Cedar Island Ranch

For North Carolina locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure, a tranquil escape, or a unique gateway to the iconic Outer Banks, finding an RV park that blends natural beauty with rustic charm is a true gem. Cedar Island Ranch, nestled in the secluded beauty of Cedar Island, offers an "INCREDIBLE" and unforgettable experience for campers and nature enthusiasts. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscape, enjoy unparalleled wildlife viewing, or embark on a memorable horseback riding experience, Cedar Island Ranch provides a compelling option right here in North Carolina.

North Carolina's diverse geography offers a wide array of camping opportunities, from mountain retreats to coastal havens. Cedar Island Ranch stands out for its distinctly rural setting and its direct access to both the bay and a "stunning beach." It's a place where relaxation meets adventure, offering a variety of activities from fishing and birdwatching to the truly unique experience of seeing "WILD CATTLE ON THE BEACH." While some visitors have reported challenges with reservation and refund policies, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the breathtaking natural attractions and the unique experiences available at the ranch.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Cedar Island Ranch. We will delve into its remote yet accessible location, the services it offers, its extraordinary features and highlights, and ultimately, why it continues to be a suitable choice for locals in the North Carolina region looking for their next outdoor adventure or relaxing getaway. Our goal is to present a comprehensive picture to help you make an informed decision about your next camping trip.

Cedar Island Ranch is much more than just an RV park; it’s described as "like the gateway to the Outer Banks" and a place that is "Rural & INCREDIBLE!!!" It offers a truly unique camping experience characterized by its stunning natural environment. Guests are encouraged to "Pack your fridge with good food and go enjoy an absolutely stunning beach, beautiful bay, & the coolest horse back riding experience imaginable." The park provides a rustic charm, emphasizing self-sufficiency due to its rural setting, meaning visitors should "pack everything you need including all of your food."

Despite its remote feel, the ranch offers a diverse range of activities. RV campers enjoy sites near the dock on the bayside, allowing for "fishing from the back of our campsite," and abundant wildlife viewing, including "otters swim and enjoyed seeing fish, crab, & birds everyday." A notable highlight is the "NICE!!!" and "CLEAN & large" dog park, praised as a favorite by pet owners, complemented by a "dog friendly" beach. The beach, though a walk, is easily accessible by car with a parking lot, leading to "sandbars/tiny islands that pop up when the tide is out." The presence of "WILD CATTLE ON THE BEACH was insane!!!" provides an unexpected and memorable sight. The "horse back ride" is a definite must-do, with guests recommending it "TWICE" for its "90 minute ride with water crossing," highlighting the health and training of the horses. While experiences regarding booking and refunds have shown some inconsistencies and dissatisfaction for some, the overall sentiment from many campers emphasizes a "RELAXING vacay with plenty of variety," promising return visits.

Cedar Island Ranch is remotely located at 3557 Cedar Island Rd, Cedar Island, NC 28520, USA. This unique address places the RV park on the picturesque Cedar Island, a tranquil and rural part of North Carolina, serving as a direct "gateway to the Outer Banks." While it offers incredible natural beauty and a secluded feel, its rural nature means visitors should plan accordingly.

Accessibility to Cedar Island Ranch is primarily via state highways leading to Cedar Island Road. For those traveling with RVs, the roads leading to the ranch are generally suitable, but the remote location means fewer immediate services. Visitors are strongly advised to "pack everything you need including all of your food" before arriving, as local shopping options are limited.

Despite its rural setting, the location is key for unique North Carolina experiences. The park provides direct access to a "stunning beach" and a "beautiful bay," offering myriad opportunities for coastal recreation. A major highlight of the location is its proximity to the Cedar Island Ferry. This ferry provides a crucial connection to Ocracoke Island, a popular Outer Banks destination. Guests highly recommend making "reservations ahead of time for the Ferry" to "go see Ocracoke Island." The "2 hour ferry ride alone was worth it for the beautiful views and the island was very fun - had lots of restaurants, shops & sightseeing." This makes Cedar Island Ranch an excellent base for exploring a significant portion of the Outer Banks without being in the midst of its more populated areas. The blend of seclusion, natural beauty, and direct access to island adventures defines the unparalleled accessibility of Cedar Island Ranch.

Cedar Island Ranch, while known for its rustic charm and natural highlights, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for its RV campers and other guests.

• RV Campsites: Offers dedicated RV sites, including those on the "bayside near the dock," allowing for convenient access to fishing from the campsite. Specific hookup details (water, electric, sewer) are typical for RV parks but should be confirmed upon reservation.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: A significant service highlight is the "NICE!!! dog park," described as "CLEAN & large," making it a favorite for pet owners. The "beach is dog friendly, too," allowing furry companions to enjoy the vacation alongside their owners.
• Restrooms and Showers: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds typically provide communal restroom and shower facilities for guests.
• Horseback Riding Experience: The ranch offers guided "horse back ride" experiences, including the popular "90 minute ride with water crossing," which is highly recommended and a unique service. Reservations are likely required.
• Beach Access: Provides access to a "stunning beach" with a "parking lot" nearby, allowing guests to drive with their chairs for a more comfortable beach visit.
• Dock Access: For bayside campers, there's access to a dock, facilitating fishing and wildlife viewing.
• On-site Assistance: While some guests reported issues with booking and refunds, the presence of staff suggests a level of on-site assistance for general inquiries and guest needs.

Cedar Island Ranch is rich with unique features and highlights that create a truly memorable outdoor experience, distinguishing it from many other RV parks in North Carolina.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Described as "Rural & INCREDIBLE!!!" with an "absolutely stunning beach" and "beautiful bay," offering breathtaking landscapes for relaxation and exploration.
• Unique Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to "watch otters swim and enjoyed seeing fish, crab, & birds everyday" from campsites, and the truly "insane!!!" experience of watching "WILD CATTLE ON THE BEACH."
• Exceptional Horseback Riding: The "coolest horse back riding experience imaginable," particularly the "90 minute ride with water crossing," is a major draw, praised for healthy, beautiful, and well-trained horses.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Features a "NICE!!! dog park" that is "CLEAN & large," and a "dog friendly" beach, making it an ideal destination for pet owners.
• Direct Bay and Beach Access: Campers on the bayside can fish directly from their campsite. The beach is accessible by walk or short drive with a parking lot.
• Proximity to Ocracoke Ferry: Serves as a direct "gateway to the Outer Banks," offering convenient access to the Cedar Island Ferry for a scenic "2 hour ferry ride" to Ocracoke Island, providing an exciting day trip opportunity with "lots of restaurants, shops & sightseeing."
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Offers a "RELAXING vacay" with "plenty of variety from fishing to the beach, horse back riding, watching wild cattle, riding the ferry, watching otters, birds, and so forth."
• Sandbars/Tiny Islands: The unique phenomenon of "sandbars/tiny islands that pop up when the tide is out" on the beach adds an interesting element to beach exploration.

While the unique natural features are consistently praised, it's important for prospective visitors to be aware of the reported negative experiences related to reservation costs and refund policies, which some found to be inconsistent or misleading.

The provided customer reviews do not detail specific, ongoing promotions or special offers at Cedar Island Ranch, such as seasonal discounts, package deals, or loyalty programs. The focus of the reviews is more on the natural experiences and specific activities available.

However, it is common for RV parks, particularly those in popular natural destinations, to offer various forms of pricing incentives or special packages, which may include:

• Extended Stay Discounts: Reduced rates for booking weekly or monthly stays, common for those looking for a longer, relaxing vacation.
• Off-Season Rates: Lower prices during less busy times of the year, outside of peak summer or holiday periods.
• Activity Bundles: While not mentioned, some parks might offer packages that combine RV site rental with specific activities like horseback riding at a discounted rate.
• Membership Discounts: Affiliations with camping clubs (e.g., Good Sam, AAA) that offer percentage discounts.

One review explicitly mentioned being "misled about the cost" and a "policy" to "keep one night's fee" even for quick cancellations. This highlights the critical importance of clear communication regarding pricing, deposits, and cancellation policies.

Therefore, to inquire about any current rates, availability, or potential promotions, it is highly recommended to contact Cedar Island Ranch directly using the provided contact information. Be sure to confirm all pricing details, including any additional fees or charges, and clarify cancellation and refund policies at the time of booking to avoid any misunderstandings.

For reservations, inquiries about RV site availability, horseback riding bookings, or any other questions regarding Cedar Island Ranch, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3557 Cedar Island Rd, Cedar Island, NC 28520, USA

Phone: (252) 650-8050

Mobile Phone: +1 252-650-8050

Cedar Island Ranch offers a truly unique and highly suitable experience for North Carolina locals seeking an authentic, nature-focused RV getaway. Its designation as "like the gateway to the Outer Banks" immediately highlights its strategic value for exploring one of the state's most iconic regions. The unparalleled access to a "stunning beach" and "beautiful bay," coupled with opportunities for "fishing from the back of our campsite," offers a blend of relaxation and recreation that is hard to find elsewhere. The unique sight of "WILD CATTLE ON THE BEACH" and the highly recommended "horse back riding experience with water crossing" provide truly memorable and distinct encounters that cater to those seeking more than just a typical camping trip.

For pet-owning North Carolinians, the "NICE!!! dog park" and "dog friendly" beach are significant draws, ensuring that furry family members can also enjoy the vacation to the fullest. While the rural nature requires careful packing, it's precisely this seclusion that creates the "serenity" and "RELAXING vacay" atmosphere many desire. Despite some reported issues with reservation clarity and refund policies, the overwhelming positive feedback from those who experienced the natural beauty and unique activities suggests that for the right kind of adventurer – one who values rustic charm, wildlife, and unique experiences over pristine amenities – Cedar Island Ranch is an "INCREDIBLE" destination. It’s an ideal choice for locals looking to unplug, immerse themselves in coastal nature, and create lasting memories without straying too far from the heart of North Carolina.