Dare County, NC
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Colington
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the busy bypass and nearby beachfront communities, Colington Island is a hidden gem on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With a rich heritage rooted in commercial fishing and crabbing that dates back several centuries, Colington became one of the first settlements on the Outer Banks—and the area remains home to one of the largest year-round populations in Dare County to the present day, with a current population of nearly 4,200.
The unincorporated community of Colington comprises two islands—Little Colington Island, which is situated adjacent to the neighboring Town of Kill Devil Hills—and Big Colington Island, located further to the west and bordered by the Albemarle Sound. In addition to these two islands—which are separated by a narrow waterway known as the “Colington Cut”—the Colington community also includes several surrounding neighborhoods off Colington Road that are linked by an extensive system of canals and channels ultimately feeding into the sound.
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Colington offers a wide array of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy recreational activities that range from kayaking and standup paddle boarding to boating, sailing, jet skiing and fishing, among many more!
Facilities and Organizations in Colington:
Dare County Water Department - North Reverse Osmosis Plant
Address:
400 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Dare County Water Department provides the Colington community with clean, safe, and fresh water for drinking and other purposes. The county’s North Reverse Osmosis Water Plant—which is located at 400 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills—began production in 1989 and is designed to produce 5 million gallons of water per day. If you reside in Colington and have questions about your water service, please contact the Dare County Water Department at Water@DareNC.gov or 252.475.5990.
Contact:
252.475.5990
Dare County Public Works
Trash Collection Services:
Dare County Public Works provides residential and commercial trash collection for the unincorporated areas of Dare County—which includes all areas of Colington.
Large Item Pickup:
Dare County Public Works also provides an annual large item pickup service for the unincorporated areas of Dare County—including Colington. This service—which typically takes place in the spring—is an opportunity to dispose of large, unwanted items ranging from old furniture, appliances and automobile tires to scrap metal, mattresses and other materials.
For more information about the many services that are provided to the Colington community by Dare County Public Works, visit DareNC.gov/PublicWorks.
Closest Landfill:
Manns Harbor Transfer Station:
Address:
1603 Cub Road
Manns Harbor, NC 27953
Contact:
252.473.2059
The Manns Harbor Transfer Station allows residents and commercial business to drop off building materials and white goods. This locations also provides local residents a place where they can drop off appliances, metals, home furnishings, and auto tires. There is a a truck scale weigh-in station where residents and commercial builders can have waste weighed prior to disposal at the appropriate sites. The first 500 lbs. for residential customers is free, and the rest is prorated at $73.01/ton.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
Dare County Sheriff’s Office - Colington Station
Address:
2089 Colington Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.475.9241
Dare Central Communications Non-Emergency Phone Number:
252.473.3444
The Dare County Sheriff's Office has proudly served the Outer Banks community since 1870, protecting residents, visitors and property owners with dedication, honor and integrity for more than 150 years. Patrol District A—which covers all areas of Colington Island and Colington Harbour—operates out of an office conveniently located on Colington Road. Staffed with dedicated deputies, supervisors and K9 units, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division is on call to respond to emergencies, enforce laws and ensure public safety through active presence and swift response. Patrol District A plays an essential role in maintaining public safety and peace of mind for those who live in and visit the Colington community.
Dare County Library - Kill Devil Hills Branch (Operated by Dare County)
Address:
400 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Kill Devil Hills Library—one of three branches that comprise the Dare County Library system—offers a welcoming space where patrons of all ages from the community can access a wide variety of programs, activities, services and other resources. In addition to an extensive collection of books, movies and digital materials, the library hosts a range of engaging classes and workshops—from children’s Storytime and teen book clubs to adult crafting sessions, genealogy workshops and technological assistance, among many others. The Kill Devil Hills Library also provides free Wi-Fi internet access and public computers, as well as study spaces and public meeting rooms. Conveniently located just a short distance from Colington, the Kill Devil Hills Library is a place for learning, connection and exploration year-round, making it a valuable resource for the entire community.
Contact:
Kill Devil Hills Library Branch Manager Tricia Allen
252.441.4331 | Tricia.Allen@DareNC.gov
View the Kill Devil Hills Library webpage.
Services Available:
- Wi-Fi
- Copier (black and white)
- Fax service
- Local history and genealogy collection
- Meeting room
- Weekly preschool and school-age programs
- Summer reading program
- Book clubs
- Public computers
- Children's computers
- Knitting/crocheting group
Colington Volunteer Fire Department
Address:
108 Schoolhouse Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.441.6234
The Colington Volunteer Fire Department—which is located at 108 Schoolhouse Road in Kill Devil Hills—has been serving the Colington community since its official establishment in 1981. With a mission to enhance public safety, the Colington Volunteer Fire Department provides a variety of essential services, including fire suppression, emergency medical care, vehicle extrication, limited water rescue, severe weather emergency response, public education and fire prevention inspections, among many others. The department is staffed by a combination of full-time personnel and numerous volunteers who generously dedicate their time and skills to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the Colington community
Other Offerings:
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Public education
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Fire prevention inspections
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Child safety seat installation and inspection
View the Colington Volunteer Fire Department's Website.
Dare County Parks & Recreation Department’s Northern Beach Division Family Recreation Park(Operated by Dare County)
Location:
Family Recreation Park
602 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.475.5920
The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Northern Beach Division—which is conveniently located just a short distance from Colington in the Town of Kill Devil Hills—hosts a wide variety of programs and activities for local youth and adults of all ages, including volleyball, basketball, pickleball, dance and gymnastics, among many others.
The Northern Beach Division is home to the Dare County Youth Center, which features two full-size gymnasiums and three designated multipurpose spaces, as well as a kitchen, TV room and dance studio, supporting activities for all ages. The division also hosts its after-school program and an assortment of fitness classes, recreational sports and community events at the youth center facility throughout the year.
Family Recreation Park offers an assortment of outdoor amenities, including baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a batting cage, a playground and a picnic pavilion. Together, the indoor and outdoor facilities that comprise the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department's Northern Beach Division play a vital role in promoting active, healthy lifestyles and creating unique opportunities for all ages to stay active and enjoy recreation in a safe and welcoming environment.
Thomas A. Baum Senior Center (Operated by Dare County)
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address:
300 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.475.5635
The Thomas A. Baum Senior Center—which is located just a short distance from the Colington community in the Town of Kill Devil Hills—serves as a vibrant hub for Dare County residents who are ages 55 and older. Offering a wide range of programs that are designed to support active, healthy and engaged lifestyles, the Baum Senior Center features everything from fitness classes, arts and crafts activities, and nutrition services to educational workshops and informational sessions focusing on health, well-being, tax aid, financial assistance, scam prevention tactics and much more. With its welcoming environment and diverse programming, the Baum Senior Center plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life for older adults in Colington, as well as the surrounding communities.
Features:
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Multipurpose Room
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Classes and Workshops
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Gardening Activities
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Computer Access
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Kitchen
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Wellness Programs
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Meeting Room
Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden (Operated by North Carolina Cooperative Extension)
Address:
300 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.475.9250
The Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden—which is adjacent to the Thomas A. Baum Senior Center on Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills—is a peaceful and serene destination that offers visitors a chance to experience both beauty and education, all in one place.
Established in 2002 through a collaboration between the Dare County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the Dare Master Gardener Volunteer Association, the teaching garden showcases native, salt-tolerant plants that are suited to Dare County’s coastal environment. Visitors can explore an assortment of themed sections of the gardens, such as the butterfly garden, sensory garden and dune landscapes, all of which are interconnected by accessible walking paths.
Open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden welcomes all guests, including leashed pets, offering a unique retreat for everyone in the community to enjoy.
Aviation Park (Operated by the Town of Kill Devil Hills)
Address:
103 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.449.5301
Located just off Colington Road at 103 Veterans Drive in the Town of Kill Devil Hills, Aviation Park is a popular community space that offers a wide variety of amenities and recreational opportunities for adults and children of all ages. Just a short drive from Colington, Aviation Park features a well-maintained playground, skate park, inline hockey rink, dog park and scenic walking trails. The park also includes convenient onsite parking and public restrooms, making it a great spot for families, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Although it is not directly located within Colington, its close proximity to the community makes it a valuable nearby resource for residents and visitors alike.
Wright Brothers National Memorial (Operated by the National Park Service)
Address:
1000 North Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.473.2111
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills marks the historic site of the world’s first powered flight, which was achieved by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. Visitors can hike to the top of a 90-foot-tall hill, where a 60-foot-tall granite monument that was constructed in the early 1930s honors the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking achievements in aviation.
Guests can explore numerous interactive exhibits within the visitor center, including replicas of the Wright brothers’ glider and Flyer, hands-on displays and a variety of ranger-led programs that bring the story of flight to life. With sweeping views of Kill Devil Hills and neighboring communities from the hilltop where the monument stands and a series of engaging educational opportunities available for all ages, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a must-visit destination, right down the road from the Colington community.
Colington Road Multiuse Pathway (Operated by North Carolina Department of Transportation)
The Colington Road Multiuse Pathway is a paved, family-friendly trail that runs alongside Colington Road and stretches for approximately 4.3 miles, providing a safe and scenic route for residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that range from walking and jogging to running, biking, rollerblading and more.
Designed for recreation and limited modes of transportation, the pathway enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists who are traveling along the busy corridor between Colington Island and the neighboring Town of Kill Devil Hills.
The Colington Road Multiuse Pathway also connects to the larger network of multiuse paths in the Kill Devil Hills area, offering residents and visitors access to numerous nearby destinations, including the Wright Brothers National Memorial, as well as various restaurants, shops, parks and other recreational opportunities.
Colington Sound Access
Location:
1872 Colington Road
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Colington Sound Access—which is located just past the second bridge on Colington Road as you are traveling westbound—offers an excellent spot to access the sound and enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding, fishing, crabbing and more. In addition to paved parking for approximately 14 vehicles, this public access point also features a kayak launch and calm, shallow waters that are perfect for enjoying a wide array of recreational opportunities in and around the sound.
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Sound Access
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Onsite Parking
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Kayak Launch
Colington Harbour Association
Address:
1000 Colington Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Contact:
252.441.5886
The Colington Harbour Association is a key feature of the Colington community, offering a wide range of amenities that highlight the area’s soundside charm and recreational appeal. Homeowners have the option to join this association for an annual fee, which grants access to a beautiful soundfront park with a pavilion, sandy beaches, a playground, picnic shelters and a designated dog park.
The Colington Harbor Association also maintains a basketball court—as well as a marina with a boat launch, rentable slips and a kayak ramp—and hosts numerous community events each year, including holiday boat parades and visits from local food trucks. For an additional annual fee, members can also join the Colington Harbour Yacht and Racket Club, which includes access to two outdoor swimming pools, as well as tennis courts and a community clubhouse—all located within the gated Colington Harbour community.
Features:
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Soundfront park with pavilion, sandy beaches, playground, sheltered picnic area, and designated dog park.
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Marina with launching ramp plus boat slips/kayak ramp for rent.
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Basketball court
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Gated community
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Community events including holiday boat parade, visits by local food trucks, etc.
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Optional membership in the Colington Harbour Yacht and Racket Club available for additional annual fee gives access to the large outdoor pool, tennis courts,and community clubhouse.
Special Events:
Colington Volunteer Fire Department Weekly Bingo
The Colington Volunteer Fire Department hosts bingo every Wednesday evening, (excluding the Wednesday of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's week).
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Concessions and bingo supplies are available for sale, with proceeds benefitting the volunteer fire department.
A minimum purchase of a 6-pack of cards ($17) and one jackpot ($1.25) is required of every player. Children are welcome, but they must be old enough to play their own cards. Jackpots vary but usually run between $200 and $400, depending on the crowd.
The Colington Volunteer Fire Department relies on fundraisers and these weekly bingo games help the department acquire equipment and supplies. Major purchases that this fundraiser has covered include a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Automatic External Defibrillators.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Dare County’s North Reverse Osmosis Water Plant—located at 400 Mustian Street in Kill Devil Hills—provides clean and reliable water for customers on the northern beaches, including many on Colington Island.
The Dare County Water Department’s customer service team located at the North Reverse Osmosis Water Plant is available to assist with troubleshooting, customer support and usage tracking.
Email: Water@DareNC.gov
Phone: 252-475-5990
Website: DareNC.gov/Water
The Dare County Public Works Department provides trash collection for Colington, and a sanitation fee is charged on property tax bills sent to property owners annually.
Collection Schedule:
Labor Day through Memorial Day
Residential: Monday & Thursday
Commercial: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Residential: Monday & Thursday
Commercial: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Do you want to receive a notification when collection service is delayed or canceled due to a holiday or inclement weather? Sign up for Dare County email and/or text notifications at DareNC.gov/Subscribe.
Need a new trash can or a replacement part?
Residents and property owners whose homes are located within the unincorporated areas of Dare County can purchase a trash can at Dare County Public Works, which is located at 1018 Driftwood Drive in Manteo, or delivered to your residence upon request. The cost to purchase a trash can is $85.40 if you pick it up at Dare County Public Works. The cost to have the trash can delivered to your home is $96.08. To place an order for a new can or a replacement part, please call the Dare Dare County Public Works Department at 252-475-5895.
The Dare County Public Works Department’s Recycling Division operates the Roanoke Island Recycle Center in Manteo, where items may be dropped off in person.
Location:
1018 Driftwood Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
Sunday: Closed
Accepted Materials (no charge):
- No. 1 and No. 2 plastic
- Green, clear and brown glass
- Steel and aluminum cans
- Mixed paper and cardboard
- Used automotive tires (off rims)
- Used motor oil
- Lead acid automotive batteries
- Residential yard debris (branches for chipping up to 8 inches in diameter), straw, pampas grass and leaves for composting
Commercial yard debris will be charged at a rate of $65 per ton and must be taken to the Dare County C&D Landfill, located at 1603 Cub Road, Manns Harbor, NC 27953.
The Dare County Public Works Department also conducts an annual household hazardous waste collection event, which is typically held in the spring. For more information, visit DareNC.gov/HHW.
A limited supply of bear-resistant trash cans are available for purchase from Dare County Public Works. The cost to purchase a bear-resistant trash can is $96.08 if you would like the can to be delivered to your residence. The cost is $85.40 if you pick up your bear-resistant trash can at Dare County Public Works, which is located at 1018 Driftwood Drive in Manteo.
A locking mechanism on the bear-resistant trash cans allows the containers to easily be opened by humans using one hand; however, it prevents bears or raccoons from opening the cans with their claws, paws and teeth.
For more information or to order a bear-resistant trash can, please contact Dare County Public Works at 252-475-5895.
100 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
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On Site Parking
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Skate Park
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Restrooms
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Playground
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Inline Hockey Rink
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Hiking or Walking Trails
Family Recreation Park & Youth Center (Operated by Dare County)
602 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
252.475.5920
DareNC.gov/Parks
Colington Road Multiuse Pathway
The Colington Road Multiuse Path extends from the Bay Drive Multiuse Path. The path is open to all non-motorized pedestrian traffic.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
1000 N Croatan Hwy.
Kill Devil Hills NC 27948
252.473.2111
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Museum
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Handicap Access
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Restrooms
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Hiking or Walking Trails
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Exhibits
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Historical
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Educational
300 Mustian St.
Kill Devil Hills NC 27948
252.473.4290
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On Site Parking
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Hiking or Walking Trails
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Gardening Activities
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Educational
Building permits must be obtained from the appropriate inspection office for the geographical location of the construction project. Sub-permits for mechanical, plumbing or electrical work may be obtained at any of the offices regardless of the construction location. For more detailed information, visit DareNC.gov/Planning.
Contact:
Cory Tate Chief Building Inspector
Cory.Tate@DareNC.gov
252.475.5872
Serving Baum Bay, Colington and Martin's Point
The Outer Banks SPCA operates the Dare County Animal Shelter (378 Airport Road in Manteo, NC 27954) and is an open admission animal shelter serving all of Dare County. In addition to filing a lost report, we strongly recommend you visit the shelter in person to check for missing pets.
Click here to view the Dare County, NC Code of Ordinances- Chapter 91: Animals.
Contact:
Outer Banks SPCA Shelter Manager
252-475-5620 | info@obxspca.org
The unincorporated community of Colington is Tax District 3, and as of June 2024, the Dare County tax rate is $0.4005, the fire rate is $0.1145, and the sanitation rate is $0.1100. This brings the total tax rate for Colington to $0.6250.
You can pay your Dare County real estate taxes via mail, phone, online or in person. Learn more by visiting DareNC.gov/Tax.
Click here for information about your personal property taxes.
Dare County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners that conducts public meetings throughout the year on a regularly scheduled basis. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 9 a.m. This schedule is occasionally adjusted to accommodate holidays. Meetings are held within the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting room at the Dare County Administration Building, which is located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo, NC 27954.
Each regularly scheduled meeting begins with an opportunity for individuals to make public comments. During this time, citizens can let their voices be heard by speaking directly to the entire Dare County Board of Commissioners for up to five minutes on any topic or item of concern. Citizen participation at these meetings is strongly encouraged.
In an effort to encourage public participation, the board accepts public comments from two locations: the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting room in Manteo as well as an interactive video link at the Fessenden Center Annex, 47013 Buxton Back Road in Buxton.
Eligible voters residing in Colington can vote at Liberty Christian Fellowship, which is located at 244 Williams Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 during elections.
Election Day Polling Place Search
For more information, please contact the Dare County Board of Elections at 252-475-5630 or visit DareNC.gov/Elections.
Only “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed in North Carolina. These devices include caps, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noise-makers, snappers, sparklers and other sparkling devices, such as fountains, which do not leave the ground.
Any firework devices that leave the ground and have a report or make a "bang" are illegal in North Carolina. Examples of these illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles, firecrackers and M80s. Violators of North Carolina's fireworks law face a class two misdemeanor charge that is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks caused an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries and $109M in direct property damage.
Please protect our beloved area by refraining from using illegal fireworks.
Dominion Energy North Carolina provides electricity to Dare County customers.
Contact: 866-366-4357
Helpful Resources:
Click here to view Dare County public hearing notices.
Click here to view current issues in Dare County.
Dare County Projects and Renovations in Colington:
There are no active Dare County projects taking place in Colington at this time.