Planning an RV Roadtrip: Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

A route along North Carolina’s coast, the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway offers stunning ocean views, historic lighthouses, and seaside towns. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the summer crowds have thinned out.

Considerations for your trip include being aware of the ferry schedules, as parts of the byway are accessible only by boat. Also plan for potential weather changes, especially during hurricane season (June to November).

Explore the Outer Banks Scenic Byway with Hipcamp and RVshare

For the most unforgettable Outer Banks adventure, pair Hipcamp with RVshare. Hipcamp is the go-to app to discover and book magical campsites, from beachfront sites to charming bungalows, while RVshare provides a wide selection of RV rentals, making it easy to find the perfect rig for your coastal road trip. 

Tips for selecting the right RV rental with RVshare

For the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, a Class B or Class C RV is ideal due to the narrow roads and ferry crossings. A Class B motorhome is perfect for couples or small families, offering easy maneuverability and efficiency, while a Class C motorhome provides more space and amenities for larger groups.

There’s a wide variety of RV classes available in the area and destination delivery makes it even easier to pick your perfect home on wheels. To pick the best RV rental for you, determine the amenities that are most important for your trip, the amount of people traveling with you, and the style of travel you will be doing. If you’re new to renting an RV, don’t worry because the process is much simpler than you think! 

Planning your Outer Banks roadtrip route

Start your journey at the northern end of the byway in Kitty Hawk and make your way south, stopping at key attractions such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Ocracoke Island. Plan your route around the ferry schedules and include overnight stays at RV-friendly Hipcamps along the way.

Finding magical campsites with Hipcamp

To find unique campsites on Hipcamp, try out the Roadtrip feature. You can search for Hipcamps between any two destinations (such as the start and end of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway!) to make roadtrip planning ultra easy. Simply plug in your starting and ending points on desktop or mobile web, and the map will connect the two points and show options for Hipcamps within 30 minutes of your custom search route. Now you can find unique places to stay on the road, no matter how planned or spontaneous the journey.

From there, you can filter your search further, based on type of stay (for your RV specifications), proximity to the beach, budget, and amenities offered (think hookups, wifi, pets allowed, and more). You can even search for campsites that meet your RV rental’s dimensions. Read reviews to gain insights from previous Hipcampers and look for sites that provide special experiences such as private beach access, snorkeling spots, or close proximity to outdoor activities.

Your Outer Banks Scenic Byway itinerary

Here’s what not to miss in the Outer Banks. 

• Hikes: The Buxton Woods Trail offers a beautiful coastal forest experience.
• Museums: Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras to learn about the area’s maritime history.
• Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head or try the local catch at Howard’s Pub on Ocracoke Island.
• Must-see attractions: Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, explore the quaint village of Ocracoke, and relax on the pristine beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore.
• Quirky roadside attractions: Discover the hidden gem of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
• Local hot spot: Visit the lesser-known Portsmouth Island, an abandoned village that offers a glimpse into the past.

Hipcamps along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway:

• Cedar Island Ranch – North Carolina (12 lodging sites, 61 RV sites, 10 tent sites)
• Escape near Cape Lookout – Hipcamp in Davis, North Carolina (1 RV/tent site, 2 RV sites, 1 tent site)
• Water Retreat – Hipcamp in Grandy, North Carolina (1 RV site) 

Top-rated RV rentals in the area:

• 2019 Highland Ridge Open Range OT26BH (Travel trailer with delivery option)
• OBX Bender 2022 Jayco Jay Flight (Travel trailer with delivery option)
• Jayco 2006 Great for Families and the pets (Class C with delivery option)

Advice from the road

“Cedar Island Ranch is a wonderful place to camp. The amenities, kind and helpful staff, proximity to beach access, and the ferry service to Ocracoke all add to the remote atmosphere of being located within the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge.” —Hipcamper review

“This was my first time ever using an RV and exploring the Outer Banks, and it was a blast. The RV had everything you could think of that you may need to enjoy a trip, and then some (even tiki torches with citronella!) this vacation goes down by far as the best family vacation we’ve ever taken.” —RVshare review

More from Hipcamp and RVshare

• RV Trip Planner: How to Plan the Ultimate RV Route
• How to Plan an RV Camping Trip Like a Pro
• RV Roadtrip: The Overseas Highway
• RV Roadtrip: Cape Cod
• RV Roadtrip: Brandywine Valley