Currituck NC Travel Blog: Oceanfront Camping, Wild Horses & Outer Banks Adventures

Currituck was our very first stop where we got to park the Airstream right up on the ocean—and what a feeling that was. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing just a few steps away felt surreal, like our own slice of paradise. Of course, Indy wasn’t as impressed. Every time she tried to go to the bathroom, the waves would crash and soak her, leaving her thoroughly unimpressed with oceanfront living. Poor girl just wanted some peace!

This was our campground spot!

One of the magical things about staying there was how often we saw rainbows. Nearly every day, we’d look out across the water and see a perfect arch stretching over the ocean. It felt like a little reminder that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

This was a daily experience of seeing rainbows like this!

We quickly learned, though, that Currituck is far from the heart of the Outer Banks. Any time we wanted to venture deeper into the islands, it was quite a drive. Still, we made the trek to Kitty Hawk, where we visited the Wright Brothers National Monument. Standing at the spot where the flight first took off was both humbling and inspiring—it’s incredible to think how that moment changed the world.

This was the monument from which the Wright Brothers took their first flight, located on top of the hill.

Another highlight of our time in Currituck was the wild horse tour. We drove along the beach, passing houses where sand literally served as both the front and back yard. And then it happened—we saw our very first wild horses. They were stunning, standing against the backdrop of the Atlantic, manes blowing in the salty wind. I was instantly hooked; it was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever experienced.

Wild seeing these horses in people's yards!

We also had some fascinating encounters outside of Currituck. In Elizabeth City, we saw the aerostat, which looked like a giant blimp floating in the sky. Patrick explained what it was used for, and it was so interesting to see it in person. And at Pea Island, we were treated to an incredible show of migrating birds. The sight of thousands of birds taking flight across the marshes and water was breathtaking—like nature’s own choreographed performance.

Our time in Currituck gave us everything: the magic of oceanfront mornings, a taste of history, wild beauty, and natural wonder. And as we packed up to head toward Rodanthe, we were buzzing with excitement—knowing more Outer Banks adventures were waiting just down the coast.

The night sky from our campside!