50 clean, comfortable standard motel rooms and efficiency apartments. Rooms have an outside entry, so you can park by your door. Ocean access and a fish-cleaning station are offered. The motel is located at the northern stoplight at the corner of N.C. Highway 12 and Harbor Drive.
Buxton
Beach Motel Old Lighthouse Road, Buxton
(252) 995-5972
For those who love the charm of historic Hatteras Island, the Buxton Beach Motel offers simple, basic accommodations in one of the island’s original motels. This ground-level accommodation is clean and comfortable and offers 14 standard motel rooms and efficiencies, a few small cottages and one rental house. Rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV, air conditioning and heat. Pets are allowed for a fee, and the motel is just a short walk from the beach. This is a family owned and operated property.
Cape Hatteras Motel N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-5611, (800) 995-0711
The Cape Hatteras Motel has 34 rooms, including 22 on the oceanfront and 12 on the soundside. The motel offers standard rooms with a microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker in the room and efficiency apartments and townhouses with full kitchens. A swimming pool, hot tub and cable TV are part of the amenities here, but phones are not available in the rooms.
Cape
Pines Motel N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-5666
Cape Pines Motel has been housing Hatteras Island guests since 1953. The motel has 29 rooms, three of which are one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Standard rooms are the most affordable, but for a little extra you can get a deluxe room with refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. All rooms have cable TV and free wireless Internet access but no phones. Cape Pines has a pool, grills, picnic tables, a fish-cleaning station, an outdoor shower and pay phone. Some of the rooms are pet-friendly.
Comfort
Inn of Hatteras Island
N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-6100, (800) 432-1441
In a building constructed to resemble an old lifesaving station, the Comfort Inn is one of Hatteras Island’s most modern accommodations options. There are 60 rooms here, each with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. Rooms feature two doubles or one king, and some have a sleeper sofa. There’s an outdoor pool here as well. The office is open 24 hours, and the hotel is open year round.
Falcon
Motel N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-5968, (800) 635-6911
Serving Hatteras Island for more than 40 years, this motel reminds us of a classic Florida motor inn, with neat landscaping and lots of trees, fresh coats of pastel paint on the buildings, door-side parking and a pool. It’s in a central location of the village on the soundside of the island. A fish-cleaning table, complimentary bikes and picnic tables are available. The motel has 35 rooms, including five pet rooms, two apartments, three efficiencies with kitchenettes and two apartments with full kitchens.
Inn
on Pamlico Sound N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-7030, (800) PAMLICO
The Inn on Pamlico Sound is a casually elegant, 12-guestroom bed and breakfast inn located on the banks of the Pamlico Sound. Accommodations range from soundfront queens and garden kings to premium soundfront kings with private porches and two-person whirlpool baths. Amenities include a three-course gourmet breakfast, fresh-baked goods each afternoon, kayaks, bicycles, a soundfront pool, a 14-seat home theater, a print library, a 1,600-title DVD collection, complimentary beverages and snacks, beach chairs, beach towels, high-speed Internet access in every room and a computer for guest use. The Inn's restaurant provides fine dining nightly with indoor and outdoor tables overlooking the waters of the sound. The menu changes nightly but always features fresh local seafood, organic beef and chicken, homemade soups, appetizers, desserts and a complete wine and beer list. Private chef services are available to bring the fine dining experience into your home or rental cottage. (For more information, see Restaurants.) It’s located in a quiet, peaceful section of Buxton just north of the Frisco line. The inn and its restaurant are both handicapped accessible.
Lighthouse
View Motel
N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-5680
The Lighthouse View Motel offers 24 standard motel rooms sleeping two to four, 26 efficiency apartments with kitchens and 28 cottages ranging from two to four bedrooms and sleeping six to 10 people. All rooms and cottages are on the oceanside of the island in north Buxton. Some rooms have ocean views while others face the sound. The motel has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub plus a lighted fish-cleaning table. This motel is operated by a local family and is open year round.
Outer
Banks Motel N.C. Highway 12, Buxton
(252) 995-5601, (800) 995-1233
On the oceanfront in north Buxton, Outer Banks Motel offers 10 standard rooms, six efficiencies with full kitchens and 13 cottages, all with phones and cable TV. The motel has a pool, library and rowboats for guest use. The cottages and efficiencies are available by the week only in the summer, but the standard rooms are available by the night. Outer Banks Motel also offers 20 cottages in the heart of Buxton, about a mile back from the ocean. These cottages range from one to three bedrooms and rent by the night or week.
Tower Circle Motel Old Lighthouse Road, Buxton
(252) 995-5353
In business for around 50 years, the Tower Circle Motel offers a taste of old Hatteras Island in an updated atmosphere. There are 19 units here, consisting of one- and two-room efficiency apartments and eight large duplex apartments as well as some standard rooms. All rooms have air conditioning and heat, cable TV, a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffeemaker. Each room opens to a covered porch with wooden deck furniture. There’s a play area and fish-cleaning bench on site. The motel is very close to the beach and has ocean access.
Breakwater
Inn N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2565
The perfect combination for your Hatteras experience: sleep, fish and eat. The Breakwater Inn, Oden's Dock and Breakwater Restaurant are all together on one property that’s centrally located in the heart of Hatteras Village. There are two accommodations options at the Breakwater Inn. The new portion of the inn offers 21 rooms with two queen beds and a modern kitchenette and two king suites with living area, full kitchen, king-size bed and Jacuzzi tub. These non-smoking rooms feature contemporary island decor including deluxe bedding and private balconies for a spectacular view of Hatteras Harbor and nightly sunsets. The original building, the Fisherman's Quarters, offers 11 clean, modernized rooms with standard hotel amenities and one large efficiency with full kitchen, sofas and two beds. These rooms are pet friendly. Continental breakfast is offered to guests.
Burrus
Motor Court N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2363
Burrus Motor Court is on N.C. Highway 12, just across from Hatteras Harbor, making it a good accommodation for anglers taking charters from one of the Hatteras marinas. The motel offers standard rooms and efficiencies, with TVs in each room. There is a pool on site.
Hatteras
Cabanas N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2241, (800) 338-4775
This is the perfect place to spend a simple vacation just steps from the beach. Hatteras Cabanas are one-room efficiency accommodations just right for two people, a small family, a couple of fishing buddies or anyone searching for a stretch of beach and warm blue water. The oceanfront grounds provide picnic tables, grills and an outdoor shower. Each cabana offers a private deck, AC, cable TV, cooking utensils and queen or double beds.
Hatteras
Harbor Apartments N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2166, (800) 676-4939
Hatteras Harbor Marina rents apartments on the second floor of the marina building. The apartments overlook the harbor and Pamlico Sound and are available to rent by the night or week. The units have balconies, a full-size kitchen with microwave and coffeemaker, air conditioning, cable TV, linens and dishes.
Hatteras
Marlin Motel N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2141, (866) 986-2141
Completely remodeled in 2004, the Hatteras Marlin Motel is like new. The motel has 39 units, including standard rooms, three suites and four efficiencies. All rooms have a microwave/mini fridge combo, coffeemaker, cable TV, telephone, air conditioning and central heat. Efficiencies have a full kitchen. The outdoor pool is great for in-season swimming, and the motel is only a mile from the beach. Located in the heart of Hatteras Village, Hatteras Marlin Motel is close to restaurants, shops, marinas, a grocery store, the post office, a playground, a library and much more. Boat parking is available, and handicapped accessible accommodations are an option.
Sea
Gull Motel N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2550
On the oceanfront in Hatteras Village, the Sea Gull offers unbeatable access to the beach -- only a 50-yard walk. Thanks to Hurricane Isabel, everything at the Sea Gull is new. There are 15 rooms here. The standard rooms have two double beds, a microwave and a refrigerator. A few efficiencies have a queen bed and a full kitchen, and there is one large two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen. The Sea Gull also rents cottages with either two or four bedrooms. High-speed Internet access is a bonus in every room. Complimentary coffee is offered in the morning to all guests. Amenities onsite include an outdoor pool, fish-cleaning table, grills and picnic tables. The Sea Gull closes in December, January and February.
Sea Side Inn N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2700, (800) 635-7007
The building that houses the Sea Side Inn has been serving Hatteras Village's visitors since 1928. A beautiful example of classic coastal shingle-style architecture, the building was severely flooded during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The inn was closed for two and a half years, during which time new owners raised the building a few feet off the ground and completely renovated the interior, salvaging what they could of the historic details and adding modern touches that give it a clean, crisp look inside. Furnishings include 19th-century antiques. Sea Side Inn has 10 rooms, which include four single rooms and six suites. One of the suites is a special honeymoon suite. All rooms have their own bathrooms and thermostat. Bed and breakfast options are available. Several decks and sitting areas make for nice places to relax on site. This is a great place to hold weddings or special events. The inn is on the ocean side of N.C. Highway 12, about a block away from the ocean, on the north end of Hatteras Village. It is within walking distance of a few restaurants. Pets and smoking are not allowed here.
Village Marina Motel Village Marina, N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2522
The Village Marina Motel has 12 rooms with great views of the harbor. The rooms have living areas and bedrooms with TVs, small refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers and toasters. Rooms sleep up to four people. The motel site is right on the harbor and offers the amenities of the marina and boat slips plus a fish-cleaning station. Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant is also on site. This motel was newly built in 2004 so the rooms are clean and modern.
The Villas at Hatteras Landing N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-1110
This former Holiday Inn Express has been revamped into condominiums. The location can’t be beat, next to the Hatteras Landing complex of fine dining, shopping and recreation and close to the beach, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Ocracoke ferry docks. The Villas offers 53 upscale condominium suites, each with one bedroom, one bath, a full kitchen and a private balcony. There’s a pool on site. These accommodations rent nightly or weekly.
Camp
Hatteras N.C. Highway 12, Waves
(252) 987-2777
Camp Hatteras is a sprawling 50-acre campground with 403 sites and both ocean and sound frontage. Every amenity you could possibly want is available, including full hookups, laundry facilities, bathhouses with hot showers, three swimming pools, hot tub, a clubhouse, tennis courts, miniature golf, water sports gear and more. Camp Hatteras is clean and well-kept, and it’s open year round.
North Beach Campground N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2378
North Beach Campground is on the oceanfront, which makes it quite popular. Most of the sites are rented permanently, and there’s a long waiting list for those sites. There are only a few transient sites -- eight tent sites and five RV sites -- so reserve early! Water and electricity are offered at every site. The bathhouse has hot and cold showers, and there’s a laundromat and small pool. The campground is behind a gas station/store, which sells groceries and RV supplies.
Rodanthe Watersports and
Campground N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-1431
Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf or kayak right out from their RV or tent site and get discounts on renting the watersports equipment. Electric and water hookups are available, and there’s a full bathhouse with hot showers. It’s within walking distance of the ocean, pier, convenience stores and restaurants.
St.
Clair Landing Family Campground N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2850
If you crave peace and quiet away from the masses, try this small campground on the sound. There are full hookup sites for RVs or campers plus several primitive sites. The atmosphere is very casual and family-oriented. Hot showers and a bathhouse are offered.
Waves
Cape Hatteras KOA N.C. Highway 12, Waves
(252) 987-2307
On the oceanfront, Cape Hatteras KOA has more than 300 campsites plus small one- and two-room units known as Kamping Kabins. Campers are offered gated security, hot showers, four bathhouses, laundry facilities, two pools, a hot tub, a general store, a café, a game room and playground, miniature golf, kayak rentals, ocean and sound access and recreational programs. The KOA is fully operational all year round.
Ocean Waves Campground N.C. Highway 12, Waves
(252) 987-2556
Ocean Waves offers around 68 spaces for RVs and tents. Each site has its own picnic table, and full hookups are available. There are three bathhouses, hot showers and laundry facilities. Campers also enjoy the on-site grocery store, game room, beach access and outdoor pool.
Avon
Sands of Time Campground North End Road, Avon
(252) 995-5596
This campground is tucked back in the quiet residential district of old Avon, but still it’s not very far from the beach. Sands of Time offers full hookup sites that include water, electric, sewer and cable TV. Campers or motor homes up to 40 feet can be accommodated. There are 60 sites including a few tent sites. Hot showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, a community fire ring and horseshoes are offered. To get here, head west on Harbor Road (at the north stoplight) then take a right on North End Road.
Buxton
Cape
Woods Campground Buxton Back Road, Buxton
(252) 995-5850
This family-owned campground is tucked back in the trees on Buxton Back Road, perfect for enjoying the solitude the island can offer. Cape Woods offers 130 sites, some for tents, others with full or partial hook-up, and cabins. You can rent nightly, monthly or seasonally, and there are also yearly sites available. Pets on leashes are welcome. The site offers a pool, playground, game room, hot showers, heated bathhouses, laundry facilities, a security gate, fish-cleaning stations and a picnic pavilion.
Island Hide-A-Way Campground Buxton Back Road, Buxton
(252) 995-6628
Nestled in the quiet part of Buxton on the Back Road, Island Hide-A-Way is perfect for a little R&R. There are 30 full hookup sites, six partial hookup and about 15 wooded tent sites. The bathhouses have hot and cold showers. Pets are welcome. Island Hide-A-Way is conveniently located, with Connor’s grocery, an ice cream shop and a bank nearby.
NPS Cape Point Campground Near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton
(252) 473-2111
One of four National Park Service campgrounds within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Point Campground is on the oceanfront near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Historic Site and Cape Hatteras. This is a popular camping spot, situated as it is near awesome fishing and recreational grounds. You can walk to the beach, lighthouse, the Buxton Woods Nature Trail and ride a bike to the village shops and restaurants. The NPS campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs on 202 sites with no hookups. Each site has a grill, picnic table and parking pad. Restrooms, unheated showers, potable water, a recycling center, a pay phone and a dump station are available to campers. Reservations are not taken, so sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are allowed if they’re kept on a leash.
Frisco
Frisco Woods Campground N.C. Highway 12, Frisco
(252) 995-5208, (800) 948-3942
This campground is situated in the midst of Frisco Woods, so it offers nice shelter in the shade. The campground offers waterfront camping on Pamlico Sound, making it popular with visiting kiteboarders and windsurfers. Full hookups are offered, and there’s a dish-washing area, coin laundry, fish-cleaning bench, solar-heated swimming pool, bathhouses with hot showers, sound beach and huge store with camping supplies, food and gifts. One- and two-room camping cabins feature air conditioning, outside water, grills and picnic tables.
NPS Frisco Campground Off N.C. Highway 12, Frisco
(252) 473-2111
Another of the four National Park Service campgrounds, Frisco Campground is like a well-kept secret. It is the quietest, most secluded of all the NPS camping areas and even has some trees and scrubby brush that give your site a little privacy. The campground is on the oceanfront, right on a row of dunes. There are 127 sites here for tents and RVs, but there are no hookups. Each site has a grill, picnic table and a parking pad, and restrooms, unheated showers and potable water are available to campers. Pets are allowed if they’re on a leash. Reservations are not taken, so sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hatteras Village
Hatteras Sands Campground Eagle Pass Road, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2422
Hatteras Sands is off the beaten path of N.C. Highway 12, so it affords a feeling of relative seclusion. This Good Sam campground offers 102 sites, both tent and full hookup. Six colorful, two-room primitive cabins are also available. There are plenty of amenities to keep campers entertained, including a pool, hot tub, game room, snack bar, playground, paddle boats and pedal cars. Laundry facilities and a bathhouse are also offered.
Hatteras
Island Pet Resort
N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe (252) 987-1127
N.C. Highway 12, Frisco (252) 995-4851 The Hatteras Island Pet Resort allows you to bring your pets on vacation, even if they aren't allowed at your own accommodations. Daily pickup and visitation are encouraged. Dogs can get private runs or share a run if they're from the same family. Cats and other animals are also accepted. Current immunization records for each pet are mandatory. The resort is open year round.
