the Lilly Pad – The Virginia Hype Girl| Virginia Foodie, Lifestyle and Travel Blogger

Camping on the Outer Banks: Refuge Campground Roanoke Island, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a waterfront campsite close to the action in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but still quiet enough to relax I recommend checking out the Refuge Campground in Wanchese, North Carolina on Roanoke Island. The 15 back in style campsites at Refuge are located directly on water. These nightly rentals are part of a larger campground community that has yearly residents/owners. This was our first trip of the year camping and we were at Refuge during the off season (March) so there were not a lot of people moving about.

Refuge Campground Roanoke Island, North Carolina

The campground at Refuge has beautiful walkways around the water, areas to fish (catch and release), a seasonal pool, picnic area and a climate controlled bathhouse. Next door to Refuge is a convenience store with fuel, basic foods and camping essentials. The campground and facilities were very clean and the camp host was friendly.

Rainbow over Refuge Campground in Manteo, North Carolina

The wifi was pretty slow, so if that is important bring your own hotspot. The tv channels we picked up from our antenna were also, limited in this area so bring a dish or a DVD player. Most importantly though for us there were many things within a short drive from the campground to do and see.

Things to Do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Festival Park, Roanoke Island, North Carolina — History is alive in Manteo, North Carolina

Not far up the road to the right from the campground is the quaint town of Manteo, North Carolina famous for the wonderful outdoor drama the Lost Colony. If you’re a nature lover definitely take time to visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens on the picturesque sound of Roanoke Island while you’re in town. There is plenty for the history buffs too like visiting Festival Park to see a replica Elizabeth II ship and historical artifacts from the area.

While you’re in the area consider a visit the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see some cool ocean life and a ship wreck where an immersed model of the the SS Monitor is in one of their exhibits. The North Carolina Aquariums are one of my favorite places to visit and two are on the Outer Banks area.

Bodie Lighthouse girl in Lilly Pulitzer — Bodie Lighthouse

The Bodie Lighthouse is nearby over the Washington Baum Bridge and then right on rt12 toward the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Here you’ll find one of my favorite North Carolina beaches Coquina beach and another camping spot Oregon Inlet Campground. If you’re into fishing you can book a fishing charter out of Oregon Inlet (across from the OI campground).

Tour the Outer Banks by Plane

Flying over the OBX in a small plane with just your family is a vacation memory you’ll be sure to treasure!

If you’re looking to explore I highly suggest booking a flight over the islands through OBX Air Planes which is at the Manteo Airport right behind the North Carolina Aquarium. You’ll definitely get a better appreciation for how the beautiful outer banks is laid out and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few shipwrecks and maybe even some dolphins. There is just something extra special about flying over the Wright Brother’s memorial area knowing it is the site of the birth of flight itself! If flying isn’t your thing you can also, choose to drive to the Wright Brother’s Memorial and walk the grounds on foot.

Ride the Dunes or See Wild Horses in Corolla

go 4x4 in the obx — Renting a 4×4 vehicle or brining your own to drive on the beach is definitely a memorable experience.

For a day trip I suggest visiting the quaint town of Duck, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or even go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure or hop on an atv and ride the dunes. Some areas of the Outer Banks allow you to get an off road permit to drive your own 4×4 vehicle on the beach or you can rent one while you’re at the beach and have a unique driving experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!

Cool off at H2OBX Waterpark

Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can also, drive north to check out the new H2OBX water park too while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food and fun apparel shopping. From sitting back in a lounge chair and watching everyone else, to speeding down tubes into the warm blue water or eating fish tacos and enjoying a watermelon milkshake you’ll find it all at H2OBX. Spending a day at H2OBX definitely is a great addition to any trip to the beach.

Go for a Walk or Run

Besides the tourist attractions get out and go for a run or walk on the beach or the many other places to venture. Walking on the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge is a local favorite. Visiting the Nags Head Woods Preserve is another great place to go for a run or walk. There are several well marked trails to follow including one that goes out to the Roanoke Sound and a picture perfect skeleton tree beach.

Trails 4/5 goes by small ruins of an old homestead and has a family graveyard with some graves dating back to the 1800s. The area seemed safe and we saw both families and single runners out on the trails. The area was very peaceful and filled with birds and wildlife. The visitor center had trail maps and area information and I would recommend going there first.

Where to Eat in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

The area near the campground Wanchese, North Carolina is known for seafood and has several areas in season to buy fresh fish and seafood. Another place to buy fresh seafood is few miles over the Washington Baum Bridge at Sugar Shack Fish Market Oyster Bar and Grill. North Carolina shrimp purchased fresh from the Sugar Shack Fish Market are hard to beat in the OBX!

Cooking up fresh, local seafood at your campsite makes a wonderful addition to any beach camping experience. The Sugar Shack also, will steam and cook your seafood for you and has an extensive menu for takeout and dine in. There are too many great restaurants in the area to name here. I suggest exploring the area and trying new places. Avoid chain restaurants while on vacation and get something you can’t get at home.

captain george’s outer banks seafood girl in lilly pulitzer

In the near by towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills you will also, find many stores and restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of shopping. If you’re looking for some of the freshest all you can eat seafood in the OBX give Captain George’s a try. This is a local favorite for all you can eat seafood and includes crab legs on the buffet.

Another one of my favorites located in Kill Devil, North Carolina is Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill. I love the island vibe and all the tropical inspired dishes. They have a excellent drink menu too with many of their drinks coming in unique take home cups (they can make non alcoholic too). Visiting here always gets me in a vacation mood.

Back on Roanoke Island you will find that it is home to many restaurants and shops too. After dinner I recommend a stop at Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo. The scuppernong grape is native to North Carolina and has a delicious sweet taste and fragrance. If you love wine do yourself a favor and go try some scuppernong wine while you are in the area.

Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo, North Carolina

From wild horses, the birth of flight, fresh seafood and breathtaking beaches the the area surrounding the Refuge Campground doesn’t disappoint. Camping near the water was a big perk of this campground and the close proximity to everything we wanted to see. I would highly recommend camping here on a trip to the OBX!

Beautiful sunset in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to the Outer Banks please share my article with them too☺️ and read more travel post here.

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Let’s Go Camping

July 6, 2021March 4, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

In May 2021 I started a remodel on an almost 30 year old Sunline Saturn. With lots of paint and patience the “Lilly Pad”, was finished and took its first journey to the OBX for Memorial Day weekend. In the first year we went on a few trips and went on our first multi-state trip leaving Virginia and going to Gettysburg, Pa. There is so much to learn about camping and to figure out along the way. I am definitely not an expert by any means, but have found things that help make camping easier I will share.

Camping Fort Story, Virginia Beach — Grilling and enjoying a cold beverage in Virginia Beach’s Fort Story Campground

Types of Campgrounds: National Parks, HipCamp and Resorts

I think the most important thing to remember when looking at sites is finding a camping location that works for you and your family. Make sure to figure out first what you’re looking for in a site and then match your needs/wants to the amenities offered. In our first year of camping we camped at a National Park in the OBX, a military MWR campground in Virginia Beach, a camping resort in Williamsburg and a Hipcamp site outside Gettysburg, Pa. All of these sites were very different and each offered some unique pros and cons to them.

Oregon Inlet Campground, Nc National Park

Camping at a National Park offers the perks of direct access to nature, clean basic bath houses, park rangers if needed, typically a dumping station and potable water. The cons to some might be limited amenities as National Parks are basic and don’t always offer resort type amenities.

From beach locations to mountains you can always find somewhere to park your RV, travel trailer or pitch a tent. Shown above (left) camping outside Gettysburg, Pa and (right) Fort Story Beach in Virginia Beach, Va

Camping at a resort offers all the bells and whistles with beautiful manicured grounds, fire pits, BBQ areas, gravel sites, access to pools, recreational areas, games, cable tv, wifi, laundry, full hookups (water,sewage and electricity) and much more. The con to this type of camping for some might be the higher prices or crowded areas during peak season.

Camping on a military base is similar to a resort in my opinion. Base camping is terrific if you have access to it and VERY discounted/cost effective compared to other resorts. The amenities at many bases are very nice. As a con these campgrounds aren’t available to everyone.

Hipcamp Review — Camping off the beaten path using Hipcamp

Camping using HipCamp is not your typical site and allows access to private land and individuals that choose to host outside their homes, or on their farmland or woods. Some HipCamp sites might solely give you access to a place to park or pitch a tent. The cons are there might not be any electric, sewage, cable or potable water on these sites.

Some HipCamp sites also, don’t allow fires or use of generators so you’ll need propane or battery power. All details should be read throughly for HipCamp sites as each site and host is different. If you’re confused about a listing contact the host. The perks of HipCamp include being cost effective, camping in secluded areas, meeting new hosts, and going off the beaten path.

Some of the Hipcamp sites require dry camping. I think the key to camping in an RV or travel trailer without typical hookups is to first make sure you have enough potable water or water in your fresh water holding tank for showers ect to last the amount of time you’re camping. When I was looking for a site on HipCamp it was important to me to locate a site this time with electric hook up and potable water. This might not be a necessity for others, but we were looking at multiple days and I knew we wouldn’t have enough battery power for the whole trip.

Tips for a Great Camping Trip

1992 Sunline Saturn — Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature!

We always make sure to have our fresh water holding tank full when we leave home. Our refrigerator and oven both run off propane so we also, make sure to have enough of it as well. If you use propane I suggest making sure to know where you can refill it if necessary when camping.

Finding a good laundromat like The Clothes Spin near your home away from home on a vacation can be invaluable. Laundromats like this can help you pack less and to quickly get everything washed so you can get back to your vacation or business.

Mapping out things like grocery stores and even hardware stores is also, something I find that helps our camping trips go smoothly. Depending on how many days we are going to be away I also, like to locate laundry services like using Madison Heights laundromat when camping. Planning to use a laundromat can ease the load of packing. The Clothes Spin is a great option for a way to clean your clothes while camping.

Get Outside and Go RVing

1992 Sunline Saturn Remodel — Inside my little beach house on wheels the Lilly Pad an almost 30 year old renovated Sunline Saturn.

Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature! Getting outside and away from the hustle and bustle of the world can be very liberating and relaxing. Each type of camping site mentioned offers it’s own set of pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before you decided on booking. Whatever you choose just get outside and go RVing!

Know someone planning a camping trip please share my article with them ☺️ Check out my other fun Take A Walk in My Flip Flops travel articles too. If you enjoyed my review please be sure to pin it/share it and check out my other camping and recreational vehicle related posts:

Camping in the Outer Bank, North Carolina

Camping in Williamsburg, Virginia

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina: Oregon Inlet Campground

June 4, 2021April 16, 2023 thevirginiahypegirl

Beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Oregon Inlet Campground

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has had a piece of my heart since I was a girl. As soon as I had my driver’s permit I couldn’t wait to take my suv to the beach and drive on the sand. Many weekends growing up I spent fishing and laying in the sun on Oregon Inlet. As an adult I’ve stayed in too many Outer Banks hotels and rentals to count. I feel like the OBX is a part of me.

For me being able to camp on the Outer Banks is literally a dream come true. For those of you interested in camping on the OBX there are many camping choices. I am new to rving having just remodeled an almost 30 year old Sunline Saturn I’ve named the Lilly Pad. This trip to Oregon Inlet Campground was our madden trip and the campground featured can be booked on recreation.gov . The online booking process was very easy as was the checkin and out at the location.

Oregon Inlet Campground 101

Provided campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground is compromised of three sections. Section A is solely for tent camping and B/C allows for tents and RV’s (some offering electric and water hook ups). Generators are also, allowed to be used from 7am-10pm in B/C. The campground is across the street from the Oregon Inlet fishing area which has a dump station, fresh water hook up for getting your potable water and a small store for necessities.

Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market.

You can also, often buy fresh fish in the area or drive a few miles North to Sugar Shack Fish Market Oyster Bar and Grill for them. Sweet NC shrimp purchased fresh from the Sugar Shack Fish Market are hard to beat in the OBX! Cooking up fresh, local seafood makes a wonderful addition to any beach camping experience.

This campground is well maintained, has a ranger station and onsite host volunteers. The best part is the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean is right over the dunes of the camping area. A quick walk from the campground and you can swim in the cool green water of the island or catch your dinner. You can also, get an off road vehicle permit and drive your 4×4 vehicle on the beach and park at your chosen beach spot while visiting the OBX.

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

captain George’s kill devil hills — If you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in the OBX give Captain George’s a try. This is a local favorite for all you can eat seafood and includes crab legs on the buffet. Captain George’s is about a 25 min drive North to Kill Devil Hills.

The towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are a quick drive North and have many grocery stores and restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of shopping. The Bodie Lighthouse is also, a few miles up the street from the OI campground as well as one of my favorite NC beaches Coquina beach. A further drive North for a day trip and one can visit the quaint town of Duck, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or even go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure or hop on an atv and ride the dunes.

Bodie Lighthouse, a short drive from the Oregon Inlet Campground

If you’re looking to explore I highly suggest booking a flight over the islands through OBX Air Planes. You’ll definitely get a better appreciation for how the beautiful outer banks is laid out and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few shipwrecks and maybe even some dolphins. There is just something extra special about flying over the Wright Brother’s memorial area knowing it is the site of the birth of flight itself!

If flying isn’t your thing you can also, choose to drive to the Wright Brother’s Memorial and walk the grounds on foot or consider a visit the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see some cool ocean life by foot too and a ship wreck. An immersed model of the the SS Monitor is in one of their exhibits. Roanoke Island is also, home to many restaurants and shops.

Visiting Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo. The scuppernong grape is native to NC and has a delicious sweet taste and fragrance. If you love wine do yourself a favor and go try some scuppernong wine 🍷 💕

If you’re a nature lover definitely visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens on the picturesque sound of Roanoke Island. There is plenty for the history buffs too like seeing the wonderful outdoor drama the Lost Colony , visiting Festival Park to see a replica Elizabeth II ship and historical artifacts from the area.

If you’re into fishing you can book a fishing charter right out of Oregon Inlet across from the campground! Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can drive north to check out the new H2OBX water park too while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food and fun apparel shopping. Spending a day at H2OBX definitely is a great addition to any trip to the beach.

The OBX will always have a piece of my heart and I love sharing all my fun experiences and finds so you too will fall in love with the OBX!

From wild horses, the birth of flight, fresh seafood and breathtaking beaches the the area surrounding the Oregon Inlet Campground doesn’t disappoint. Camping among the dunes and opening the windows to hear the ocean were a big perk of this campground and a highlight to this adventure for me. I would highly recommend a trip to the OBX!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to the OBX please share my article with them too☺️

Visit a North Carolina Aquarium

and my other camping and recreational vehicle related posts:

Camping in Williamsburg, Va

Let’s Go Camping (Featuring Different Types of Campsites)

Things to Do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Tour the Outer Banks by Plane

Ride the Dunes or See Wild Horses in Corolla

Cool off at H2OBX Waterpark

Go for a Walk or Run

Where to Eat in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

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Types of Campgrounds: National Parks, HipCamp and Resorts

Tips for a Great Camping Trip

Get Outside and Go RVing

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Oregon Inlet Campground 101

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

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