We've camped twice at the KOA in Rodanthe. If you get your reservations in early enough you can get a full hook-up that backs to the dunes. I've never used the shower houses or bathrooms but most KOAs are good. They have a decent game room and nice pools at the front of the campground. They have miniature golf and these little bikes you can rent. If you're looking for the commericalism and nightlife you won't find it in Rodanthe, its quiet and peaceful; however, Nags Head is north and Roanoke has plenty going on....as well as Okracoke and the lighthouse at Cape hatteras. Email me if you want any more info. bkovacs@cas.org Hurricanes - Charlie chased us out in 2004 when he was making his way up the coast. (If you tent camp, be careful, I've seen plenty of tents get flooded out, drainage is poor.) (AND no ground fires except on the beach) Here is a link that might be useful: KOA in Outer Banks

I think Cape Hatteras Point is one of the two most beautiful coastal spots in the lower 48 states along with Big Sur. We rent a Jeep & spend the day at the point. DH surf fishes & I treasure hunt for shells. It's a wonderful spot for shelling. Just offshore at Cape Hatteras, the warm Gulf Stream ocean current collides with the colder Labrador Current creating ideal conditions for powerful ocean storms and sea swells. The swells bring the shells to the beach...large, intact shells. If you rent a Jeep, don't forget to let some of the air out of the tires. The sand dunes before you get to the beach are deep & very soft. If you make it to the beach you'll never get back up the dunes with full tires. Don't ask why I know that....! :) Watching the GPS while driving the outer banks is soooo cool. The arrow appears larger than the spit of land separating Pamlico Sound & the Atlantic. BTW, Pamlico Sound is the largest lagoon on the east coast. Have a marvelous trip! We love the Outer Banks. /tricia

We have been to Duck in the Outer Banks, NC and Myrtle Beach (Garden City area) in SC. Outer Banks wasn't for us as there isn't much to do there except for the beach, lighthouses to visit and Kitty Hawk with the Wrights' Brothers Museum. The museum is very small. The Outer Banks are relaxing and peaceful. Myrtle Beach has a lot to do that my family enjoys. There is a huge mall, a boardwalk with little shops and restaurants, movies, miniature golf, golf, theater, water sports, and the beach. In summary, Outer Banks for a peaceful-type vacation, Myrtle Beach for a more active-type vacation.

Thanks for the replies! Tina - DH vetoed Myrtle Beach since it is a âÂÂspring breakâ destination. Leery of the party scene with the kids. Charleston is interesting. IâÂÂll add that to my list of places to check out. Mtn, ded, gscience - Our boys love the indoor water parks. We actually go a few times a year for a day trip. Wherever we decide to go for this trip IâÂÂm sure an indoor water park will be visited for a day. Ded - IâÂÂll sound like a fuddy-duddy, but I have ZERO interest in flying at this point. I always say that we will take a flying vacation when all of the kids are big enough to carry their own suitcases! ï Joanie - WeâÂÂve done longer road trips when our older kids were little. Yes, it does take longer but we survived. I think as long as we are expecting extra pit stops it is more acceptable. Outside, rnmom - IâÂÂve been to the shores of Alabama and Destin, years ago. Destin may be out because of âÂÂspring breakâ but IâÂÂll check into it. Msmagoo - WeâÂÂll save the Outer Banks for another year, when we can get away in the summer. Thanks. Anyone been to Branson, MO? It looks like there is A LOT to do there. I may have to give up on the outdoor swimming, but if there are lots of other activities IâÂÂm sure our kids will be happy with inside swimming too!