Camping Birthday Party OBX – Birthday Wishes and a Cloud of Mosquitoes

For our son’s 14th birthday, I had what I thought was the perfect idea: organize a camping birthday party OBX style, right by the beach. It sounded like the dream way to celebrate—family, ocean views, and plenty of adventure.

So, we went all out. A 10-person tent (Opa and Oma were visiting from the Netherlands, so of course they were included), a fan to survive the summer heat, some string lights, and—naturally—balloons. Because what’s a birthday without balloons? We prepped dinner for the beach, packed snacks, and felt ready for the ultimate camping birthday party at OBX.

The Location: Cedar Island Ranch (OBX)

Cedar Island Ranch has just five tent spots, with the ocean right at your doorstep. The perfect recipe for celebrations, I thought. After birthday breakfast with presents and a scenic drive along the coast, we arrived.

Except… where were the toilets and showers? A slight panic for me. Camping is way out of my comfort zone, but I was determined. Thankfully, the facilities were only a 10-minute walk away. Manageable. And honestly, I’m pretty skilled at just waiting until I’m home—yes, I know, not the healthiest habit.

Within ten minutes, my husband and I had the tent up exactly as promised in the ad. The kids played in the ocean with Oma and Opa, we went for a beach walk, got stung by a gadfly, enjoyed drinks and snacks, and even tanned a little. Sunset swims, seaside showers (okay, we drove to those), and a cozy beach vibe—so far, it was perfect.

Campfire Perfection

That evening, my husband—my sweetheart—made a campfire. We shared homemade Caesar salad while the kids devoured their favorite: homemade chicken nuggets. We ended with marshmallows and graham crackers. Life was good.

And then… nature had other plans.

Enter: The Cloud of Mosquitoes

The kids complained about flies and retreated to the tent. I had come prepared, wearing long sleeves despite the heat. No way was I letting mosquitoes eat me alive.

My husband tried to convince the kids:

“This is camping! You can’t just sit inside the tent!”

But within five minutes, his head was swarmed by over 100 mosquitoes. He ran around waving his arms like a cartoon character. Oma followed with her own buzzing cloud. Opa stayed stoic, while I laughed uncontrollably at the spectacle.

Within minutes, the entire family had surrendered to the tent, while the mosquitoes hovered outside like tiny, bloodthirsty guards.

The Longest Night

We decided to call it a night. Opa and Oma had a comfy air mattress, our son had his own bed, and our daughter slept with us. Our brand-new mattress, however, was barely five centimeters thick. Add in rheumatoid arthritis and the blazing heat, and let’s just say—I was not thriving.

By 5 a.m., I had officially had enough. I texted my friend in the Netherlands, who is even more into luxury than I am. Her advice?

“Grab the car keys, crank the AC, and wait in the car until morning.”

Brilliant idea—if only I knew where the car keys were. Also, I didn’t want to wake my husband, the true Marine, who was sleeping soundly with our daughter. Plus, hundreds of mosquitoes were guarding every tent flap, waiting for their next victim.

By 6 a.m., I’d reached my limit. I quietly got dressed, packed everyone’s clothes for the day, and gathered our belongings. When Opa woke up for a beach walk, the whole family stirred. My relief? Immeasurable.

Goodbye, Cedar Island Ranch

I told my husband I was done. I just wanted breakfast in a mosquito-free house. The swarm outside the tent finally convinced him. By 7 a.m., we were packed, in the car, and heading home.

So, did I succeed in creating a memorable birthday party?
Absolutely. Just… not quite in the way I had imagined.

So yes, it was chaotic, messy, and itchy—but unforgettable. And isn’t that what family adventures are all about?

If you’re curious about more family travels (the good, the bad, and the hilarious), check out my other posts:

• Restless in Antigua
• Hidden Gem Family Roadtrip

And if you ever consider camping at Cedar Island Ranch in the Outer Banks—bring a mosquito net. You’ll thank me later.