10 North Carolina Fish Camps That Crush The Competition

North Carolina’s fish camps are legendary Southern institutions where fried seafood meets family tradition. These beloved restaurants serve up heaping platters of crispy fish alongside classic sides like hushpuppies and slaw.

From mountain trout joints to coastal Calabash-style seafood havens, these fish camps have earned fierce loyalty from locals and travelers alike.

1. Mountain Magic At Good Hot Fish

Tucked away in Asheville’s vibrant food scene, Good Hot Fish stands out as a mountain-town treasure. The fresh rainbow trout arrives perfectly golden, while the hushpuppies create addicts out of first-time visitors.

Locals whisper that the secret lies in their cornmeal blend, passed down through generations. The casual, wood-paneled dining room fills with happy chatter as platters disappear.

2. Pisgah Fish Camp’s Time-Honored Traditions

Since 1968, this rustic lodge-style restaurant has been the crown jewel of Pisgah Forest’s dining scene. Mountain trout pulled from nearby streams hits the fryer before landing on your plate with that distinctive crunch.

The hushpuppy baskets never stay empty long – servers appear with refills before you can ask. Three generations of the same family still work the kitchen, guarding recipes like precious heirlooms.

3. Family Legacy Lives At Twin Tops Fish Camp

Gastonia’s beloved Twin Tops has been family-operated since 1967, creating a shrine to perfectly fried seafood. Their famous flounder sandwich brings in crowds from three counties away.

The secret? Those cast-iron skillets, seasoned by decades of use, impart flavors no modern kitchen can match. Friday nights see lines forming before the doors even open, with regulars who’ve been coming weekly for 40+ years.

4. Captain’s Cap: Belmont’s Seafood Institution

Walking into Captain’s Cap feels like stepping back in time. The nautical decor hasn’t changed in decades – and neither has the quality of their massive seafood platters.

Fiercely loyal customers will argue for hours about whether the catfish or the shrimp deserves top billing. The truth? It’s the house-made tartar sauce that steals the show, with a recipe the owners refuse to share despite countless offers.

5. Golden Perfection At Amber Jack Seafood & Steaks

Formerly known as Lineberger’s, this Gastonia landmark kept all the recipes when it changed hands. The breading achieves that mythical golden-brown perfection that other places can only dream about.

Old-timers still call it by its former name, but everyone agrees the flounder remains the star. The nostalgic wood-paneled walls display decades of community photos – look closely and you might spot your grandparents enjoying the same meal.

6. Catfish Heaven At Hudson Bay Seafood

Hudson Bay Seafood isn’t trying to reinvent the fish camp – they’re perfecting it. Their catfish arrives with a crust so crisp it practically shatters, revealing flaky white flesh underneath.

The checkered tablecloths and paper placemats complete the classic fish camp atmosphere. Fridays bring the “all-you-can-eat” special that’s challenged many a hungry customer, though few manage more than two refills of those generous portions.

7. Coastal Legend: Ella’s Of Calabash

When locals mention “Calabash-style” seafood, they’re comparing it to Ella’s gold standard. Since the 1950s, this coastal icon has been lightly battering and quick-frying seafood to crispy perfection.

The shrimp alone is worth the drive – sweet, tender, and never overcooked. Three generations of fishermen have supplied Ella’s kitchen, ensuring only the freshest catch makes it to your table, often caught the same morning.

8. Original Flavors Shine At Beck’s Restaurant

As one of Calabash’s founding fish camps, Beck’s Restaurant carries the weight of tradition on its shoulders – and delivers with every meal. Their family-style seafood platters arrive piled impossibly high with golden treasures.

The batter recipe remains unchanged since opening day, creating that distinctive light coating that defines Calabash seafood. Framed black-and-white photos near the register show fishing boats that once supplied their kitchen decades ago.

9. Pure Tradition At Coleman’s Original Calabash Seafood

Coleman’s proudly claims its place among the founding families of Calabash-style seafood. Their signature light batter lets the seafood’s natural flavors take center stage rather than hiding behind heavy breading.

Fishing boats still pull up to nearby docks, delivering catches directly to the kitchen. The restaurant’s walls tell its story through decades of newspaper clippings and photos of smiling patrons, creating a museum of Southern seafood culture alongside your meal.

10. Skipper’s Fish Camp: Gastonia’s Hidden Pearl

Tucked away on a quiet corner of Gastonia, Skipper’s Fish Camp serves up the crunchiest, most golden-brown flounder you’ll ever taste. Family-owned for over 40 years, this unassuming spot has walls covered with fishing memorabilia and tables that have hosted countless family celebrations.

The secret? Their signature cornmeal batter hasn’t changed since 1978. Locals swear by the jumbo shrimp platter with extra hushpuppies – always made fresh every 30 minutes.