Camping near Corolla, North Carolina offers options beyond oceanfront sites, with several campgrounds located along Currituck Sound providing water access and wildlife viewing. Sound-side camping creates different conditions than oceanfront sites, with generally calmer waters and fewer strong winds. Campers typically experience temperatures ranging from 70-90°F during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Kayaking in Currituck Sound: Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA provides kayak rentals for exploring the protected waters. "Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground," notes Stephen B., who stayed at the Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA.
Beach hiking: First Landing State Park offers trails leading to less crowded beaches. "We went on a weeklong working trip. I brought my laptop to work from home and this place was perfect. The view was beautiful and the weather was great at night to just sit outside and enjoy the view," shares Bethany I. about her stay at First Landing State Park Campground.
Monster truck exhibits: When camping with children, plan a visit to Diggers Dungeon. "Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks," recommends Stephen B. from Currituck Sound KOA.
Waterfront camping: Set up directly on the beach at False Cape State Park. "You actually have two sites to choose from at this campground. There is the live oaks site and then if you walk a short distance to the Beach, you have a designated spot on the beach that you can choose to camp at as well," explains a camper at False Cape.
What campers like
Sunset views: Campers consistently mention the sunset views over Currituck Sound as a highlight. "We spent a week there and it was so relaxing. Full hookups with WiFi and cable. Drive through and back in sites with water views all around," notes Harold E. from Sandy Point Resort Campground.
Quiet sound-side beaches: Unlike oceanfront beaches, sound-side sites offer calmer waters for swimming and floating. "The sound was fun to float in. Would be an awesome campground if it had a pool. We will definitely return," shares Mary G. about her experience at Currituck Sound KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Campsites near Corolla provide opportunities to spot coastal wildlife. "Wildlife is in great abundance. Shorebirds and waterfowl with the setting or rising sun make for beautiful pictures," reports Julie A. about False Cape State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide fishing access directly from sites. "Lots are level, grassy, fire ring and picnic table available. Walk to dock overlooking the bay waterfront," comments Laurie B. about Bells Island Campground.
What you should know
Insects can be intense: Midges and mosquitoes are common issues, especially in warmer months. "When we were there the midgets were so bad our RV was covered in them at night. Check your site carefully if you pay for a water site," warns Michelle C. about her stay at Currituck Sound KOA.
Military base proximity: Some camping areas near Virginia Beach are close to military installations. "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning. It was not terribly bad," reports Nita D. from First Landing State Park.
Some campgrounds require hiking in: False Cape State Park requires a significant hike to reach. "We've lived so close to this park for so long and I regret not coming sooner. This park is 5+ miles from the Little Island Park Parking lot, where you have to park if you're staying overnight."
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds in the area have limited seasons. North River Campground operates year-round but many beachfront campgrounds close from late November through March.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground conditions: Many campgrounds advertise playgrounds but quality varies. "The main playground was a mud pit. No mulch or sand to absorb the water. The other playgrounds were small and/or run down," notes Rebecca E. from Holiday Trav-L-Park.
Bring bikes for kids: Flat terrain makes biking ideal for children. "My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear. The kids loved riding through Back Bay, and all of us enjoyed having the beach essentially to ourselves," writes a camper about False Cape.
Consider sound-side swimming: Ocean currents can be strong for young children. "We had a great time and enjoyed our stop here. Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night," writes Stephen B. about Currituck Sound KOA.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Holiday weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds. "Great spot on a holiday weekend! Friendly staff that escorted us to our site and made sure we had what we needed. We were right on the water and loved our view of Currituck Sound!" reports Renee M.
Tips from RVers
Water access varies by site: Even waterfront campgrounds have varying views. "Paid for a water view spot, got a spot obscured by trees," reports Tom P. from Currituck Sound KOA, highlighting the importance of requesting specific sites.
Limited winter RV options: For off-season camping, call ahead to confirm availability. "We spent a week here in the off season. The site was half gravel and half grass. The grading wasn't great and the gravel was thin," notes an RVer about Holiday Trav-L-Park.
Cell service considerations: Coverage can be spotty at more remote campgrounds. "Campground is clean and well maintained. Cell service is poor, WiFi is subpar," reports Mike M. about North River Campground.
Check site specifics: Sites may differ significantly within the same campground. "Super excited to get there but once there I was given our set number. We pulled up to the site to find someone else on the site. Was told by an employee checking us in that they change peoples site and forget to put it in the computer," warns Caroline B.
