Myrtle? Hatteras? or both?

Shot-N-Az wrote:
If you don't need crowds, go to Hatteras. Much, much, much more laid back. Camp Hatteras and the KOA at Rodanthe can likely fit you in with little problem.

X2.

We were at the OBX in May - Camp Hatteras. We saw a whale at the Rodanthe pier.

Both are nice.We like Huntington Beach State park south of Myrtle Beach.Most say you can't get a site but if you don't go on the weekend,you may be able to snag a site say Sunday to Thursday. Or at Cape Hatteras only one of the National Park campgrounds takes reservations so you could probably get a site at one of them.Again,easier going in on a Sunday. Of course no hookups but most allow generators during certain hours.We like Frisco because there are some secluded sites with shade.

Where you go depends on what type of vacation you want. If you would like to visit the ocean and the activities surrounding the ocean and beach is the main activity, Hatteras Island NC is your best bet. Hatteras has an island feel to it that cannot be copied in Myrtle Beach. If you want activities for daughters stay at Hatteras KOA. Hatteras will be the less crowded, less busy, less commercial, more isolated and can offer more of a vacation feel to it. It would be a good choice.

If you want the ocean n beach and plenty of restaurants, shows, and attractions then the Myrtle Beach area is your best bet. The campgrounds will have more activities, especially for kids. There are more stores, outlets, grocery stores, amusement parks, all types of food, movie and live theaters. There are also more people, noise, commercialism and traffic. That is the tradeoff for more things to do. Note that the campgrounds in Myrtle Beach are quieter than the surrounding areas. It would be a good choice also.

Even though dogs are not allowed on the beach in Myrtle Beach except before 10 am and after 5 pm, the Myrtle Beach area is very pet friendly. The city has spent money on accommodating guest with man’s best friend. To say the Myrtle Beach area is not as pet friendly as Hatteras is not accurate.

As far as the crowds are concerned if you are going in mid-August the number of people will have thinned out in both areas. You should be able to get reservations at Hatteras NC or Myrtle Beach during that time especially during the week.

People rant n rave over the golf carts and tents in Myrtle Beach, but if you do not like carts stay at a campground in Myrtle Beach that restricts the use. The tent issue is for safety. They clearly prevent lifeguards from being able to see and they delay emergency response vehicles. The tents are not necessary and are something that has become predominant in the past ten years. Most people can fit two adults and gear under a 7.5 foot diameter umbrella! Eventually they will be banned on more of the North Carolina beaches as well due to the width of the beach in areas like Kill Devil Hill NC, and certain areas on Hatteras NC. Besides the safety issue, they are unsightly on any beach.

Either area will be great, and you will have a fun time. I agree with the others that suggest one or the other instead of both in order to help you spend more time having fun and less on the road. I live in NC, and would like to extend a welcome to you if you decide to come to Hatteras. I did, however, want to offer a more objective view of the two places you mentioned. Let us know what you decide.

Mcamper wrote:
Where you go depends on what type of vacation you want. If you would like to visit the ocean and the activities surrounding the ocean and beach is the main activity, Hatteras Island NC is your best bet. Hatteras has an island feel to it that cannot be copied in Myrtle Beach. If you want activities for daughters stay at Hatteras KOA. Hatteras will be the less crowded, less busy, less commercial, more isolated and can offer more of a vacation feel to it. It would be a good choice.

If you want the ocean n beach and plenty of restaurants, shows, and attractions then the Myrtle Beach area is your best bet. The campgrounds will have more activities, especially for kids. There are more stores, outlets, grocery stores, amusement parks, all types of food, movie and live theaters. There are also more people, noise, commercialism and traffic. That is the tradeoff for more things to do. Note that the campgrounds in Myrtle Beach are quieter than the surrounding areas. It would be a good choice also.

Even though dogs are not allowed on the beach in Myrtle Beach except before 10 am and after 5 pm, the Myrtle Beach area is very pet friendly. The city has spent money on accommodating guest with man’s best friend. To say the Myrtle Beach area is not as pet friendly as Hatteras is not accurate.

As far as the crowds are concerned if you are going in mid-August the number of people will have thinned out in both areas. You should be able to get reservations at Hatteras NC or Myrtle Beach during that time especially during the week.

People rant n rave over the golf carts and tents in Myrtle Beach, but if you do not like carts stay at a campground in Myrtle Beach that restricts the use. The tent issue is for safety. They clearly prevent lifeguards from being able to see and they delay emergency response vehicles. The tents are not necessary and are something that has become predominant in the past ten years. Most people can fit two adults and gear under a 7.5 foot diameter umbrella! Eventually they will be banned on more of the North Carolina beaches as well due to the width of the beach in areas like Kill Devil Hill NC, and certain areas on Hatteras NC. Besides the safety issue, they are unsightly on any beach.

Either area will be great, and you will have a fun time. I agree with the others that suggest one or the other instead of both in order to help you spend more time having fun and less on the road. I live in NC, and would like to extend a welcome to you if you decide to come to Hatteras. I did, however, want to offer a more objective view of the two places you mentioned. Let us know what you decide.

Great info! Thanks for taking the time to respond!