Nature & Wildlife Attractions

The Currituck County Rural Center, located in Powells Point, is a 105-acre county park offering both recreation and environmental education, tucked away off US-158. The CCRC (for those in the know) features a nature trail and boardwalk that hugs the Currituck Sound, complete with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.

Visitors can launch kayaks from an accessible dock to explore marked water trails through the Currituck Sound, fish in stocked ponds, enjoy picnic pavilions, and let kids play on the wilderness-themed playground

The site also includes equestrian facilities (indoor arena and riding rings) and hosts community events like horse shows and festivals, blending outdoor fun with a dose of Currituck’s rural heritage

Mustang Mornings on the Farm is conducted by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund for those that want to get up close and personal with one of Corolla’s wild Spanish mustangs. Beginning on Wednesdays in late May through late August, the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center, located in Grandy on the Mainland, is open to the public and offers an opportunity to visit the farm and meet rescued Banker horses currently in the Fund’s care. Attend a free movie screening of The Secret of Corolla, a 32-minute documentary on the Banker mustangs, the culture, and lifestyle of the island. There is a suggested donation of $10 per vehicle at the gate.

Camping

The Mainland offers a range of camping experiences — from waterfront RV parks with full amenities to rustic and primitive campsites for nature lovers. The coastal settings provide scenic backdrops including marshes, rivers, and forested preserves. Most campgrounds cater to family vacations, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and seasonal travelers visiting the Outer Banks.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer and fall weekends. If primitive camping, be prepared for ticks, snakes, and coastal weather shifts. Most natural areas promote conservation principles. Be respectful of protected habitats.

The Mainland offers camping platforms accessible from Shingle Landing Park in Currituck. These platforms are located along the Northwest River Paddle Trail, a state-recognized trail that extends from Moyock Creek to the Poyner’s Road boat launch. Paddlers can reach the platforms via canoe or kayak launched from the Shingle Landing Creek boat ramp.

Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday (Coinjock) features Waterfront RV and tent sites, deluxe cabins, bathhouses, general store, kayak rentals, and fishing piers with panoramic views of the Currituck Sound, ideal for families and long-term stays.

Parks

Currituck Community & Maple Park, 150 College Way, Barco, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset and amenities that feature a YMCA, athletic fields, walking trails and a skate board park.

Poyner’s Road Park, 458 Poyner’s Road, Moyock, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset and amenities that feature picnic tables, fishing and a NC Wildlife boat ramp.

Sound Park, 8955 Caratoke Highway Point Harbor, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset and amenities that feature 2 pavilions with grills and restrooms, boat ramp with 2 launch slips, waterside boardwalk with 2 gazebos, wildlife sound-front overlook, 2 playgrounds, and one paved walking trail.

Veterans’ Memorial Park, 132 Coinjock Canal Road, Coinjock, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset and amenities that feature 1 pavilion (20’X28′) with grills, 1 horseshoe pit, a waterfront boardwalk with fishing deck and a Veteran’s Memorial with monument and flags

Walnut Island Park, 113 Holly Crescent, Grandy, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset and amenities featuring pavilion with grills and Tot-Lot Playground.

Shingle Landing Boating Access, 129 Creekside Drive, Moyock, that is open dawn to dusk, year-round and features a single launch boat ramp.