Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I make a reservation for a motel room Condo, or 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 room?
A confirmed reservation, depending on date of reservation guarantees your room type for the dates specified at the time your reservation is made, but not for a specific unit number. We do take requests for specific rooms and do everything we can to make that room available for you. We assign our rooms at or just prior to arrival, based on your requests and the date that your request and payment received.
Why don’t you guarantee a specific room?
It is our goal to provide you with a room 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 rooms were guaranteed in advance.
Are there extra charges for additional guests?
For motel rooms we charge $10/night for over 2 adults & $5/night for children over 2. We do have cots available on a first come, first serve basis and can bring one to your room.
Is there Internet available in the rooms?
At this time it is recommended you bring your own “Hot Spot” if you require a strong internet connection. The Internet Service providers are limited in the area to Dial Up and Cellular. We are in waiting of our StarLink connection, hopefully to be in place by the end of the year.
Are there refrigerators and microwaves and what all is in my room?
Mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers and coffee are available in all motel rooms. King rooms have a large dresser, 2 drawer nightstand, king bed, small nightstand, chair, desk, flat screen 32″ TV, Dish Network, granite countertops, Full tub and shower. Double bed rooms have a large dresser, 2 drawer nightstand, 2 double full beds, small nightstand, chair, flat screen 32″ TV, Dish Network, granite countertops, Full tub and shower.
Is there an on-site coin laundry and where do I get change?
Our coin laundry is located on the far end towards the beach of the South side of the motel There are 2 commercial coin washers and 2 commercial coin dryers. Change and detergent can be made in the office during business hours.
Is there a restaurant menu & do they serve breakfast?
Lunch and dinner are typically served at the privately owned Bay Breeze Restaurant during the year, but currently breakfast is not being served. We recommend bringing some extra breakfast items that can go in the fridge or microwave. Bay Breeze restaurant has a menu online as well as hours of operation. Their phone number is 252-225-0248
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. On the motel & condo side of the beach there is access to the first 200 feet of the beach from the ferry terminal for golf carts along the fence line. 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 with the exception of the motel where we have a $15/pet/night fee. 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 room. 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 room caused by their pet or themselves.
Do you offer nightly, weekly and monthly rooms?
We offer nightly and weekly. We do not offer monthly stays. Our all new Soundside Condos are also available for longer term vacationers & have a full kitchen, bath, living room and private bedrooms. Rates vary based on the month. Please call for room requests longer than 1 week for our best rate at our office at 252-515-0201 or click the Book Now link to check availability.
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.
Motel or Condo: In the event of early cancellation for a motel or condo reservation, Guest may receive a refund of the deposit, less $35.00, if cancellation is received 14 days or more prior to the Arrival Date.
Change of Date: All Campers holding a reservation may change the dates of the reservation once without penalty, as long as the change in reservation dates is not made less than 14 days of the arrival date, and a Campsite is available for the newly requested dates. Continued attempts to change reservation dates may be deemed an early cancellation resulting in the forfeiture of all or part of one’s deposit, as provided above. One night’s rate shall be accepted as a deposit upon booking. For holiday reservations, the full reservation amount must be paid at booking.
NO SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE RESERVATION FOR ANY LENGTH OF STAY.
ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE BY PHONE OR IN THE OFFICE ONLY 252-515-0201
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 rooms is 3 PM. Should you arrive prior to 3 PM. your room may not be ready. 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 extended check-out which is 12:00 PM. Any guests staying beyond the 12 PM late check-out time will be charged a $20 fee/hour.
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 on to 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 sites.
Can I bring my own firewood?
Firewood is available 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 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 office is where you can walk in and make a reservation for canoes, kayaks and golf carts or you can call ahead of time at 252-515-0201. 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 Visitor Center.
Where do I book a horseback ride on the beach and where do I go for the ride?
Our office is where you can walk in and make a reservation for horseback rides or you can call ahead of time at 252-515-0201 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 barn please park on the far left side of the barn and your guide can escort you in. Your horses and guide will be straight ahead at the mounting platform. Online booking is not available.
How is cellular coverage?
Verizon & AT&T has 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. If you do not have an RV as listed above, consider staying in one of our 1 or 2 bedroom motel units, or stay in our all new Soundside Condos.
I have a large family. How many people can you have on one of your RV campsites?
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 do offer seasonal sites sites. For more information, you can take a look at our monthly and annual packages by calling our office at 252-515-0201.
Can we drink the water?
Great news! Cedar Island Ranch now has 2 brand new high capacity wells covering the campground and the motel, 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.
