Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday Blog
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Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From the north: VA 168 S and NC 168 S; continue onto US 158 E. Turn left onto Waterlily Rd.
From the south: US 17 N and 158 E. Turn onto Waterlily Rd.
GPS: N36.417178, W75.923594
Are you planning a trip to the North Carolina coast and curious about the wild horses of Corolla, located in the northern Outer Banks? Maybe you’re curious about these creatures that roam freely on Corolla Beach and you want to know more about them – where they come from, how many there are, how they interact with people, and the best time to see them.
If so, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about these wild colonial Spanish mustangs, the state horse of North Carolina!
The wild horses of Corolla are actually descendants of Spanish mustangs that were brought to the Americas by the Spanish explorers in the 16th century. They were then turned loose on the island of Currituck, which is now part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Over the centuries, these horses have managed to survive despite hurricanes, shipwrecks, and even attempts to eradicate them.
The wild horses were moved to the northern four-wheel-drive beaches of Corolla in 1995 because the paved road from Duck to Corolla put the horses in harm's way. The wild horses of Corolla now have access to 7,544 acres.
Today, there are approximately 150 wild horses living on the Outer Banks. The horses are managed by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to their protection and preservation. You can stop by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s museum and store to learn more about the history of the wild horses of Corolla.
Now that you know the history behind the wild horses of Corolla, what do you need to know before you see them live and in person? Here is a list of questions and answers we’ve compiled to help you craft a meaningful, educational and exciting experience for your family.
If you're interested in seeing the wild horses of Corolla, there are a few things you should know. First of all, they are feral horses and should not be approached or fed. It's also important to know that the best time to see them is in the early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active.
When you do see the wild horses, enjoy them from a distance and don't try to get too close. In fact, it is recommended that you stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses at all times. Most importantly, be sure to take plenty of pictures – they make for some great memories!
No, you cannot ride the wild horses. They are wild animals, so you should maintain a safe distance and admire these beautiful creatures from afar. However, if you want to meet the wild horses of Corolla up close and personal, you can. Visit Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy, NC – just down the road from Outer Banks West KOA – to see rescued Corolla horses.
Do you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle? If so, you can head to Corolla to seek out the wild horses on your own. You'll find the horses on the northern beaches of Corolla and Carova. Make sure you keep an eye out for horses crossing Highway 12 in Corolla – especially at night.
Before setting out on you four-wheel-drive adventure, read these helpful tips and don’t forget to obey posted signs. There are no gas stations or shopping facilities on the four-wheel-drive beaches, so if you want to get a glimpse of the horses and have a relaxing beach day, pack supplies and make sure your gas tank is full.
If you want to learn more about the wild horses of Corolla, there are a few resources that can help. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund offers tours and educational programs about the horses, and they also have a visitor center with information about the horses' history and ecology.
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau also has a page on their website devoted to the wild horses of Corolla, with information about how to see them and where you can find them.
See the wild horses and get inside knowledge from a local during a guided wild horse tour. Bob’s Wild Horse Tours is our favorite, but you can learn about more tours here.
Outer Banks West KOA is an excellent place to begin your North Carolina adventure. We offer plenty of all-inclusive fun for the whole family, including mini golf, banana boat rides, water sports equipment, pedal carts, and so much more.
We also provide a convenient and free water taxi that takes you across the Currituck Sound to Timbuck II Shopping Village. Bob's Wild Horse Tours is a short eight-minute walk from the shopping center.
Have questions about arranging a guided wild horse of Corolla tour? Ask our friendly staff members in the Outer Banks West KOA Welcome Center.
The Ultimate Guide to the Outer Banks
Local Events to Check Out Near Outer Banks West KOA
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