We have been loosely planning this trip for nearly 3 years. We knew we would have to have a 4wd vehicle capable of moving around on the sand roads on the island. Gearing up for the trip was a big part of the fun. We were prepared and did not lack a thing.
Explore the Undeveloped Islands of Cape Lookout
Our cabin from this Google earth view is the one on the left.
The Davis Ferry, when we arrived had only one ferry that can handle 2 vehicles. We headed over as the only vehicle and came back with another pickup truck. Chugga-chugga-chugga.
Once we got underway on the ferry, the chop was rough. The truck rocked back and forth and the ride was somewhat exciting. The trip is about 40 minutes from the mainland to the island.
We rented one of the larger cabins on the Great island National Seashore.
The surf was wild on Monday. Some of the wave were up to 9 feet high.
Cathy kept us very well organized and fed. She is one of the most adaptable woman I have ever known and am so happy to have her as my constant companion.
This is our indoor rest spot. We could look out the windows to see the shorline and the crashing surf. The constant, powerful rolling of the waves is hypnotic.
Our 100 watt solar panel kept the 12 volt deep cycle marine battery charged. We were able to keep out mobile devices fully charged the entire time we stayed. With little drain on the battery, even after recharging a laptop, the solar panel gave the battery a full charge within a few short hours.
Here you see both phones and a laptop being charged at once. Charging these up to full charge only drops the battery to about 85%. It takes only a few hours to bring the battery up to a full charge. I spent about $200 for the folding 100watt solar panel and around $80 for the deep cycle marine battery. Throw in another $40 for the battery box, wiring, fuse, switches, and receptacle and you have a great power system for a little over $300.
Since we could easily recharge our laptops, we watched a full feature movie each night with video files stored on a standalone USB drive. This feature was “7 Years in Tibet” with Brad Pitt on the night this photo was taken.
The propane stove was very workable and much more convenient than a Coleman stove or propane burner alone. Cat made biscuits and toast several meals. It worked out very well. Pictured is the same percolator pot that Cathy’s parents used when camping.
With the exception of a handful of 4WD vehicles on the beach, it was practically deserted. The peaceful privacy was wonderful. It’s fun to finally let the stress go and hear yourself think (or not).
The Lodge cast iron grill worked out well. I started the charcoal with pieces of oak kindling and the constant ocean breeze had the coals white hot in minutes. I’m still working on getting the grill well seasoned. I purchased 3 split fire bricks to allow it to sit on most any surface.
The mornings were inspiring and, again, very peaceful with only the crashing waves breaking the silence along with the numerous waterfowl. The pictures above and below are sunsets over the sound facing the mainland. The small structure is where you can place a generator which allows the cabin to be fully lighted.
Sunrise is beautiful over the dunes facing the sea. 
The 12 mile ride at 15-20 MPH to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse was a bit of an adventure on its own. This is where we realized that a 4WD vehicle is a must to traverse the back road.
After a 12 mile trek on the one lane sand back road, we finally made it to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. It was a bit rainy and overcast. We saw less than a handful of people.
Some folks were catching fish, but the surf was so rough that the fishing was not optimum. It was still fun to cast a line out into the raging surf. We spoke with one fellow that told us that someone in his party had landed a 50 pound black drum and it took him 30 minutes to pull it to shore. There are fish out there.
The refrigeration situation was excellent. The RTIC 45 quart cooler kept an 11″x11″ block of ice for 7 entire days. This is phenomenal in my opinion. I used a large commercial cole slaw container to freeze the block of ice. It takes up half the cooler, but one half gives lots of space for long term meat and dairy storage. The utility tables were great for placing our food items, misc. gear. Although there is nothing fancy about the cabin interior, it was very adequate and kept us dry during the stormy Monday when there were gale force winds blowing outside. You have to enjoy camping to enjoy staying in these cabins.
By Tuesday, we were soaking up the sunshine on the beach. We had a great time on the Great Island.
Shot of the truck bed as we began loading up before we headed west for the mountains. Loading and unloading is the hardest part of it all, but it is very economical and it’s a good workout. We believe this sort of camping is only done in a moderate climate since it does take some work.
Helpful tips for those who may want to stay on the Great Island National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina:
- Bring fresh water. The water is potable, but not as fresh as the water most of us normally enjoy. We took 12 gallons and used maybe 6-7 for about 4 days.
- There is cell service on the island, so don’t think you are completely isolated. The reception can be sketchy though.
- A 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary in my opinion. Many folks drop their air pressure down to 20 pounds. I left mine at 40 pounds. The park ranger told me that since the sand was still wet after a great deal of rain, I’d be fine. I never had any issues. Of course, the Nito Terra Grappler G2 tires are excellent and they handled it with no sweat. Keep in mind that if you can’t talk someone into getting you out of a fix in the sand, there are only 2 services that will come out and pull you out at a minimum charge of $500-$800. Take a recovery strap rated for your vehicle, D-rings, shovel, and boards to help get you out of a sandy rut.
- Bring books, games, cards, and other things to keep you entertained, especially when it rains which it did during part of our stay. We brought our own power system and portable devices and that helps too. Fishing, cooking, and walking along the beach take up a lot of time as well as a few naps too.
- Your fishing bait will not stay fresh very long unless you keep if constantly iced down and even then, since it is uncooked seafood, it won’t last long. So keep that in mind. There is no bait for sale on the island, only ice and fuel. Fish will strike on artificial bait.
- The cabins are very basic, so don’t expect too much. There is a LOT of salt and sand to deal with. Bring whisk brooms, bench brushes, etc. and expect to do a lot of sweeping. We had a piece of astroturf rug and a woven rough rug for indoors and that makes a BIG difference in tracking sand. There are a lot of charcoal remnants here and there mixed in with the sand in spots, so expect your feet to get fairly dirty over the course of a day. The shower is great, bring a small scrub brush to get your feet clean in the cabin. The stall shower in our cabin was very workable.
- Make sure you bring a good cooler or you will be purchasing $5 bags of ice every few days. I can’t say enough about our RTIC cooler (a YETI clone) which worked extremely well for keeping out highly perishables.
- Prepare to sleep well. The mattresses on the bunk beds are a bit deceiving. There are much “cushier” than you would first believe. Cat brought mattress pads and sheets as well as our sleeping bags. It was very comfortable. After a full day of activity here, you pass out when your head hits the pillow. All you hear are the white noise of the crashing waves pounding on the beach.
- I would NOT advise coming here in the summer unless you have a generator and portable air conditioner. Spring and Fall are the best times even though the storms are usually more prevalent during those time periods. In late April, the nights were in the mid 50s F. and up to the low 70s F. during the day. Perfect temperatures for camping like this.
- Finally, a place where you can hear yourself think. Have FUN!!
PS – Head to the nearest carwash after returning to the mainland. You’ll want to get as much of that salt and sand off the vehicle as soon as possible.