Joe and Kay's Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Finding Your Unique Spot on the Outer Banks Sound**

For North Carolinians searching for a truly authentic, unpretentious, and uniquely Outer Banks camping experience,

**Joe and Kay's Campground**

in Kill Devil Hills offers a beloved, rustic alternative to the area's larger resorts. Tucked away on Colington Road, this soundside gem is not designed for the large RV crowd, but rather serves as a quiet refuge for dedicated tent campers, van life enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a genuine connection to the coastal environment. It’s an intimate, family-run spot—praised consistently in customer reviews for its accommodating service and amazing hosts—that quickly feels less like a commercial campground and more like a friendly, waterside retreat.

The setting of Joe and Kay's is what truly sets it apart. Located on the Albemarle Sound side, rather than the oceanfront, the small campground features grassy sites, many situated right

**next to a tranquil canal**

. This unique atmosphere, often described by guests as feeling like a "lil canal" or even reminiscent of the Bayou, provides a distinct sense of peace and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere on the busy OBX. With approximately 15 tent sites available, the park maintains a cozy, less crowded feel, allowing guests to relax and truly absorb the slower, more natural pace of the Outer Banks soundside. While it embraces a rustic style, the campground is professional in its operation, ensuring essential facilities are clean and functional.

A key characteristic for any prospective camper to note is that Joe and Kay’s focuses strictly on

**tent camping**

and similar small setups (like vans), making it a true throwback to classic camping adventures. The operation is seasonal, typically welcoming guests from April through December, and offers a flexible environment where the friendly owners go out of their way to be helpful, even with last-minute or unusual needs. This commitment to genuine hospitality transforms a simple stay into a memorable, highly recommended experience for those seeking something genuine in the heart of the OBX.

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**Location and Accessibility: The Colington Road Convenience**

Joe and Kay's Campground boasts a prime, centrally located address that provides the perfect balance of soundside tranquility and quick access to all major Outer Banks attractions. The campground is located at

**1193 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA**

. Colington Road is a crucial artery in Kill Devil Hills, connecting the busy U.S. 158 Bypass and N.C. Highway 12 to the quieter Colington Island area.

This location means that, despite enjoying a quiet, canal-adjacent setting, the park is incredibly close to the core activities of the Northern Outer Banks.

• **Beach Access**

  : The Atlantic Ocean beaches of Kill Devil Hills are just a

  **short, few-minute drive**

  away (typically less than 10 minutes), providing easy access to swimming, sunbathing, and surfing without the cost and traffic congestion of staying directly oceanfront.

• **Historic Proximity**

  : The campground is situated very close to the iconic

  **Wright Brothers National Memorial**

  , allowing visitors quick and easy trips to the site where flight history was made.

• **Local Amenities**

  : The commercial strips of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, featuring numerous grocery stores, restaurants, local shops, and essential services, are all readily accessible from Colington Road.

• **Unique Local Charm**

  : A fun highlight mentioned by past guests is the ability to easily walk to a

  **local dive bar right across the street**

  , which is also situated on the water, offering a true taste of local OBX life and atmosphere.

The accessibility is a major selling point for North Carolina travelers who want to maximize their vacation time. By utilizing the soundside location, they get a peaceful camping environment while still being in the heart of the action, minimizing drive times to essential shopping and all the popular coastal attractions, from Jockey's Ridge State Park to fishing piers.

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**Services Offered (Basic, Clean, and Essential)**

Joe and Kay's Campground is a strictly tent-oriented facility, meaning its services focus on providing clean, reliable necessities for the traditional camper:

• **Tent Sites Only**

  : The campground is dedicated to

  **tent camping**

  on grassy areas and small setups (like vans or micro-trailers that do not require hookups). There are approximately 15 sites available.

• **No Utility Hookups**

  : It is important to note for planning: the sites themselves

  **do not have electric or water hookups**

  . Campers must be prepared for traditional, off-grid camping at their immediate site.

• **Modern Comfort Facilities**

  : The campground does provide shared, centralized facilities, including

  **clean restrooms**

  with

  **hot showers**

  and

  **toilets**

  , which are highly valued by tent campers.

• **Drinking Water**

  : Access to

  **potable drinking water**

  is available on the grounds.

• **Boat Ramp Access**

  : A significant feature is the

  **on-site boat ramp**

  , allowing guests who bring their watercraft (kayaks, canoes, small boats) direct soundside access via the canal.

• **Pet-Friendly Policy**

  :

  **Pets are welcome**

  , allowing North Carolinians to bring their four-legged family members along for the Outer Banks adventure.

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**Features / Highlights (Quirky Charm and Water Access)**

The highlights of a stay at Joe and Kay's Campground center on its unique personality, waterfront location, and the exceptional service provided by the owners:

• **Canal-Side "Bayou" Setting**

  : Many sites are located

  **right next to the canal**

  , providing a visually striking, peaceful waterfront view and the opportunity for gentle sound access right from the campground.

• **Exceptional Hospitality**

  : The owners are consistently noted in reviews for being

  **super friendly, welcoming, and accommodating**

  —a personal touch that creates a protective and inviting environment for all guests.

• **Unique Local Vibe**

  : The campground offers a delightful dose of local color, including the famed sound of the

  **owners' rooster**

  crowing in the morning, lending a rustic, authentic, and memorable charm.

• **Walkable Local Entertainment**

  : The convenience of having a

  **local waterfront dive bar**

  (friendly, no food, cheap) within walking distance provides a genuine taste of Outer Banks local life.

• **Affordable OBX Base**

  : Compared to expensive oceanfront hotels or full-service RV resorts, Joe and Kay's offers an

  **affordable and high-value option**

  for staying in the heart of Kill Devil Hills.

• **Ideal for Small Rigs/Vans**

  : The grassy sites are perfectly suited for travelers utilizing rooftop tents, teardrop campers, or vans that do not require utility hookups, offering a

  **flexible and welcoming space**

  for these growing camping styles.

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**Contact Information**

To secure your unique spot at this Outer Banks soundside retreat, contact the owners directly for availability and booking.

**Address:** 1193 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA

**Primary Phone:**

** (252) 441-5468**

**Mobile Phone:**

** +1 252-441-5468**

**Operating Season:** Typically open from

**April through December**

. It is always best to call ahead to confirm current operating dates and secure your reservation, especially given the limited number of sites.

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**What is Worth Choosing: Authentic OBX Charm and Value**

For North Carolina residents who crave a genuine, no-frills, and highly personable camping experience, Joe and Kay's Campground is unequivocally worth choosing. It is the ideal destination for travelers who value

**authentic local atmosphere and prime location over excessive resort amenities**

.

The core value proposition is the

**unique soundside setting**

and its affordability. You get a waterfront, grassy campsite in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, complete with access to modern hot showers and a boat ramp, all at a cost significantly lower than other area accommodations. The charm is unparalleled—where else can you camp right by a canal, hear the owner's rooster, and walk across the street to a true local bar?

Furthermore, the

**exceptional level of personal service**

is consistently highlighted. The willingness of the owners to accommodate guests' needs creates a loyal following and ensures a stress-free stay, which is priceless on a busy vacation. For those with kayaks or canoes, the direct sound access is a tremendous feature. If you are a tent camper, a van traveler, or a local who appreciates a quiet, rustic, and friendly base camp just minutes from the ocean and history of the Outer Banks, Joe and Kay's Campground is the true hidden gem you’ve been looking for.

**A Final Word on the Experience**

Choosing Joe and Kay's is choosing a part of the real Outer Banks. It’s a camping experience rooted in simplicity, community, and the beauty of the sound. Embrace the rustic nature, plan on being close to the water, and prepare to be welcomed like family. It is a reliable, high-value choice for a memorable coastal North Carolina adventure.