Camping near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina offers access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the calm waters of Currituck Sound. The coastal environment features sandy soil and maritime forests with average summer temperatures reaching into the high 80s with significant humidity. Most campgrounds in the area have limited shade, making summer camping particularly warm without adequate cooling systems.
What to do
Kayaking on Currituck Sound: Water access is available directly at OBX Campground where visitors can enjoy peaceful paddling. "There is an area of water (Kitty Hawk bay) with the dock that you can fish from on the campground," notes one visitor at OBX Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Both freshwater and saltwater fishing can be enjoyed at multiple locations. "We had our own dock and level full hook up," mentions a camper at Virginia Beach RV Resort, which is within driving distance of Kitty Hawk.
Beach access: Some campgrounds provide direct beach access while others require a short drive. At Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground, "I had a great site right next to the dunes. I could hear the pounding of the surf from my van. Only a minute to get to the beach."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds host local wildlife that can be spotted around dawn and dusk. "A small group of deer were hanging around our campsite when we drove up and zipped off into the tall sea grass. Once dusk fell and we were set up they came back out to graze," shares a camper at OBX Campground.
What campers like
Water views: Multiple rv campgrounds near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina offer waterfront sites with scenic vistas. At Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA, "We were right on the water and loved our view of Currituck Sound!" reports one happy camper.
Swimming options: Both sound-side and ocean swimming are available depending on the campground location. At Hampton Lodge Family Campground (now West Outer Banks KOA), a visitor notes that "The sound was great to swim in!"
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. A camper at Beechland Campground reported, "This may have been the cleanest camp ground I've ever stayed at. The bathrooms, showers and pool were pristine. We saw a staff member cleaning them every day at 9am."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. At OBX Campground, visitors appreciate that "The sites are fairly quiet, fairly nicely spaced, particularly for a private RV park."
What you should know
Insects can be problematic: Midges and other insects are common in the coastal environment. One camper at Outer Banks West KOA reported, "When we were there the midges were so bad our RV was covered in them at night."
Seasonal pricing variations: RV campgrounds in Kitty Hawk have significant price differences between peak and off-peak seasons. North Landing Beach rates can vary by $50-75 between summer and fall seasons.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for waterfront sites. One visitor at North Landing Beach advises, "North Landing has had quite the facelift since our first visit in 2015. Tons of cottages have replaced the coveted waterfront tent sites."
Location considerations: Some campgrounds advertise as being in Kitty Hawk but are actually located on nearby islands. "OBX Campground is located on Collington Island right behind Kitty Hawk," notes a visitor, adding important context for planning.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with organized children's activities. At Outer Banks West KOA, a parent mentioned, "Lexi did an amazing job with the kids keeping them busy."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. One visitor to Beechland Campground noted, "Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground."
Educational opportunities: The Wright Brothers National Memorial is close to several campgrounds. A camper at OBX Campground appreciates being "around the corner from the Wright Memorial."
Pool facilities: For families with children, having a pool can be essential during hot weather. "Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," reports a visitor to Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on your specific needs and preferences. At The Refuge on Roanoke Island, a visitor warns that "They don't want older RVs," suggesting potential restrictions.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional work to level larger rigs. One RVer noted about OBX Campground, "The sites are level and spacious. We couldn't have asked for a better first night."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet connection quality varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Camp Hatteras reported, "The internet is terrible so if you're working from home, have a hotspot. AT&T does much better in this area. We have Verizon and it was spotty."
Access considerations: Not all campgrounds can accommodate all types of RVs. One visitor to OBX Campground mentioned, "Wide roads in and out made for easy access for larger rigs."
