Camping at Outer Banks? (Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk: condos, construction, beach)

[OceanMia]

Hi all. We have family coming down from the north and they want to camp at the Outer Banks, tent camp that is. We do tent camp, but never anywhere near the beach so I have no idea where a good place might be. I've also as of yet not been to the Outer Banks. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are the bugs real bad at night near the beach? We've only ever camped at the mountains before so I am a little out of my element! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, we want to make sure they have a good time when they come down

[lovebrentwood]

About 20 years ago, my husband and I drove down to Hatteras from NY state to tent camp in the middle of summer.

It turns out the "campground" was basically like a parking lot, and the tents were set up in the sand.

When we drove in and started setting up the tent, it was very hot, very windy, and the sand stung. There were cars and tents all around us. We felt eyeballs on us. Sure enough, there were PEOPLE in the cars watching us. One guy gave us a mallet.

It was bizarro.

We felt like idiots. It was a very bad idea to tent camp in NC in the middle of summer. Air-conditioned condos are a MUCH better idea!

We did have friends who LOVED to tent camp at this campground because it was about the only one that had trees and shade: Frisco Woods Campground

[FauxPas]

I used to tent camp on Cape Lookout all the time. It can be a tad warmish this time of year, but you can always jump in the water there.

If you stick with a KOA, etc, you should have electricity for a fan. Bug repellent would be a good idea, too.

[MammaLakn]

Cape Hatteras KOA - Loved it! Its right on the beach. Less bugs than in the mountains.

[pearljammer]

Funny you should ask! We were in that area recently and while returning to attempt to visit Bodie Lighthouse (under construction - save yourself the gas!), we came across Coquina Beach. There's campgrounds close by but I have to say, we fell in love this is beach! They have full showers/stalls, outside showers, etc. there and the beach was awesome. The waves weren't as rough as Kill Devil Hills area so nicer for younger kids. Although we haven't camped, I'm not sure how the flies would be. We found them to be horrible up around Kill Devil (practically ran us off one day) so not sure bout that part. The good thing is, it's not far from town (Kitty Hawk) either if you want/need to go there.