I've been surfing/camping/fishing at shackleford for 15 years or so. Not sure if you've ever been there before, but here's a few very important tips from a slightly seasoned island veteran.
--Park your boat on the sound side and plan on camping there too. Using 2 anchors is best for overnighting here. One off the bow, and one off the stern. Be mindful of tides and currents. When the tide gets moving, it really gets moving.
--"Shack" is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Keep your dog on a leash and pack out your trash, or they will ticket you with a quickness. Plus the locals will get angry.
--Buy the STRONGEST bug spray that you can find, and hope that it keeps the mutant horseflies from carrying you and your family away. These horseflies should have their own species. They have a steady supply of big horses to host on. Read further.
--The horses on the island are wild spanish stallions. Key word is "wild." They will hurt you if you get too close for comfort. Take caution while photographing them in their natural habitat, which is an exquisitely preserved, pre-existing maritime forest.
--There are no roads to the ocean side, but there are several obviously worn foot paths. Going "off the beaten path" may put you in a quagmire of thorny marsh that resembles something from "lord of the rings." If you don't have hairy feet, or a wizard at your side, may i suggest taking the road MOST traveled.
--Very large stingrays frequent this island more than any other in the area, or so it seems. They are on the ocean side and the sound side. Shuffle your feet in shallow water if you are wading unless you want to endure the most painful boat ride home ever.
--Wood can be extremely difficult to find in some areas. Sometimes you can get lucky from a previous camp's leftovers. Rule of thumb is to bring a fire log or your own wood, unless you enjoy finding needles in mosquito-ridden haystacks.
--The sound side may look very pristine, but the current can be ruthless. And the drop-offs are unforgiving.
--The jetty on the sound side can be good fishing. Water depths here are deeper than they are a mile offshore. Don't pass it up without throwing out a line. It is also hang-up city, so plan on losing some rigs.
--Shady cover can be scarce on the island, so don't forget the sunscreen. Or the toilet paper.
--Above all, stay safe, have fun, and tight lines. And welcome to carteret county ;-)