Outer Banks camping offers direct access to both Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean waters from Rodanthe campgrounds. The soundside locations provide shallow, calmer waters ideal for beginning paddleboarders and windsurfers, while oceanside camping puts visitors within walking distance of Atlantic surf. Winter storms occasionally cause flooding in sound-facing sites, requiring careful planning during storm seasons.
What to do
Watersports on the Sound: St Clair Landing Family Campground provides excellent access for paddleboarding and windsurfing with gear rentals available. "Sound is a leg high walk to the hammock," notes one camper about the shallow water depth. Another visitor mentioned, "Great for windsurfing, kite boarding, paddle boarding!"
Fishing options: Both sound and ocean fishing opportunities exist within walking distance of several campgrounds. At Avon by the Sea, visitors appreciate the "2 minute walk to beach, pier, fishing" while Oregon Inlet Campground provides access to drive-on beach fishing with proper permits.
Beach activities: Walking paths connect most campgrounds to beach access points. "Easy access to beach, space for kids to play," notes a camper about Camp Hatteras. Morning beach walks are popular, with one Oregon Inlet camper stating, "I love waking up early and walking down to the beach to see the sunrise. Oftentimes I'll be the only one on the beach."
Wildlife viewing: The nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge offers bird watching opportunities. Several campers mention spotting wildlife along shorelines during morning walks.
What campers like
Sunsets over the Sound: Sound-facing sites offer spectacular evening views. At St Clair Landing Family Campground, "The sunset is amazing, and it was quiet and peaceful - with very the regular sound of ducks and windsurfers in the sound." Another visitor called the sunsets "breathtaking" and "one of the most beautiful I have ever seen."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds maintain peaceful environments despite their proximity to tourist areas. "We visited this campground during May and it was quiet and peaceful," reported one St Clair Landing camper. At Frisco Woods Campground, visitors appreciate being "at the end of the island with great views" and distance from more crowded areas.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses matter to campers, especially after sandy beach days. "Bathrooms and showers very nice- looks new," noted an Avon by the Sea visitor. At Frisco Woods, "The laundry room was nice and worked well," which proves valuable during extended stays.
Easy beach access: Most campgrounds offer direct paths to beach areas. "Short walk over a sand dune and close to the harbor as well," mentioned an Oregon Inlet camper, while another appreciated that "the walk to the beach was a little longer than expected but not terrible (took 10-15 minutes carrying a 25 lb toddler)."
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy: Many Outer Banks campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At Ocean Waves Campground, reviews note it's "the tightest, most cramped campsite we'd ever seen," while another camper described it as "jam-packed with RVs parked cheek to jowl." Consider perimeter sites for more space.
Weather considerations: Strong winds affect tent camping regularly. "The wind was really strong and it made setting up our tent a challenge," reported one Rodanthe Watersports camper, who added "bring rope/canopy weight in case this happens."
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close between November and March. Frisco Woods operates March 1 to December 1, while Ocean Waves runs March 15 to November 15.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), advance bookings are essential. Some parks like Camp Hatteras don't assign specific sites until arrival, leading to occasional frustration: "Paid for oceanfront and got site 38 which is further away from ocean than second row."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to ocean swimming. At Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground, "Indoor pool was great for the kids on the cool and windy weekend," and another camper appreciated the "separate inside and outside pool and jacuzzi."
Beach day preparations: Pack water shoes for sound access where shallow water extends far from shore. "Bring water shoes to be able to walk in the sound. Water was at perfect temperature," advised a Rodanthe Watersports visitor.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds provide playground equipment. Ocean Waves features "a swingset - perfect for younger kids - to be able to play on just a walk away from our site," notes a reviewer.
Sand management: Sand infiltration affects tents and RVs alike. Outdoor showers help manage this issue, with one camper praising Rodanthe Watersports for having "loved having the option of using outdoor shower (yes even had hot water option)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request sound-facing sites for sunset views when possible. At The Refuge on Roanoke Island, "A number of sites back up to the water where one can enjoy fishing for flounder or blue crab."
Internet connectivity: Cell service and WiFi vary significantly between campgrounds. "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," reported a Camp Hatteras camper.
Site surface considerations: Surface types range from concrete to sand/grass. "The site pads at dirt/sand and partial grass," notes one Kitty Hawk RV Park reviewer, while Ocean Waves offers "concrete pad for RV and nice grassy area to relax."
Power stability: Occasional outages affect the region. A Camp Hatteras visitor reported, "Lost power for a few hours on entire campground first night and it was 82 degrees - no email or message as to what was happening."
