Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I make a reservation for a campsite?
During the peak season we sell out several weekends and often times during the week. We recommend making a reservation at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival date (12 weeks for holiday weekends: Easter, Spring Break, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Columbus Day). We encourage guests to check availability & book online now!
Will my reservation request guarantee a specific campsite?
We do take requests for specific sites and do everything we can to make that available for you for a nominal “Site Lock” fee. If we are unable to accommodate your request, the site lock fee will be refunded. We assign our sites at or just prior to arrival, based on your requests and the date that your request and payment were received.
Why don’t you guarantee a specific campsite?
It is our goal to provide you with a campsite that meets your expectations. Due to the volume of reservations received and the frequent changes in reservation status that occur at our Cedar Island Ranch after a reservation is made, this policy enables us to meet a higher rate of satisfaction with our guests than if specific sites were guaranteed in advance.
Are there extra charges for additional guests?
Maximum occupancy is 6 for campsites. Base rates include 4 people (2 adults and 2 children). Additional occupants (up to the maximum occupancy) are $10 per person per night for non-holidays and $15 per person per night for holidays or special events. Children under 6 years of age are not subject to additional occupant fees nor are they included in the occupancy count. No additional guests are permitted.
Is there Internet available?
Complimentary internet is available throughout the property. The access code will be provided at check-in. Please note that our complimentary internet does not allow streaming. If you would like to use a streaming service on your device, please plan on bringing your own mobile hotspot.
Where do I access the beach and can I drive a golf cart or car on it?
Beach access is available on the South side of the property where the main campground is by driving or walking to the end of Driftwood Drive at the State boat ramp parking area. At the beach land owner’s requests there is no longer beach access with vehicles or golf carts on the campground side of the beach. We do ask that no one drive any golf cart beyond our property line as the rest of the beach is all private property.
What is your pet policy?
We are a pet friendly campground. There are no additional fees for pets. Please bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination records, keep them leashed at all times and do not leave them unattended unless properly crated in your site. Properly cleaning up after your pets is also required. Don’t forget about the pet friendly beach, available to all of our guests. Our guests are responsible for paying 100% of the damages to any site caused by their pet or themselves.
Something has come up… what is your cancellation policy?
CANCELLATION POLICY: In general, there shall be no refunds of any deposits if a Camper or Guest is asked to vacate the premises due to a violation of these rules. Early cancellation, or cancellation prior to your arrival may result in a forfeiture of your deposit. There will be no refund for early departure.
Change of Date: Reservation changes to arrival date or accommodation type (e.g. FHU Pull-Through site to FHU Back-In Dock Site) will incur a $25 fee for each change. Reservation changes to bookings on Holiday periods are not permitted. Guests may lengthen their stay at any time free of charge, provided space is available. Guests may shorten their length of stay up to 72 before arrival with no charge; within 72 hours of arrival or during the stay, shortening the length of stay is not permitted and no refund will be provided for early departure.
NO SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE RESERVATION FOR ANY LENGTH OF STAY.
What time can I check in? What time is check out?
Our check-in and check-out times are designed to assure that all of our guests’ expectations are met upon arrival. It takes our staff time to make our family campground in Cedar Island your home away from home perfect in every way. Therefore, it is very important that all of our guests abide by these times.
Check-in time for all accommodations is 3 PM. Should you arrive prior to 3 PM and your site is ready, you may be permitted to check in early at no charge. Check-out time on the day of your departure is 11 AM. If you wish to stay and enjoy the facilities after 11 AM, you may register at the office for an extended check-out for $10 per hour. Site guests staying after 1 PM or campsite guests staying after 2PM on their checkout day will be charged for an additional night.
Can I bring my golf cart?
Yes, golf carts are permitted, may only be operated by a licensed adult, ages 18+, and must be insured for liability. All golf carts must have working front and rear lights. They may only be used on park roads . Management reserves the right to deny the use of this equipment to anyone who does not demonstrate the ability to follow park rules and regulations. All golf carts must be registered at check-in. Cedar Island Ranch does not rent golf carts.
Should I bring my bike?
Yes, you can ride the Outer Banks Scenic Byway for over 30 miles but keep in mind it is a narrow road and has dangerous curves, so use caution when riding. You may also choose to ride your bike onto the Cedar Island Ferry and take it to Ocracoke for a day trip. If you have wide tires, you can ride parts of the beach and see some sights.
Can I bring my own firewood?
Firewood is available for purchase in the Office when available. Our campground does allow campers to bring in their own firewood from outside the Park. However, please be aware that the NC Department of Environmental Conservation has stated that it is illegal to bring untreated firewood into North Carolina, and it is illegal to transport untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source.
Where do I rent and where do I pick up a canoe or kayak?
Our Mercantile Check-In Office is where you can walk in and make a reservation for canoes and kayaks or you can call ahead of time at 252-650-8050. Canoes and kayaks will be brought to our private boat ramp located just inside the main entrance of the RV Park. Life jackets and paddles are to be picked up & returned at the Office.
Where do I book a horseback ride on the beach and where do I go for the ride?
We recommend guests to call ahead of time at 252-650-8050, option 2 to book a reservation. Reservations are required and rides are pre-scheduled so if there is space on a ride the same day we will make it happen for you or we can do our best to book you for another day. Waiver forms must be filled out as well. Once you have made a reservation, paid and completed your waiver form, you will then head out to the barn located inside the main gate and follow the road straight ahead. When you arrive at the red barn, please park on the far left side of the barn and wait for your guide to escort you in. Your horses will be straight ahead at the mounting platform. Online booking is not available.
How is cellular coverage?
Verizon & AT&T have just added coverage to the area and they have overall good coverage everywhere on the island with a few exceptions. US Cellular coverage has overall good coverage everywhere on the island with a few exceptions. T-Mobile as far as we know still has no coverage on the island.
Do you allow tent camping?
Yes, we do allow tent camping. You can choose between primitive camping in designated sections of the beach or campground or to choose a water & electric RV site in one of our designated tent areas. All tent campers have full access to the bathhouse and all other facilities. RV sites are not available for tent camping during holiday weeks.
What do you consider an RV?
Our definition of an RV (Recreational Vehicle) is a camping unit designed for road travel that is equipped with factory-installed beds and at least two land-to-vehicle service connections (electric, water, or sewer) with electric being one of the two. For example, a travel trailer, fifth wheel, RV motor home, motor coach, custom private bus, folding camper/pop-up, truck (pickup) camper and camper van are considered to be an RV. A mini-van is not considered a camper van unless it meets the above criteria. In addition, we do not allow boats with cabins and hookups, to be used as RVs.
I have a large family. How many people can you have on one of your RV campsites?
The maximum occupancy for campsites is 6. Children under the age of 6 years do not count towards the occupancy limit nor do they incur additional fees. In fairness to all of our Cedar Island guests, we limit the number of people on each site to a maximum of 4. This number includes 2 adults and 2 children before any additional daily guest fees are applied.
Do you have seasonal sites?
Yes, we have a LIMITED number of seasonal sites at a monthly rate. For more information, contact our office at 252-650-8050.
Can we drink the water?
Great news! Cedar Island Ranch now has 2 brand new high-capacity wells covering the campground, so our water issues have greatly improved. Our water is tested by the state quarterly for safe drinking and always passes with flying colors. It is well water, so we do have some iron and some sulfur, but the improvements are very good.