Reviews

dee noneya

BE STILL MY HEART! This has to be one of the most beautiful KOA sites, particularly on the east coast. I have seen many KOAs all the way to Utah, but few offer the spell abounding water views that this location showcases. GOOD NEWS …they had originally thought that they were going to get a pool built and operating by the 2025 season but the local residents made it difficult for this campground to proceed with plans. HOWEVER, the pool is currently being built and it is going to be extremely nice. I was told completion is eminent and I confirmed that it looks like it is progressing significantly. This place offers FREE water taxi to Currituck East locations across the beautiful sound. Speaking of the sound, if you would rather swim or fish in the sound that is also permitted. Children will delight in the large bouncy mattress and the elaborate slide. There is also a game room as well as a snack café that we found to be nicely stocked for its small size. This is also a wonderful reunion location because it is rarely more than half full based on our frequent visits here. They offer the cutest tiny house cottages for family members who may not have campers. We love this place and visit at least twice a year even though we only live 20 minutes down the road.

Clint Shedrick

First time staying at this location and definitely will not be our last. There were 4 of us that reserved spots all together on waterfront and the views did not let us down. Our check in was very prompy and staff were friendly. We stayed in WF20, it was level and had no issues with any of the hook-ups other than the water spigot is right at ground level making it impossible to place my water pressure regulator where i normally place it. I was still able to check it and all was good. Our wifi was a little spotty but our group next to us had no issues, so maybe i had something weird going on but I had my starlink as a backup. The facilities were clean every time we used them. As others have noted, the road in is a bit narrow but it wasnt a problem and quite scenic. Others also noted about the bugs, we did experience a lot of bugs, they didnt bite just annoying...but they were everywhere on the waterfront sites....im assuming the wind direction had a lot to do with it. It wont stop me from coming back.

Jeremy Humphries

I’ve been an avid tent camper for many years, and when I can’t get out into the wilderness, KOA Waterlily has always been my go-to spot. Unfortunately, this season I was disappointed to find that the tent sites have been relocated from the wooded area to a more open section right next to RVs. In the past, I felt the $50 nightly rate was steep, but it was worth it because the sites were secluded, peaceful, and offered a true camping experience. Now, however, that same $50 gets you a tent site that’s exposed to bright lights from the clubhouse, noise from nearby campers, and increased vehicle traffic. I understand that KOA is a business and needs to make decisions that maximize use of their property, but moving the tent sites removed the charm and sense of escape that made this location special for tent campers. While it’s still a nice area overall, it no longer provides the experience I’m looking for, and I’ll have to travel farther to find that same atmosphere.

Debbie Schweinberg

Great place to stay if you want to be eaten alive by bugs. Every evening we spent over an hour killing bugs that got in our rv just opening the door to walk the dog. Our neighbors left a day early because it was so miserable. There is NOTHING to do. So far from town!!! We were looking g forward to a weekend at the pool. There is no pool. Had a patio site. Wasted money. Could not sit outside. NO ONE was outside. If they gave me a free week I would NOT stay here. One and done. Friendly people but so what when it is so miserable. I do not know how this koa is a holiday koa, we have been to koa journeys that are WAY better. Bad experience and will not go back.

Eugene Oberfrank

We usually stay on the island, south end; but we changed it up this year. The staff here is very friendly. However, that’s not enough to push the rating up. Our site, while mowed, had plastic bottle caps, beer bottle caps. There was dog feces in the road at the first pier / boat launch there was additional dog feces along the cart path on both sides. It’s obvious dogs are not properly cleaned up after. I know they cannot control the bugs, but sundown to sun up, the bugs are epic. You cannot sit outside and enjoy the outdoors. When you open the door to your camper expect the invasion. The sites are decent size. The main fishing pond was not stocked this year according to staff. The secondary pond, was over grown and only had two areas you could fish from barely. The pool that’s coming in September….maybe sometime in ‘26. It’s barely been dug out. The campground is remote. If you’re going to island, expect an hour to get to anything. The Coinjock marina was good food, 5 miles up the street. Oh, the pizza at the campground had good flavor according to my 14 yr old.

Trip Blump

Beautiful views of the sound, but that’s about it. Sites are way too close together, half weeds half gravel pad, no concrete or asphalt pads anywhere. The permanent section really is a turn off, makes this place look like an absolute dump. Bugs are intense. Not the campgrounds fault as the location had a lot to do with it. I wouldnt come back they really need to tidy this place up and make it more welcoming. Asphalt or concrete pads, bigger sites would be a good stsrt. At least put some gravel In the sites. Very trashy. Staff was great.

M

We recently spent some time at the KOA campground, and while it was a great opportunity to disconnect and relax, there were a few things to be aware of. First, the staff at this KOA are truly amazing! They're friendly, helpful, and go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay. If you're looking to take a step back, disconnect, and enjoy some peace and quiet, this campground is an excellent choice. The scenery is beautiful, and the campground itself is pretty quiet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The road leading into the campground is extremely narrow, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge getting in and out. Additionally, the nearest store is about 35-40 minutes away, so be sure to stock up before you arrive. The camp store does offer a lot of essentials, though, so you can grab what you need in a pinch. One thing to note is that the front desk and store close pretty early, even for summer nights - 6pm is the closing time. So, be sure to plan ahead and get what you need before then. We also found that the bathrooms are located in the back of the park, which can be a bit of a walk if you don't have a golf cart. Just something to keep in mind! We knew going in that there was no pool, but we were looking forward to using the swimming dock. Unfortunately, it's just a retaining wall and a dock for swimming access. The current looked pretty strong, so it's not ideal for little swimmers. And be careful walking along the retaining wall - we came across a water moccasin! But the biggest challenge we faced was the bugs. Oh, the bugs! Mosquitoes, horse flies, and wasps - they were all out in full force. It was impossible to enjoy any time outside without being eaten alive. The grass at our campsite was about shin-high, which probably didn't help with the bug situation. We did see the staff start mowing the grass as we were leaving, but it seemed to be in random spots. On a more positive note, the boat ride and captain were awesome, and the kids loved the jumping pad. It was a great way to spend some time together as a family. Overall, I'd recommend this campground to anyone looking to disconnect and relax in a peaceful setting. Just be prepared for the bugs!

stephanie Blue

We loved the location. The views were amazing. However the bugs were terrible. Its not just the midgets bugs also the flies and mosquitoes! We were next to a pier and the seaweed collected at the top of the boat ramp so you couldn't even get a kayak in there and it smelled like a sewer. Someone came and cleaned it out halfway and then left half of the seaweed right in front of our camper. We are leaving a day early as we cant even enjoy the view with the smell and bugs 😢

Luka Berezljev

We had a great stay at this KOA! Everything was good — the site was level, full hookups worked perfectly, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. The weather was extremely hot during our visit, but the warm water and convenient amenities made it manageable. The only complaint we had was the number of ant nests around the site — it definitely needs some attention. Other than that, it was a great experience and we’d be happy to come back!

TheDawnTreader

I had never been to a KOA - I would always see them by the highway and never thought much about them. We loved our stay here. The campground is in a scenic location and has everything you need for camping as well as docks, playgrounds, and a dog park. They rent golf carts, kayaks, and row boats. Bathhouse is good and there is a camp store with a snack bar. It's about 30-45 minutes drive to get to Kittyhawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nag's Head.

Kathryn Ross

Very nice KOA! Just be careful if the weather turns bad. The wind here is no joke! It turned 2 travel trailers over the other day! It's beautiful here otherwise.

Susan Nuber

Beautiful well-maintained grounds. Efficient and helpful staff. Remote and serene location. Amenities are perfect for my husband and I. We did lots of walking and enjoyed all of the other dog lovers. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Daily garbage pick up at your site. We hope to come back in the fall!!

Jody Raper

Very scenic and nice. We booked a back in waterfront space. If you've never been to a waterfront campground, just a reminder to be prepared for a lot of wind. The playground and jump pad are nice, but could use some shade. Edit: 2022 visit. Still just as nice as last time. Only new downside is the massive amount of flies in the area. These are wetlands and cannot really be controlled, but just be aware that they will get into your camper. Bring a fly swatter.

Julie Bilyeu

This is a great campground. The staff are great! Very friendly and helpful. I couldn't have been more pleased. Our site was gorgeous with beautiful sunrises. Our site had a great stone fire pit, a glider fireside, and a great picnic table and 4 chairs on a deck. We were here in early Spring so bugs and heat weren't an issue. We also pre-booked another trip for October before we left!