Kayaking the sound, watching wild horses wander through camp, and hiking north into False Cape State Park are among the activities that draw campers to Carova Sands, a privately owned property on the Outer Banks that sits between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic. Getting here requires a 4x4 vehicle. There is no paved road access, and campers must drive down the beach to reach the property, a stretch that can challenge drivers unfamiliar with soft sand. Greg, the owner, contacts guests ahead of arrival to confirm their vehicle is capable and to walk them through the route.
The campground is primitive. No water, no toilet on site, so everything must be packed in. What the property does provide is direct dock access to the sound for kayaking, open beach frontage, and a location that puts campers in the middle of one of the few areas on the East Coast where wild horses roam freely. Multiple visitors have spotted horses at camp, along with bald eagles, osprey, deer, coyotes, and dolphins offshore. Mosquitoes and ticks are present, particularly in warmer months, and reviewers consistently recommend bringing repellent.
Bjoern put the tradeoff plainly: "No water, no toilet. Bring your own." For campers who come prepared, the combination of sound access, beach proximity, and wildlife density makes this a distinctive stop along the camping near Corolla stretch of the northern Outer Banks. Those wanting hookups or facilities nearby can look at Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA to the west. Reservations are required, and reaching out to Greg directly before booking is the recommended first step.
Description
Primitive camping site for tents. Requires four-wheel-drive access. Located on sound with easy beach access.
Map & DirectionsCarova sands is located in North Carolina near Corolla
Directions
Requires four-wheel-drive to access property. Must drive down Beach to reach campsite.
Coordinates
36.4168633365133 N
75.84055850643706 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Pets
