Oak Island is always a wonderful place to visit, but it’s even more fantastic when you visit with a group of people. Our large group vacation rentals are big enough to host you and everyone else you want to bring along, whether you’re hosting a college reunion with everyone’s kiddos or you want to spend some dedicated time with family.
Group trips can look a bit different from single-family vacations, so we’ve put together this guide full of tips for booking large homes. Once you’re done with our handy guide, you’re prepped to have the best group vacation ever!
Ready to learn all of our tips and tricks? Let’s get into it.
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In this blog:
- Why take a group vacation
- Can we save money by taking a group trip?
- How far in advance should I book a large vacation home in Oak Island?
- What are the best activities for large groups in Oak Island?
- What tips can help make a group vacation stress-free?
- Book your large group home directly with Oak Island Accommodations
Why Take a Group Vacation
Relax in a hot tub by the ocean in our 10-bedroom large group rental Once Upon a Tide, which sleeps up to 26 guests.
If you’ve never taken a big group vacation before, you may not realize all the exciting perks that come along with traveling with so many people. First of all, our large group vacation homes are large, spacious and luxurious. You’ll be able to stay in a home more grandiose than you might afford on only your immediate family’s budget.
Plus, if you’re traveling with your children, there are many perks. They have built-in playmates if your friends are also traveling with their little ones, and if you and your partner want to steal away for a night for a nice dinner, you’ll have free childcare. Going on group vacation is all about community, and it comes with many perks!
Can we save money by taking a group trip?
Yes, that’s entirely possible. While the price tag on a large group home might seem like a lot up front, once you start splitting expenses you’ll start to see that the price per person is very reasonable. Plus, there are all sorts of ways to split costs when you’re staying in a group.
Think about it. One household means one grocery list, buying in bulk and lots of sharing. You don’t have to price everything individually, as it’s meant to be shared.
How far in advance should I book a large vacation home in Oak Island?
You’ll want to book your large group vacation home as far in advance as possible. Our rentals tend to book up fast, and large group rentals are in high demand. Once you get a group of folks committed to the trip, start looking for your dream home. It’d be a shame if someone beat you to the punch and you didn’t have the best options available for your stay.
What are the best activities for large groups in Oak Island?
Pictured: large group rental Luna's, which sleeps 18 guests.
When you’re vacationing with a big group, the best activities are the ones that bring everyone together, without requiring too much planning or coordination. Oak Island offers plenty of group‑friendly experiences that make it easy to relax, have fun and create lasting memories. These are a few of our favorites:
Group fishing charters:
Getting out on the water is a classic Oak Island experience, and fishing charters are a great option for large groups. Whether you have seasoned anglers or total beginners in your crew, a group charter lets everyone enjoy the adventure together while leaving the logistics to the professionals. It’s a fun way to bond, enjoy the coastal scenery and maybe even bring home dinner. Oak Island Fishing Charters is one of our favorites, but Seabbatical Charters and Hound Dog Fishing Charters are great options, too.
Private chef services:
Feeding a large group every night can quickly become overwhelming, and that’s where private chef services come in. Hiring a chef allows everyone to enjoy a restaurant‑quality meal without leaving the comfort of your vacation home. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply giving the group a night off from cooking and cleaning. Consider options like Outer Banks Boil Company or Gabe's Gourmet to give yourself a break.
Beach bonfires
Few things bring a group together like a beach bonfire. After a full day in the sun, gathering around the fire with snacks, stories and ocean breezes is the perfect way to end your night. Beach bonfires are especially popular with multi‑generational groups, offering something everyone can enjoy. Companies like Black Sail Adventure are perfect for booking an oceanside bonfire.
Searching for more fun activities for your vacation?
Check Out Things to Do on Oak Island
What tips can help make a group vacation stress-free?
Our best advice is to make sure everyone is on the same page about expectations for your trip before you get there. If you want to indulge in a big meal for everyone to enjoy, who is in charge of cooking? What about the dishes? The best way to avoid unnecessary tension and stress is to manage expectations. No one person should have to carry all the weight. Once everyone communicates responsibilities, you can have a blast without worrying that you’re being taken advantage of (or that your friends are silently resenting you for not pitching in on dish duty).
Make sure to be clear about house responsibilities, finances and group outings. If you and your family want to go on an outing but your friend and their family can’t afford it, how will you handle that? It’s best to be prepared for every situation, and always lead with open communication.
The best oceanfront homes for large families/groups:
Oak Island Accommodations has the best options for large group homes, especially if you want something on the ocean. Some of our favorites include Once Upon a Tide and Sea-batical.
Want some suggestions on where to stay? Read our piece now!
Top 5 Luxury Vacation Homes in Oak Island for Large Groups
Book Your Large Group Home Directly with Oak Island Accommodations
Now that you’ve read up on all our insider tips for planning a group vacation in Oak Island, it’s time to book. Luckily, you’re already in the right place. Our large group vacation homes are the top choice for family reunions, friendship getaways, holidays and more.
With amenities like private pools, hot tubs and dog-friendly properties so the whole family can come along, you have plenty of options to choose the perfect home for your trip. What are you waiting for? Browse our available large group rentals now and book your stay directly with Oak Island Accommodations!