Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A haven for recreation and reflection, the islands of Cape Hatteras are constantly changed by tide, storm, current and wind. The plants, wildlife and people who live here adapt continually. You see in their daily lives and hear it in the telling of their stories. And there are many story places - sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime woods - explore them all.

The Basics

Hours:

Cape Hatteras National Seshore is open year-round.

The Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island Visitor Centers are open and 9 am to 6 pm daily during summer months and from 9 am to 5 pm daily September through May (closed Christmas).
The summer program schedule generally runs mid-June through Labor Day.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing generally mid-April through Columbus Day (early October).

National Park Service campgrounds at Oregon Inlet, Frisco, and Ocracoke are generally open Easter weekend through Columbus Day. The Cape Point Campground is generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Address:

1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Phone:

252-473-2111

Fax:

252-473-2595

Map

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina Map

Directions

The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras NS is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 South in Nags Head, NC. The Seashore's southern entrance is located on NC-12 North just north of Ocracoke, NC (assessible by ferry only).

To reach the Seashore's northern entrance:

From the North
Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, Va. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway. Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South.

From the West - Via I-95 into North Carolina.
Take US-64 East toward Rocky Mount. Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC. From Plymouth, NC keep going east to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South.

From the South - Coming from South Carolina
Take I-95 to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville and Washington, NC. From Washington, take State Route 30 to Plymouth, NC and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South.

To reach the Seashore's southern entrance:

Via the Cedar Island Ferry
From I-40 East, take Exit 306 to US-70 East. Follow US-70 East to Sea Level, NC. In Sea Level, take NC-12 North to the ferry terminal. The Cedar Island Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Village. Follow NC-12 North to the Seashore entrance. Ferry crossing time is 2.25 hours and reservations are required.

Via the Swan Quarter Ferry
Take USA-264 to NC-45 in Swan Quarter. Follow NC-45 South through town to the Hyde County Courthouse. At the courthouse, turn on Oyster Creek Road (SR-1128) and follow to the terminal. The Swan Quarter Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Village. Follow NC-12 North to the Seashore entrance. Ferry crossing time is is 2.5 hours and reservations are required.

Climate

Wind is an everyday occurrence on the Outer Banks, and can range from gentle southwest breezes to strong northeast storm winds. Local weather changes rapidly and can be very unpredictable. Summer days are usually warm and humid, and are often broken by fast-moving but severe thunderstorms. Winter temperatures are usually cool, though the wind can make them bitterly cold. Spring and Fall days can vary a great deal between these two extremes. Mosquitoes can be a significant problem throughout the warm- weather months. Clothing should be seasonal, but have extra gear available for wind and rain.

Fees

There is no entry fee for Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Some activities may charge additional fees.
Camping and boating fees are additional and vary.

Things To Do

Stop by one of our Visitor Centers: Your first stop should be at a park visitor center on Bodie, Hatteras or Ocracoke Islands to get orientation information on the park and learn a bit about the park too. Visit all three!

SWIMMING: There are generally several lifeguarded beaches provided only during summer months in the park. All swimming is at your own risk.

Swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach and other factors can cause strong currents to be present in the water even on the calmest days. Currents in the inlets can be especially dangerous.

Ocean conditions can change from day to day and from hour to hour. Before going in the water, spend a few moments watching the waves. Wave patterns are a good indicator of the presence of currents and where deep water and other "surprises" are located. Know what to expect before you go in the water.

Of special concern are rip currents. Certain weather conditions can make these currents stronger and more dangerous. The National Weather Service now post rip current forecasts for area beaches. Weak swimmers and children are advised to stay out of the ocean when there is an increased threat of rip currents, and even strong swimmers should stay out of the ocean on dangerous days.

FISHING/BOATING: Spring and fall at CapeHatteras offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the AtlanticCoast. Most of the beach and sounds are open to fishing - State of North Carolina fishing regulations apply. The numerous local tackle shops sell bait and fishing equipement, and are your best source for fishing information. There are several commercially operated fishing piers in the park. National Park Service operates a boat dock at SilverLake in Ocracoke. Commercial charter boat services are offered locally.

VISITING LIGHTHOUSES: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from mid-April through Columbus Day. The BodieIsland and Ocracoke Island Lighthouses are not open for climbing.

SHELLING: Cape Hatteras is an excellent place to explore for shells. A handbook, available from one of our bookstores, can be very helpful when less common shells are found. Please do not take shells with the animals in them. Take only empty shells.

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE: 4-wheel drive vehicles may be driven on the open beach, as marked, or on designated sand trails only. If your vehicle becomes stuck, towing fees can be quite expensive.

BIRDING: Birding is a year-round activity at the seashore. Terns and herons are best seen in the summer. The spring and fall seasons are excellent times to view shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Ducks and geese are common during the winter months.

RANGER PROGRAMS: Daily interpretive programs are offered from mid-June weekend through Labor Day. Program offerings are varied and take place at different locations throughout the park.

CAMPING: The park has four campgrounds. Camping is allowed only in these campgrounds. Camping on the beach is prohibited. Campers should prepare carefully for the natural conditions to be found at the park.

KAYAKING/CANOEING: Commercial kayaks and canoe rentals are available locally. Be sure to check the weather before your trip and remember to be careful of ocean currents, especially in the inlets. Don't get caught unaware!

WINDSURFING: Many windsurfers use the areas known as Salvo Day Use Area, Haulover Day Use Area on Hatteras Island. These areas are best used when the winds are out of the northeast and are blowing at least 10 mph. Booties should be worn to protect your feet from the broken shells which litter the bottom. Windsurfing equipment is available for rent locally.

HUNTING: A traditional use of the seashore has been waterfowl hunting on BodieIsland in the fall. This practice continues under federal and state hunting regulations.

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