OUTER BANKS
North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off of the Atlantic coast, have been a prime destination since English explorers started settlements there in the 16th Century or the Wright brothers came to pioneer modern aviation in the 20th Century. With welcoming beaches, world-class fishing, historical side trips, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you going, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit into one vacation. With so many campgrounds located near the action on the Outer Banks, you’ll be just minutes from the ocean or the sound, no matter where you set up camp. Talk to our experts about what campground is ideal for your vacation plans.
JOCKEY'S RIDGE STATE PARK
Have you ever been to a state park that’s always slightly shifting in location? Jockey’s Ridge State Park hosts the Atlantic coast’s largest sand dune rising as high as 100 feet in the air. The giant dune gets blown back and forth by the changing winds each summer and winter, but always ends up in approximately the same location, offering those that make the climb up the sand amazing views of both the Atlantic ocean and the Albemarle Sound to the west. A perfect perpetually windy spot for kite flying, get a kite from local mainstay Kitty Hawk Kites nearby and grab some wind at the top of the dune at sunset for amazing views and photo opportunities.
KITEBOARDING AND WINDSURFING
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Outer Banks offer pristine conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing. With warm, shallow water on the sound side of the barrier islands, windsurfing becomes easy to master, especially with the help from instructors available all over the islands. If you’re into kiteboarding (or watching the masters hit the waves), come to the Outer Banks in time for the Triple S Invitational — held each summer in Cape Hatteras. The ocean waves seen daily on the ocean side of the islands prove to be ideal for learning, or just enjoying watching this exciting sport.
FISHING
No matter what kind of fishing you’re looking for, the Outer Banks has it. If you want to set sail on a fishing charter, you can bring home everything from blue marlin, to sailfish, and even yellowfin tuna. Into fishing the surf or the area’s many piers? You can fish for a flounder or a pompano from the beach while your family relaxes in the sand. Catch bass during seasons in the brackish water around the sounds, or head out in the warm, shallow sound water on a head boat with a crew who can supply guidance, bait, and more. The area even caters to fly fishermen, many of whom have set world records.
Are you ready for an adventure?
