Carova Beach Vacations

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Carova Beach, NC

Carova is a secluded beach community on the northernmost edge of North Carolina's Outer Banks, known for its wide, undeveloped beaches, wild horses, and remote natural beauty.

Accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicle along the beach, Carova offers a truly off-the-grid experience. There are no paved roads, gas stations, or commercial development - just miles of sandy shoreline, rolling dunes, and roaming herds of wild Spanish mustangs that have lived here for centuries. Visitors come to Carova for peace, quiet, and a deeper connection with nature, whether it's surf fishing at sunrise, shelling along the coast, or watching the stars from a beachfront deck.

Carova is made up entirely of vacation rental homes, many offering oceanfront or soundside views in a completely natural setting. This area is perfect for adventurous travelers and families looking to unplug and enjoy the Outer Banks at its most untouched. While amenities are minimal, the experience is unforgettable - Carova is where you trade crowds and commerce for quiet beaches, wildlife, and breathtaking coastal solitude.

Carova Beach, North Carolina, is one of the most secluded and unspoiled destinations on the Outer Banks. Located at the northernmost tip of Currituck County, just beyond the paved roads of Corolla, Carova is a remote barrier island community accessible only by 4x4 vehicle. For first-time visitors, Carova offers a truly unique coastal experience where wild horses roam free, vacation homes are tucked into dunes, and the beach doubles as the main road. It's a destination for those looking to unplug, explore, and connect with the natural beauty of the Outer Banks.

Homes in Carova NC

There are no hotels, commercial developments, or restaurants in Carova Beach. All accommodations are private vacation rental homes, many of which are oceanfront or offer sweeping views of the Currituck Sound or Atlantic Ocean. These homes vary in size and style from rustic beach cottages to large, multi-level houses with private pools, decks, and hot tubs. Visitors typically rent for a week at a time. The experience is peaceful, self-reliant, and unlike anywhere else on the East Coast.

Rental Home in Carova NC

Getting to Carova is part of the adventure. The only way in is by driving along the beach, past the North end of NC Highway 12 in Corolla. A 4WD vehicle is required, and drivers must lower their tire pressure and be comfortable navigating sandy terrain and changing conditions. There are no paved roads - only sand paths and dune crossings that lead to homes nestled in quiet, windswept landscapes. For those without a 4x4, guided tours are available from Corolla that offer a safe and educational way to experience the area.

A wild Spanish mustang on the beach in Carova NC

One of Carova Beach's most iconic features is its population of wild Colonial Spanish mustangs. These horses are descendants of animals brought to the Outer Banks by Spanish explorers more than 400 years ago. They roam freely through the dunes, yards, and beaches of Carova and are protected by local law. Visitors are required to stay at least 50 feet away and are not allowed to feed or approach them, but they're often seen grazing near homes or walking along the shoreline, offering unforgettable photo opportunities and a glimpse into the island's living history.

4x4 driving on Carova Beach NC

The beach itself is wide, clean, and uncrowded. With no public parking or commercial activity, Carova's beaches are quiet and pristine, perfect for swimming, surf fishing, shell collecting, and long walks. The lack of noise and development allows for a peaceful atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset. Sea oats sway in the breeze, dolphins are often spotted just offshore, and the sound of crashing waves is uninterrupted by traffic or crowds.

4x4 parked on Carova Beach NC

Outdoor activities dominate the Carova Beach experience. Surf fishing is especially popular, with anglers catching red drum, bluefish, and flounder right from the shore. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also common in the nearby sound and canals. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will appreciate the variety of wildlife, from pelicans and egrets to foxes and deer. The area is a haven for photographers and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.

AWild Spanish mustangs roam a neighborhood in Carova NC

Though Carova is remote, visitors can easily drive to nearby Corolla, which offers restaurants, shopping, historic sites, and tours. Corolla is home to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Whalehead historic estate, and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. It's also where visitors can find gas stations, grocery stores, and beach outfitters before heading back to Carova's solitude.

4x4 beach and oceanfront rental homes in Carova Beach NC

Carova Beach is best suited for those who enjoy privacy, natural beauty, and self-sufficiency. It's not a place for nightlife, shopping, or packed itineraries - it's a place to disconnect from modern distractions and embrace the rhythms of the coast. Families, couples, artists, and adventurers are all drawn to Carova's wild landscape and timeless appeal. It's s a rare kind of coastal destination where nature takes center stage and human presence feels light. For those looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path escape, where wild horses walk the dunes and the ocean feels like it's yours alone, Carova delivers an Outer Banks experience like no other.

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Upcoming Events

Duck Jazz Festival
Oct 9

October 9, 2025

This year, the Duck Jazz Festival proudly reaches its 16th anniversary, and with it, we unveil our artistic vision:“Duck Grooves: The Sound of Jazz,” is an electrifying celebration of jazz’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature, set...

March 21, 2026

Not for the faint of heart, the Blackbeard's Revenge 100 is a relatively new event that first launched in 2019, and which will test the strongest athletes from the Outer Banks area and miles beyond. Covering a lengthy coastal course that extends for...

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Carova Spotlight

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

Welcome to Back Beach Wild Horse Tours in Corolla NC. Our tours embark from Corolla NC, the last Outer Banks outpost before the road ends into nothing but stretches of wide beach. We provide safe family fun to see the Corolla Wild Horses...

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

Gray's

Gray’s Outer Banks Lifestyle Clothing Company offers the absolute best in Outer Banks T-shirts and Sweatshirts including Champion, Under Armour with "Outer Banks” and Gear! We carry quality fashions and accessories for the whole family...

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Wild Horse Adventure Tours has been voted the #1 tour company in the USA by TripAdvisor. Feel the ocean breeze and taste the salty beach air as you cruise the Outer Banks beaches in our exclusive OPEN AIR, 13-passenger Hummers with one of...

Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Serving our customers on the Outer Banks since 1994, Big Buck's ice Cream is dedicated serving you “The Best.” We offer a full line of super-premium ice cream products, smoothies, chocolates, and custom-made ice cream cakes! 2 locations...

Back Country Safari Tours

Discover wild Spanish Mustangs and our unique Barrier Island ecology on the Wild Horse Safari. Explore over 30 miles of "off road" beach, dune and sand trail and ride with a professional naturalist guide in a custom 4x4 open-air Safari Cruiser, or...

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