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About Carova Beach, NC (4x4 Area)
A remote stretch of shoreline just north of Corolla—no paved roads, no commercial districts, and home to the famed wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs.
Carova Beach offers a true Outer Banks escape. Vacation homes are accessible only by four-wheel drive, and the experience is part of the adventure—miles of open beach, rolling dunes, and starry nights with minimal light pollution. Pack thoughtfully, plan your arrival during daylight, and enjoy the solitude that makes this area unforgettable.
Quick Facts & Essentials
4×4 Access Only
There are no paved roads in Carova. High-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended; AWD/2WD vehicles are not suitable for beach driving.
Air Down Tires
Reduce tire pressure to about 18–20 PSI before entering the sand for traction, then air up at the exit. Avoid driving in the surf.
Seasonal Beach Parking Permit
A county beach parking permit is required to park on the beach from the last Saturday of April through the first Saturday in October. Weekly permits are limited and fee-based.
Pack Smart
There are no stores or restaurants in Carova. Bring groceries, water, and essentials before heading north of Corolla.
Trash Pickup
May 1 – Sept 30: Wednesday & Saturday
Oct 1 – Apr 30: Wednesday only. Please roll bins out the night before.
Wild Horses
It’s illegal to approach within 50 feet or feed the horses. Observe quietly and give them the right of way.
Driving & Safety Tips
- Plan to arrive before dark—navigation is easier in daylight.
- Check weather and tide conditions before your trip; aim to travel around low to mid-tide.
- Lower your tire pressure before the ramp; drive slowly and steadily in 4WD (no sudden turns or stops).
- Observe posted speed limits (35 mph; 15 mph within 300 feet of people). Keep driving lanes near the dune line clear.
- Do not block ramps or driving lanes with chairs, coolers, or gear. After sunset, the entire beach becomes a driving lane—flatten sand structures and remove belongings.
- Drivers must be at least 16 with a valid license; ATVs are not permitted. Personal watercraft are allowed on the sound, not the ocean.
Air-Up Stations (after your beach drive)
Convenient air stations are available just south of the 4x4 area, including at Historic Corolla Park (multi-hose, free). Bring a reliable gauge and be courteous—lines can form on busy turnover days.
Vehicle Rentals Nearby
If you’re not bringing a 4WD vehicle, local options in Kill Devil Hills may help (availability varies; call ahead):
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car, MP 6.5, Kill Devil Hills — (252) 480-1838
- Outer Banks Chrysler, Kill Devil Hills — (252) 441-1146
Helpful Reminders
Fill up in Corolla and stock groceries/water before heading into the 4x4 area.
Park in the designated middle-strand areas. The first 1.5 miles north of the 4x4 ramp is no-parking.
Remove all trash and personal items daily; unattended gear after sunset may be removed.
Regulations and schedules can change. Always confirm current beach driving and permit rules prior to arrival.