Photo: NPS Photo
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all.
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Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually.
Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!
The beach from the northern boundary of Rodanthe to the pier in Rodanthe is closed to all access as multiple threatened oceanfront structures pose risks to public safety.
The Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) is closed to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The project will provide full resurfacing of paved areas, new reflective paint, and new tie-downs and anchors, improving visitor safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Public access is closed for 300 feet north and south of a groin repair project site in Buxton, as well as the adjacent ocean area to the east. Surfers, swimmers, and all other recreationists should stay at least 300 feet from the southernmost groin area for safety purposes.
The beachfront in front of Buxton Village is temporarily closed due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures and Dare County's beach nourishment project. Renourished sections of beach will open to the public immediately after construction activities conclude in the areas, generally within 24 hours.
28 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
4 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Reservable Campground
Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the sites prior to…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Reservations only via Recreation.gov Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Overview
Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the sites prior to paying. Cape Point Campground is centrally located to all of the attractions on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The campground puts you within walking distance of arguably the best fishing and surfing on the east coast.
Recreation
A short walk through the dunes leads you to the beach at the infamous Cape Hatteras. Many trophy fish have been landed from the point, and it has been a surfing destination for decades. If you prefer to drive to the beach you can access one of the many off-road vehicle ramps within a short distance of the campground. Exploration of the barrier islands beyond their beaches is possible on a hike through the nearby maritime forest. The Buxton Woods Trail is a 3/4 mile loop that can be accessed just north of the campground at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area on Lighthouse Road.Facilities
Cape Point Campground is the largest campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each campsite is equipped with a paved parking pad, picnic table and charcoal grill. Rows D, E, and F are reserved for tent camping only. There are no hook-ups in the campground for RVs. Four sets of restrooms and outdoor shower facilities are dispersed evenly throughout the campground. Water spigots providing potable water are readily available.Natural Features
The campground is nestled between rolling dunes to the south and the largest remaining tract of maritime forest on the North Carolina coast to the north. The environment is naturally suited to accommodate many bird and mammal species. A large heard of white tail deer frequent the area.Nearby Attractions
The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located just north of Cape Point Campground on Lighthouse Road next to the Visitor Center. Standing at 198 feet, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It has undoubtedly saved the lives of many mariners navigating around the treacherous Diamond Shoals. The Museum of the Sea is also located near the Visitor Center within the shadow of the lighthouse. The museum's operating hours vary with the season.
Buxton Beach is a family friendly swimming destination staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is a short walk or bike ride from the campground. Parking is available at the old lighthouse site adjacent to the current location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.
Reservable Campground
Frisco Campground is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Camping here will put you in a prime location to experience the…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Payment is only accepted through Recreation.gov. Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled…
Overview
Frisco Campground is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Camping here will put you in a prime location to experience the history, culture, and breathtaking beauty of North Carolina's barrier islands.Recreation
On a walk around the Frisco Campground visitors can enjoy the rolling topography, views of the Atlantic Ocean, and at night, the sweeping beacon of the nearby Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Boardwalks from the campground to the beach give pedestrians easy access to enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, and fishing. There is also an off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp at the entrance of the campground for beach driving with a Cape Hatteras ORV permit.Facilities
Campers have access to modern restrooms with flushing toilets, potable water, and outdoor unheated showers. Each campsite is equipped with a paved parking pad, picnic table, and a charcoal grill for cooking. There are no RV hook ups in the campground. Dumpsters and a recycling center are located at the entrance of the campground. Wooden boardwalks make it easy for campers to travel to and from the beach.Natural Features
The elevated dunes in Frisco Campground afford campers the opportunity to have an ocean view from some of the campsites. Dense vegetation creates a sense of privacy not present in the other campgrounds on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.Nearby Attractions
Frisco campground is within a short drive of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The beacon gained fame in 1999 when it was picked up and moved 2900 ft. to its current location. It is also the tallest brick lighthouse in the country.
Charges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations to reservations follow Recreation.gov polices.
Reservable Campground
Located in the famous Outer Banks area of the stunning North Carolina coast, this campground is perfect for a beach getaway trip. The seashore provides a place for…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Reservations only via recreation.gov Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Overview
Located in the famous Outer Banks area of the stunning North Carolina coast, this campground is perfect for a beach getaway trip.Recreation
The seashore provides a place for active recreation or for quiet reflection. Campers can visit a lighthouse, look for seashells, go fishing and clamming or just sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty of the white sandy beaches.Facilities
Ocracoke Campground is only accessible by ferry or aircraft. Campsites are located on sandy soil, so campers are encouraged to bring extra-long tent stakes. Flush toilets, drinking water, cold showers, and grills are all provided for a more comfortable beach camping experience. The campground is conveniently located on the ocean side, separated from the beach by barrier dunes.
Natural Features
Ocracoke Campground sits on a barrier island along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The shore a recreational oasis for beach lovers. This ribbon of sand provides some of the most dazzling scenery that the Atlantic coast has to offer.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.Nearby Attractions
Nearby Ocracoke Village offers restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, a gas station, and tackle shop.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservations only via recreation.gov
Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Reservable Campground
Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. When camping here, you are within a short distance of the full service town of…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Reservations only via recreation.gov Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Overview
Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. When camping here, you are within a short distance of the full service town of Nags Head to the north, and the world class fishing at Oregon Inlet to the south.Recreation
The beach adjacent to the campground can be reached by foot from your campsite as well as by vehicle with a Cape Hatteras Off-Road Vehicle Permit. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, surfing, birding, and shell hunting. The calmer waters of the sound to the west of the campground can be accessed at the public boat launch at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Popular sound side opportunities include crabbing, clamming, paddle-boarding, boating, and fishing.Facilities
Each of the three loops in the campground have a bath house with flush toilets, potable water, and outdoor unheated/cold showers. Each campsite has a paved parking pad, picnic table, and charcoal grill. There are limited sites with RV hook-ups. A dump and water fill station are located directly across Highway 12 at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and are free of charge for campers.
Natural Features
The campground is located on the east side of the barrier island, just a short walk through the dunes to the expansive waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Sea Oats and other native flowering plants blanket the dunes providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.Nearby Attractions
The historic Bodie Island Lighthouse is approximately four miles north of Oregon Inlet Campground on NC Highway 12. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open seasonally for self-guided climbs. Climb tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be purchased from www.recreation.gov. Tickets go on sale at 7am for that day's climbs only. Tickets may only be purchased on the same day of your intended climb. Coquina Beach Day Use Area is located directly across HWY 12 from the Bodie Island Lighthouse access road. The day use area provides a vehicle free beach perfect for families. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Coquina Beach is staffed with lifeguards to ensure the safety of visitors. Other amenities at Coquina Beach include a bathhouse with outdoor cold showers, flush toilet restrooms, water fountains, and a boardwalk to the beach.
Charges & Cancellations
Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
Find passes, tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Ticket Facility
The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tours are a great way to…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, MANTEO, NC 252-475-9602 Directions
This tour may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (i.e., high winds, storms, and/or lightning in the area).
Ticket Facility
The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tours are a great way to…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE, Buxton, NC 252-475-9602
Visitor Center
The Hatteras Weather Bureau Station was built in 1901 as one of the many stations along the east coast that would forecast weather for boats and the surrounding…
Visitor Center
The Whalebone Junction Information Center is located on Highway 12 in Nags Head, NC at the entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Park maps, newspapers, and…
Facility
NOTE: The building is closed due to a January 2025 structure fire, but rangers are on site to assist visitors, and the lighthouse is open for climbing. Approximately six…
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, NC (252) 473-2111 Directions
Facility
About 50 miles south of the seashore's north entrance is the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea in Buxton, NC. The Museum of the Sea is within the…
46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC (252) 473-2111 Directions
Facility
The Ocracoke Island Discovery Center is where you can go within the village of Ocracoke to get park information and start your exploration of Ocracoke Island.
38 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC (252) 473-2111 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Park Grounds
The grounds of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are always open for visitors, though there are resource closures that seasonally affect different parts of the beach.
No entrance fees listed.
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The weather along the Outer Banks varies throughout the year and even throughout the day. Please check the National Weather Service information at http://www.weather.gov/mhx/ for forecast information.
An introduction to the shorebirds of Hatteras. Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available.
Available for purchase on recreation.gov. Lighthouse climbing ticket sales are available starting the day of the climb at 7:00am, with climbs available every 20 minutes 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Experience climbing the lighthouse in the evening.
Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
Wars, hurricanes, winds, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.
Wars, hurricanes, winds, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.
Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and learn about current restoration efforts.
Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and the keepers that kept the light burning.
Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for all ages.
Come meet the ponies who once roamed as a wild herd and learn about their living history on Ocracoke Island.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located along NC-12 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You can reach the seashore from the north by following US 158 to Nag Heads, NC and the turn-off to NC-12 and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
From the south, you can take NCDOT ferries from Swanquarter, NC and Cedar Island, NC to the village of Ocracoke on Ocracoke Island. The provided physical address is the location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, roughly in the middle of the park.
Mailing address: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Manteo, NC 27954
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
