Summer
Overall the best time of year for camping on the North Carolina coast is the summer. It is by far the warmest time of year and has the most activities for vacationers. During the summer months, there is a major fishing tournament held on Crystal Coast, sunbathing is optimal and all restaurants are open. The main problem is that it's open season for hurricanes. June is the beginning of the hurricane season, and it lasts for six months ending in November. Fees for camping, as well as other activities, are a little bit more expensive during the summer but well worth it.
Fall
Fall is also a good time of year to go to the Outer Banks. It's still hurricane season, but surf fishing is considered best this time of year. It's the off-season, so fees and expenses tend to be a little cheaper, and most restaurants are still open because of the influx of fishermen. During the fall months, fishermen along the coast will find king mackerel swimming near shore, as well as grouper, snapper, gray trout, and false albacore. It is a bit cooler during the fall, but not unbearable as long as you pack appropriately.
Winter
Winter would be the one time of year the Outer Banks would be a bit too cool for camping. There is always a breeze blowing, and during the winter months, it can seem unbearable at night. It is not impossible to see a light dusting of snow, and temperatures can drop into the teens. Since the Outer Banks are narrow strips of island, there is virtually nowhere to camp that you would not be near water, and this can make that cool breeze seem colder even during the middle of the day.
Article Written By Keith Dooley
Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.
