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Cruisin' the Coast of North Carolina

Camping in the Carolinas

3/1/2024


Three-hundred miles of barrier islands and mainland beaches make North Carolina’s coastline a beach lover’s dream. You will find white sands, pristine waters, and lighthouses along the shore.

The coast is divided into three broad sections that include islands, shoreline, and coastal plains: the Outer Banks, or OBX (Corolla south through Ocracoke, including Roanoke Island), the Crystal Coast (Core and Bogue Banks, Beaufort, Southport, Morehead City, and the inland river cities of New Bern and Edenton), and the greater Cape Fear region (Wrightsville Beach south through Wilmington to the Brunswick Isles). 

Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, it is time to cruise through a large coastal city, a quaint beach town, and the Outer Banks – Wilmington, Edenton, and Nags Head!

Location | The North Carolina coast comprises 300 miles of barrier-island beaches. The Coastal Plain is low, flat land along the Atlantic Ocean. It is often divided into two parts – the Outer Coastal Plain and the Inner Coastal Plain. The Outer Coastal Plain is made up of the Outer Banks and the Tidewater region. From I-95, Wilmington is 5 minutes away, Edenton is 2 hours away, and Nags Head is 3 hours away.

Weather | Coastal North Carolina has hot summers, warm fall and springs, and cool winters. For the most part, the climate is mild, bordering on hotter weather. Summer temperatures range from the 80s up to the low 100s in the hottest months, spring and fall temperatures linger in the 70s, and the winter months bring the temperature down to about the high 40s and 50s.

The mild, subtropical temperature and climate allows for year-round entertainment and vacationing. NC Weather is perfect for your vacation no matter what time of year you may decide to visit. Even in winter, the temperatures linger in the 40s and 50s. While certainly not beach weather, it is great for golf.

Tourism – What to Expect | With the NC Coast lined with popular beach towns, the most popular time of year to visit is generally Memorial Day through Labor Day, but fall, winter, and early spring provide mild weather and fewer crowds.

Wilmington | If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks, One Tree Hill, oryou are a history buff, this area should be at the top of your list! This southern coast has hosted 400+ TV and film productions. In the mood for outdoor adventure? Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more on island beaches. Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach are the three family-friendly beaches in the Wilmington area.

Attractions: Whether visiting in spring, summer, fall or winter, visitors can find plenty of things to do by season. Take a nature walk, see a new perspective on a scenic sunset cruise, visit blossoming gardens, or relax at waterside parks – There is nature and fun around every corner!

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Entertainment: Enjoy an array of festivals, museums, art galleries, performing arts events, and historic sites. Their thriving arts scene is the foundation of this city’s independent spirit.

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Dining: Wilmington’s River District has more than 40 locally owned restaurants and pubs, with cafés and restaurants lining the Riverwalk, Front Street, and beyond. With the best seafood and southern favorites, you are sure to find what you are craving!

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Discover More About Wilmington: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/

Edenton | Edenton, North Carolina’s very first Colonial Capital, has been described as the “Prettiest Small Town in the South”. Visitors enjoy the most intact Colonial Courthouse in America (circa 1767), the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, bay cruises, historic trolley tours, paddling on Edenton Bay, free boat slips, and a charming downtown.

Attractions: With small town vibes comes BIG personality! Edenton is filled with recreational, outdoor activities and unique sites to explore. Their special events alone, Christmas Candlelight Tour, the Pilgrimage Tour, and the Peanut Festival, give off hometown feels. Get ready for a trip you will never forget!

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Entertainment: Enriched in southern charm and beautifully preserved history, guests will travel back in time through the town of Edenton. And do not be surprised if you find yourself not wanting to leave!

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Dining: Whether you are enjoying a date-night on the town, dining together with family, or grabbing a quick bite – There is something for everyone to enjoy at any of the locally owned restaurants.

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Learn More About Edenton: https://www.visitedenton.com/index.php

Nags Head | Nags Head has been the heart of vacationing on the Outer Banks for more than a century! Travelers are drawn by the warm ocean breezes, sunny shores, and the curious nature of the Outer Banks. Generations of visitors have fallen in love with this place and return year after year!

Attractions: Explore the Outer Banks by air, land, and water adventures from Corolla to Hatteras, including hang gliding, kiteboarding, kayaking, eco-tours, and more!

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Entertainment: Nature, history, and adventure await you in Nags Head! What more could you ask for?

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Dining: The bistros, beach dives, and seafood shacks that dot the barrier islands from Duck to Hatteras to Roanoke Island are legendary. Not to mention, most of the restaurants and cafes can only be found on the Outer Banks (think authentic and family-owned with amazing, fresh flavors)!

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Gain More Insight on Nags Head: https://www.outerbanks.org/

Happy Camping in the Carolinas | Laid back, relaxing, down-to-earth, and scenic are just a few ways many travelers would describe the NC Coast. The beaches, food, and nature adventures are some of the bests in the country. These beach towns are perfect for a solo trip, a family adventure, or a great vacation for two!

So, pack up the camper, grab your tent, and let’s go Camping in the Carolinas.

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