Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort Blog
Island Camping is Calling. Book Your Stay Today!
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Highway 12: 25 miles south of Nags Head. GPS Coordinates: N 35 Degrees, 34.499W 075 Degrees, 28.006, Mile marker 40.5 (ocean side)
Once you see the Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitors center, we are about 30 minutes south. We are located in the first town you come to, approximately 3 miles in on the ocean side. Our reservations office is a blue three story building. If you find yourself exiting civilization/town, you've passed us.
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The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a year-round destination, with visitors flocking to the sandy beaches and charming seaside villages. But when the summer crowds fade, a different kind of traveler shows up — anglers in search of some of the best winter fishing on the East Coast.
Hatteras Island, home to Rodanthe, Buxton, and other coastal gems, is famous for its fishing. In the colder months, the waters off Cape Hatteras transform into a haven for red drum, striped bass, speckled trout, and bluefish. Pair that with quiet beaches, breathtaking sunrises, and cozy evenings, and you’ve got the perfect off-season getaway.
Cape Hatteras sits at the meeting point of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream, creating a mix of warm and cold waters that attract a wide variety of fish. While summer offers big offshore adventures, winter brings excellent inshore and surf fishing with fewer people around. You’ll often have whole stretches of beach or soundside waters to yourself.
If you cast a line in Cape Hatteras during the colder months, here’s what you can expect:
Red Drum (Puppy Drum) – Winter is prime time for these hard-fighting fish.
Striped Bass (Rockfish) – A local favorite, often caught near inlets and bridges.
Speckled Trout – Active in the sounds and estuaries during cooler weather.
Bluefish – Smaller schools stick around year-round and are fun to catch surf casting.
You’ll find plenty of great fishing spots near Rodanthe and across Hatteras Island:
Rodanthe Pier – A classic Outer Banks fishing pier, stretching 700+ feet into the Atlantic. It’s family-friendly, with a pier house offering bait, tackle, and rentals. Winter catches often include bluefish, drum, and trout.
Oregon Inlet – Just north of Rodanthe, this inlet is one of the best places for striped bass and puppy drum. Charter boats also run out of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center if you want to head offshore.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – A serene setting with miles of beach perfect for surf fishing. Winter is a great time for striped bass and speckled trout.
Cape Point in Buxton – Known as the crown jewel of Outer Banks surf fishing, this spot juts farthest into the Atlantic, giving anglers a chance at red drum, bluefish, and more.
Anyone over 16 must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. Here’s what to know:
NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) – Required for fishing in saltwater along the coast, from shore or by boat.
Where to Get One – Purchase online, by phone, or at local tackle shops and sporting goods stores.
Exceptions – If you’re fishing from a licensed pier or joining a charter trip, you’re covered under the blanket license provided by the business.
Dress in Layers – The wind off the Atlantic can be chilly.
Watch the Weather – Winter storms can shift conditions quickly.
Check Reports – Local bait shops and fishing reports will point you to where the fish are biting.
Gear Up – Use heavier tackle and sinkers for surf fishing in winter’s stronger currents.
After a rewarding day of reeling in drum or trout, unwind just minutes away at Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort. With direct beach access, you can even start your morning by casting right from the shore.
Our campground offers a variety of ways to stay in the winter:
Camping Cabins for a cozy retreat
Deluxe Cabins & Vacation Rentals with full kitchens and bathrooms (some are pet-friendly!)
We also feature convenient amenities to make your fishing trip stress-free, including a fish cleaning station, hot tub, Wi-Fi, and even year-round pool access.
Whether you’re chasing a trophy red drum, casting for speckled trout in the sound, or simply soaking in the solitude of the Outer Banks in winter, Cape Hatteras is the place to be. With its world-class fishing, quiet charm, and welcoming campgrounds, it’s the ultimate off-season escape.
Book your stay today at Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort and make your next fishing adventure unforgettable.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
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