We like to surf fish, so we head even further down to Frisco Woods Campground in Frisco. Sound side rather than Ocean side, but there are waterfront sites with fantastic views of the sound and sunsets. We access the beach by truck, and there is a good ramp about a mile away. There are other parking areas not too far away where you can park right on the other side of the dunes.
If you don't mind boondocking, the federal campgrounds are very nice and also cheap, but no hookups. There is one by Oregon Inlet, one by the lighthouse in Buxton, one in the dunes in Frisco, and one just over the dunes on Ocracoke Island.
We usually go in the early summer, but have been there for Thanksgiving - the weather can be "iffy" but we have always been able to fish on the beach.