Is it legal to camp on the Outer Banks of North Carolina – on the beach, in the case of the campsites are full when we get there?

Lowering the Outer Banks this weekend to bike and camp. There are 4 camps of the National Park Service – one of which has reserves (and full). The other 3 were first come first serve and I am hoping to get a site there. I'm just looking for a backup plan if all sites are full. They prefer not to spend money on expensive camps / hotels and I wonder if the worst comes to worst if I can camp on the beach. Is that legal?

Ocracoke Island is a camp, but you have to pay for space. good luck finding a place.

July 2009 Video – KOA Wilmington, NC Campgrounds