Salt and pepper catfish might be the most underrated thing you can order in the South. It shows up on menu after menu at old fish camps, and somehow each kitchen makes it a little differently.
These places sit along two-lane roads and highway corridors, often a long way from any ocean. Hush puppies arrive by the basket. Sweet tea comes in big cups, and some spots still bring the fish to your table until you wave the white napkin.
You don't go to a fish camp for candlelight. You go for crispy flounder, whole catfish on the bone, deviled crab, and a salad bar that hasn't changed its personality in years. You go because your grandparents probably sat in the same kind of booth.
North Carolina keeps this tradition alive in small towns and quiet back roads. So which camp earns your next Friday night plate?
1. Twin Tops Fish Camp
Some families keep heirlooms in the attic, and others keep a standing table at Twin Tops. This Gastonia fish camp has long carried the label of a deep-fried-seafood institution.
The menu sticks to what a Southern fish camp should do best. You'll find fried shrimp, deviled crab, catfish, oysters, and flounder piled onto loaded plates.
Not starving? Half-plates exist, and they still come out big. The flounder paired with Calabash shrimp is a popular match.
Salt and pepper catfish gets plenty of love here too. It's a smart pick if you want a crisp, peppery bite without heavy breading.
Hush puppies ride along with the meal, and a salad bar adds some green to the plate. Sweet tea keeps the whole thing feeling properly Southern.
All-you-can-eat specials make this a strong choice for hungry groups. High chairs and a kids' menu help the little ones join the tradition.
Plan ahead, though, because it opens only Thursday through Saturday evenings. Reservations aren't taken, so arriving early is a wise move.
Address: 4574 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056
2. Catfish Cove
Catfish on the bone is a test of patience, and the reward is worth every careful bite. Catfish Cove in Belmont serves whole catfish for diners who like their fish the old way.
Prefer fillets? The kitchen fries perch and catfish to a golden crisp. You can also order deviled crab, popcorn shrimp, clam strips, and green shrimp.
The setting feels like a classic old-fashioned fish camp. It sits in a quiet pocket near the Catawba River basin, away from central Belmont.
Sunday brings something special. A Sunday buffet runs from late morning into the afternoon, and it ranks as the busiest time of the week.
Onion rings and the salad bar make easy sides. Whole flounder and crab legs show up for anyone wanting a bigger seafood night.
Planning a family gathering? A private dining room is available, and reservations are accepted. Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs for the smallest guests.
Here's a tip: Tuesday afternoons tend to be quieter. That's your window for a calm catfish supper.
Address: 1401 State Rd 2519, Belmont, NC 28012
3. Lake Todd Fish Camp
Gluten-free hush puppies at a country fish camp? Yes, and they're not a joke. Lake Todd Fish Camp in Concord makes room for diners who usually skip the fryer.
The building is modest, and the road out here is a rural two-lane stretch. That middle-of-nowhere feeling is part of the charm.
Catfish comes out fresh and not too greasy. Sweet hush puppies and crispy slaw sit right beside it.
The salt and pepper catfish and flounder earn top marks. Oysters and shrimp round out the fried seafood lineup.
Want a fun starter? Fried pickles bring a tangy crunch before the main plate lands. It's a nice way to warm up your appetite.
The service and setting feel like a traditional fish camp, plain and simple. No frills, just honest fried seafood and friendly tables.
Families fit right in, with high chairs and a kids' menu ready. Doors open Thursday through Saturday evenings, and Friday and Saturday get busy.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on crowded nights. Thursday is the quieter pick.
Address: 5905 Alexander Rd, Concord, NC 28027
4. Tex's Fish Camp
When a road is named after your restaurant, you've clearly been around a while. Tex's Fish Camp sits on Texs Fish Camp Road in Connelly Springs.
This family-owned spot lives in the Burke County foothills. It feels like the fish camps many folks remember from childhood.
Hush puppies are the headline act here. They pair nicely with a tartar sauce that gets nearly as much attention.
Perch, flounder, and catfish anchor the menu. Oysters are a strong choice for anyone craving something briny.
Not in a seafood mood? The hamburger steak is a well-liked backup. Somebody in every family needs a plan B.
The dining room is clean and quiet, with friendly staff keeping things moving. There's even a drive-through for takeout nights.
A private dining room helps with bigger family meals. Kids' menus and high chairs make it easy to bring the whole crew.
Tex's opens Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Friday is the busy night, so midweek visits feel more relaxed.
Address: 3452 Texs Fish Camp Rd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
5. Forest City Fish Camp
Flaky salt and pepper catfish is the quiet superstar along Old US 74. Forest City Fish Camp in Bostic has built its name on that crisp, seasoned fillet.
The kitchen also handles shrimp with care. Whitefish and catfish come out cooked just right, plate after plate.
Looking for small bites? Clam strips and popcorn shrimp are menu highlights. They're easy to share around the table.
Hand-cut steaks give land lovers something to order. That helps when not everyone in the family wants fish.
A salad bar adds a fresh side to the fried feast. Dessert is on offer too, if you saved room.
This spot ranks among the go-to family dining places in Rutherford County. Kids' menus and high chairs back that up nicely.
Need food for a big event? Catering is available, and delivery and takeout work for lazy nights at home.
The doors open Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Friday and Saturday draw the biggest crowds, so plan accordingly.
Address: 236 Old United States 74, Bostic, NC 28018
6. Kelly's Seafood
Family owned since 1960, Kelly's Seafood has had more than six decades to perfect its hush puppies. That kind of practice shows on the plate.
The Shelby shack is small and proudly old-school. It sits along Dixon Boulevard in a historic textile and market town.
Jumbo shrimp and Alaskan whitefish lead the seafood lineup. Catfish earns big praise too, especially beside a pile of hush puppies.
Here's a curveball: Calabash chicken. It's a fun pick for anyone who loves the light, crispy coating but not the fish.
Service moves fast, so hungry kids won't wait long. The atmosphere stays relaxed and family-friendly.
Nice weather? Outdoor seating gives you a spot in the fresh air. Takeout works well too.
Kelly's is open Wednesday through Sunday, with earlier starts on weekends. Sunday evenings tend to be calm.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy for bigger groups. High chairs are on hand for the youngest diners.
It's the kind of place where Grandma's order hasn't changed in years. Honestly, why would it?
Address: 1204 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152
7. The Captain's Cap
All-you-can-eat perch, brought right to your table, sounds like a dream. At The Captain's Cap on Park Street in Belmont, it's a real menu option.
Calabash shrimp and whole catfish join the endless lineup. Servers keep the plates coming while you keep the napkins handy.
Salt and pepper catfish is a popular order too. Fried oysters and deviled crab add more variety.
Can't decide? The seafood platter puts several favorites on one plate. A baked potato makes a classic side.
Grilled chicken and white fish suit lighter appetites. The salad bar rounds things out.
Here's a bonus for busy schedules: weekday lunch. The doors open late morning Monday through Friday, and Saturday starts in the afternoon.
Parents get plenty of help here. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids' menu make outings easier.
Reservations are accepted, and a private dining room is available. Belmont sits along the Catawba River, so a riverside stroll can follow dinner.
Address: 670 Park St, Belmont, NC 28012
8. Captain Steve's Family Seafood Restaurant
Honey butter on hush puppies is a small thing that changes everything. Captain Steve's in Harrisburg serves its hush puppies with that sweet, melty extra.
The restaurant sits on State Highway 49. It delivers a traditional fish camp setting with generous portions.
Fried catfish, shrimp, scallops, flounder, and oysters fill the platters. Coleslaw and a baked potato keep the meal classic.
Want a twist? Greek-style flounder comes with feta cheese and tomatoes. Salt and pepper fried tilapia is another fun option.
Catfish strips and salt and pepper catfish are menu highlights. She crab soup makes a rich starter on a cool evening.
Picky eaters can grab a cheeseburger or fish sandwich. Sweet tea completes the picture.
The name says family, and it means it. High chairs and a kids' menu are ready for younger diners.
Lunch runs most days, with longer hours on Friday nights. Weekend evenings get busy, so mornings and early lunch are calmer.
Address: 5645 State Hwy 49, Harrisburg, NC 28075
9. Blue Bay
Calabash-style seafood doesn't need a beach view to shine. Blue Bay brings that light, crispy tradition to East Main Street in Albemarle.
This family-owned spot is a big fish camp with a friendly staff. The dining room stays clean and comfortable.
Alaskan white fish is a strong order here. It comes flaky, cooked well, and in a large portion.
The Canadian flounder and shrimp combo covers two favorites at once. Salt and pepper catfish is another popular choice.
Fried okra makes a fine Southern side. Crab cakes and whole flounder add more ways to fill your plate.
Hush puppies come along for the ride, of course. A fish camp without them would feel like a birthday without cake.
Families will spot high chairs and a kids' menu. A private dining room works for larger groups.
Blue Bay opens every day of the week, with lunch on Fridays and Sundays. Weeknight evenings tend to be quieter than busy weekends.
Address: 1901 E Main St, Albemarle, NC 28001
