The Croatan National Forest - North Carolina

The Croatan National Forest is the only true coastal forest on the east coast. The campground is nestled in a grove of Loblolly Pines mixed in with Live Oak, Holly, and various other hardwoods. For a more detailed description of this marvelous National Forest go to
http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/croinfo.htm

Among the features of this National Forest is a unique 1.6 mile walk through the tidemarsh. Gravel pathways and boardwalks make for easy travel through an environment not usually accessible. Cardinals, Bluebirds, Nesting Ospreys, Great and Blue Herons, Fiddler Crabs, and Anoles are found in abundance in the tidal areas.

We found this little fellow (an Anole) sunning himself on one of the boardwalks.

Only a mile or so away are the magnificent barrier Island beaches of the Outer Banks. There are miles and miles of gorgeous light brown sand beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing, or just walking. All the usual shore birds, pelicans and other diving birds, and pods of bottlenose dolphins feed behind the breakers only a few feet off shore.

On the island you can choose your house by your favorite color and many are for sale in this difficult economy. But, better bring a lot of cash $$$.

Fort Macon, probably the best preserved civil war fort in the country, is in the town of Atlantic Beach on the Barrier Island. Fort Macon saw service in the Civil war, the Spanish American War, and World War II. It is now a North Carolina State Park with many interesting exibits depicting the life of the soldiers who served there, and the history of the fort.

Even if you're not a fort or museum buff we recommend this park. It's just a fun place to walk around, it's free, and the beach is magnificent.

We booked the campground for 3 days and ultimately ended up staying for 8 there was just so much to do here. We will definitely return some day.

Next: The Uwharrie National Forest in Central North Carolina.