After a relaxing overnight stop at Cracker Barrel in Morrisville, NC (read about that here if you missed it), we hit the road again and made our way toward the coast for our very first visit to the Outer Banks. From April 13 to April 27, 2025, we parked ourselves at Emerald Isle RV Resort.
Easy Check-In and a Beach-Ready Location
Check-in was smooth and straightforward, even with a short wait behind a few other campers. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and a guide escorted us to our site, which was Blue 52. While most sites were pull-through and convenient, we did discover ours wasn’t level. It took a little extra effort and a few leveling blocks the next day to get things just right, but once we were set up, it was all smooth sailing.
The location alone makes this resort a gem. A short walk took us right onto the beach via a boardwalk. Plus, a handful of restaurants, shops, and an ice cream spot were all just steps outside the gate.
Campground Features: Compact but Clean
Our site came with full hookups and everything was within easy reach, mostly because the spaces are a bit tight. That said, the entire campground was immaculately maintained. Staff were out multiple times a day picking up trash and keeping things in order. We didn’t use the public bathhouses (they required separate keys), but the laundry room was solid: several washers and dryers, room to fold, and even a small library to browse while you waited.
The campground didn’t have a camp store, which was surprising given how popular it seemed. But the pool, playground, and paved roads made it a family-friendly environment. The Wi-Fi was basically unusable, despite numerous repeaters, but Starlink saved the day. Verizon worked fine; T-Mobile was spotty at best.
Exploring Emerald Isle: Food, Fun, and Some Windy Rides
We spent our first evening getting adjusted, grabbing a last-minute dinner from Bojangles, and taking our first stroll on the beach. Over the next two weeks, we got into a rhythm of beach walks, day trips, and local food adventures.
Highlights included:
- Rucker John’s – We went twice. Highly recommend the Caesar salad and friendly service.
- Village Ice Cream and Candies – Walkable and dangerously delicious. We went more than once.
- Lazzara’s Pizza & Subs & Gaffers – Pizza, gyros, live music, and drinks, all in one evening.
- Beach Burgers – This one deserves its own moment: the owner is cash-only but lets people eat first and pay later if needed. Small-town trust in action. Bonus: Great burgers.
- Cape Lookout & Shackleford Banks – We took the Island Express Ferry and explored both spots in a day. At Cape Lookout, we chatted with volunteer lighthouse caretakers and soaked in the peaceful seascape. Seymour even got some freedom to roam on Shackleford.
We also visited the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Macon State Park, where we caught a cannon firing—our second time seeing one, and still just as exciting.
Real Life on the Road
While the location was a dream, life still happened. We dealt with a cracked toilet flange, a chewed sink hose (thanks, Otis), and even an air compressor failure while inflating a tire. Fortunately, we had helpful neighbors and good backup plans. Our Starlink setup was essential, and we got into a good rhythm with laundry, errands, and a bit of work mixed in with the fun.
Emily’s dad, Dale, came to visit midway through our stay. Despite being rear-ended on the drive in, he made it safely and joined us for meals, minigolf, and even a boat cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady. It was a treat to have family with us for part of the adventure.
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. Emerald Isle RV Resort offered the perfect combination of beachside access, walkable local spots, and a safe, welcoming environment. It wasn’t without its quirks – tight sites, useless Wi-Fi, and no store – but the location, cleanliness, and overall vibe made up for it.
For RVers looking to explore the southern tip of the Outer Banks with sand just steps away and plenty to do nearby, this campground should absolutely be on your list.
