alkillebrew

Cape Lookout National Seashore is an unknown nobody when compared to its more heavily visited northern sister, Cape Hatteras. And that's a really good thing. Most of the info you'll need to have a safe and enjoyable visit is available on the Park's website.

The Seashore consists of three barrier islands off the central NC coast - Shackleford Banks, South Core Banks and North Core Banks (more commonly called 'Portsmouth Island' by those of us fortunate enough to live in the area). Only tent camping is permitted on Shackleford but private ferry services capable of carry a half dozen or so vehicles provide access to South Core and Portsmouth so truck campers and pop-up trailers are ideal when searching for that perfect site. Four wheel drive is a must.

Actually, there are no sites. Each island is roughly twenty miles in length and, other than a few restricted areas, you're free to find a spot anywhere between the dunes and the high tide line that suits your fancy.

Ice is available from the Park Service offices and potable water and restrooms with showers and flush toilets are located nearby. You must take EVERYTHING else with you. Bug spray and sun lotion should be at the top of the list.

Portsmouth Village on North Core is well worth a visit but you'll likely have to drive through a quarter mile of water to get there - kind of fun actually. And South Core has the Cape Lookout Lighthouse which can be climbed during the season. Cape Lookout offers more isolation than any other public lands with vehicle access on the east coast.

This is our 'go to' spot when camping in the Carlsbad, NM area. The RV sites themselves aren't much - just pick a spot anywhere around the horse corral. The closest thing to official site designations are picnic tables and trash cans scattered randomly about. This isn't a problems as we've never had neighbors in the half dozen times we camped here except for a tenter or two down in the woods. The campground is located back in a beautiful little box canyon and the ranger's residence is just off the entrance road at it's mouth for anyone concerned about security.

This is open range with lots of cattle and its also heavily populated by suicidal mule deer so use caution when driving. Some great jeep trails in nearby Lincoln National Forest (be sure to visit Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area)

We've stayed here twice - three times if you count the one nighter in the nearby horse camp, Beautiful setting with mostly private and spacious sites, Near Rushmore, Custer SP and several awesome USFS back roads. On both occasions, the hosts went out of their way to get us a site (we didn't have reservations) and to make sure we enjoyed our stay.