Complete Guide to Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina!

Cape Hatteras National Seashore in eastern North Carolina stretches the length of 70 miles along the Outer Banks.

The park was the first US National Seashore established in 1953 to preserve and protect parts of three unspoiled barrier islands.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The three islands of Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke form part of a chain of barrier islands that run from New York to Mexico along the Atlantic Ocean.

Pamlico Sound is 80 miles long and 15-20 miles wide saltwater lagoon. The sound creates miles of open water between the Outer Banks barrier islands and the mainland of the United States.

About Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras is the southern point that forms the "elbow" of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island was commissioned in 1794 and has been rebuilt several times.

The present-day lighthouse was built in 1870 and moved to its current location in 1999. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed to climbing and is undergoing an extensive restoration project.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island is only accessible by water or air. There are no roads that lead to the island.

There are three ferry options to the island including both passenger and vehicle ferries.

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built in 1922 and is the oldest lighthouse in North America and the 2nd oldest lighthouse in the United States

Bodie Island

The Bodie Island Lighthouse was first built in 1847 to guide ships through the rough Outer Banks waters which were known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open for climbing 7 days a week.

Is Cape Hatteras National Seashore worth visiting?

What is there not to love in the Outer Banks?

I mean seriously you have Cape Hatteras and Cape lookout, wild horses, several lighthouses, miles of beach to explore, epic sunrises and sunsets, and a plethora of beach activities to enjoy!

Just don't forget your supplies to make a sandcastle and get out to the beach!

History of Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the first National Seashore to be established, has a long and vibrant human history. Over the centuries, the Hatteras National Seashore has witnessed many significant events. The National Seashore tells the story of piracy, human conflict, and treacherous seas.

One of the most iconic symbols of the area is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships through the perilous waters off the coast of Cape Hatteras for over 150 years.

The Pirate Blackbeard at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Situated just off Ocracoke Island, within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the direction of the Ocracoke Inlet is the place where Blackbeard the Pirate fought the U.S. Navy, and lost.

Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, was one of the most notorious pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century. He operated in the waters off the coast of the Americas and the Caribbean, and his exploits and ruthless reputation made him a legend.

Blackbeard was a privateer during a period of continuous conflict in the colonies between Britain, France, and Spain known as the Colonial Wars.

Blackbeard operated during a long war known as the Queen Annes Wars which was fought from 1702 until 1713. Each country fighting for land employed men known as privateers, who were legal pirates. Their orders were to raid enemy ships.

When the conflict ended, many of these men continued to attack and raid ships in the Caribbean. They were no longer sanctioned privateers, but lawless pirates. Blackbeard was one such privateer who turned to a life of piracy.

Blackbeard operated in the Caribbean and captained a crew of 400 men. Blackbeard prowled the Caribbean for roughly two years, during which time he became one of the most feared pirates of all time.

Blackbeard and Ocracoke Island

In 1717, in an attempt to put a stop to pirates terrorizing their colonies in the Caribbean, Britain offered a pardon to any pirate who swore an oath to the crown. As long as the pirate never returned to a life of piracy, they would be free to live in peace.

Blackbeard decided to take the oath in North Carolina in 1718. Blackbeard decided to retire to Ocracoke Island. The retired pirate captain anchored his ship, the Adventure, in a strategic spot between Teach’s Hole Channel and the Ocracoke Inlet to make it easy for him to outmaneuver any larger ship that attacked him.

The Death of Blackbeard

Although Blackbeard had taken the oath and was therefore no longer a pirate, he was accused of violating his oath by the colonies of Virginia and South Carolina. The colonies sent raids into North Carolina to arrest former members of Blackbeard's crew.

On November 22nd, 1718, just 5 months after Blackbeard took his oath, the British Royal Navy conducted a raid on Ocracoke Island. The Navy cornered Blackbeard, but they ran aground just as Blackbeard had planned, on the Inlet.

A naval battle ensued, during which Blackbeard and his crew boarded one of the Navy vessels, the Jane. The commander of the Jane had kept his men hidden below deck to ambush Blackbeard. It was during the hand-to-hand fighting on the ship that Blackbeard was killed. The pirate's head was taken to Virginia, and placed on a pike.

The American Civil War at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

During the American Civil War (1861 - 1865), the islands protected by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore were hotly contested, and the scene of several battles.

Both the Confederates and the Union wanted control of the islands because they were a gateway to North Carolina. The Confederates built Fort Clark on Hatteras Island to control access to the Pamlico Sound.

Early in the war, the important Hatteras Inlet became a focal point for the Union and on August 28, 1861, the Battle of Hatteras Inlet took place. The battle began with seven Union ships bombarding Fort Clark. The Confederates abandoned Fort Clark after several hours of being fired upon and regrouped at Fort Hatteras.

The Union landed and took control of Fort Clark, then moved on to Fort Hatteras. The Union opened fire on Fort Hatteras just as the sun began to rise on August 29th. The Confederates were outnumbered and outgunned, forcing them to surrender. The Battle of Hatteras Inlet was one of the first Union victories of the war.

This naval battle of Hatteras Inlet was one of the first examples of free African Americans fighting in the war. Because of the significance of the victory at Hatteras Inlet, a haven for freed African Americans was set up near the fallen Confederate forts. The haven was called Hotel d'Afrique and was one of the very first of its kind.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Graveyard of the Atlantic

Cape Hatteras is often referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic'' due to the treacherous conditions of its waters. It is believed that more than 1,000 ships have been shipwrecked in the dangerous waters of the Outer Banks.

The waters off Cape Hatteras are particularly dangerous due to the convergence of the cold Labrador Current from the north and the warm Gulf Stream from the south. Ships move close to the Outer Banks to take advantage of the currents. Another reason the waters are so deadly is due to the ever-changing underwater sandbars of the Diamond Shoals.

The volatile weather of the region was also the cause of many shipwrecks, as hurricanes and strong winds often rip through the region. Ships would run aground on the Outer Banks before realizing they were close to land.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

It was because of the navigational challenges that Lighthouses were constructed on the islands of the Outer Banks, as well as life-saving stations. The first lighthouse at Cape Hatteras was constructed between 1799 and 1803.

The original lighthouse was demolished in 1871 after a new one had been completed in 1870. The new lighthouse was painted in the now famous, black and white daymark pattern to be easily recognizable by passing ships. The lighthouse is the tallest in the United States and operated until 1935.

Things to know before your visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Entrance fee

$0.00, there is no fee to visit the park.

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

Free Entrance Days -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

Time Zone

EST - Eastern Standard Time

Pets

Pets must be on a leash less than 6 feet long at all times.

Pets are not allowed in any buildings.

Cell Service

Cell service is generally good. We had consistent service during our visit to the park.

Park Hours

The grounds are open 24/7 but there may be seasonal closures for different sections of the beach.

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water.

We treat our clothes with permethrin insect repellent before we head to the park.

Water Bottle

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Food/Restaurants

There are no restaurants within the park but there are a ton near the park.

We suggest picking up snacks and food before heading to the beach or spending the day exploring the park.

Gas

There are no gas stations within the park. There are multiple gas stations in surrounding communities

Drones

Drones are not allowed on any lands or waters administered by the National Park Service.

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.

Cape Hatteras is part of the 2019 Passport Stamp Set as the Southeast Regional Stamp.

It was also featured in the 1988 Passport Stamp Set.

There is also a Cape Hatteras Passport Sticker

Electric Vehicle Charging

There are three public EV Charging stations available on Hatteras Island.

DC Fast charger is located at the Avon Pier parking lot in Avon.

Level 2 station is located in Rodanthe in the parking lot of Kitty Hawk Kites

Level 2 is located at Hatteras Landing in Hatteras Village.

Details about Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Size - Cape Hatteras NS encompasses 24,470 acres.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, within the authorized Seashore boundary, is 5,880 acres.

Check out how the park compares to the 63 National Parks by Size.

Date Established

Cape Hatteras NS was authorized by Congress on August 17, 1937, and established on January 12, 1953.

Visitation

In 2021, Cape Hatteras NS had 3,206,056 park visitors.

In 2020, Cape Hatteras NS had 2,648,522 park visitors.

In 2019, Cape Hatteras NS had 2,606,632 park visitors.

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Address

46375 Lighthouse Road
Cape Hatteras Light Station
Buxton, NC 27920

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Map

Credit - National Park Service

Where is Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 in Nags Head, NC.

The southern entrance is located on NC-12 just north of Ocracoke Village, NC (accessible by ferry only).

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Distance calculated to the Bodie Island Lighthouse

Duck, NC - 27.5 miles

Kitty Hawk, NC - 20 miles

Nags Head, NC - 10 miles

Charlotte, NC - 366 miles

Raleigh, NC - 200 miles

Greensboro, NC - 277 miles

Durham, NC - 225 miles

Charleston, SC - 453 miles

Atlanta, GA - 606 miles

Jacksonville, FL - 627 miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Distances calculated to the Bodie Island Lighthouse

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 529 miles

Congaree National Park - 405 miles

Mammoth Cave National Park - 754 miles

Shenandoah National Park - 291 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

Bodie Island Visitor Center

Location - six miles south of the northern entrance in the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters.

Hatteras Island Visitor Center

Location - Near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Museum of the Sea

Location - 50 miles south of the north entrance in Buxton, NC

Ocracoke Island Discovery Center

Location - within the village of Ocracoke

Whalebone Junction Information Center

Location - Located on Highway 12 in Nags Head, NC

Hatteras Island Weather Bureau Station

Location - 57190 Kohler Road, Hatteras, NC

Getting to Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Closest Airports

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is located about 151 miles to the north of Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Norfolk, VA.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located about 260 miles from the seashore.

Regional Airports

Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) - 174 miles

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) - 177 miles

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) - 198 miles

Fayetteville Regional Airport (RDU) - 296 miles

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) - 359 miles

Driving Directions

Cape Hatteras NS is located along NC-12 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

From the north by following US 158 to Nag Heads, NC, and the turn-off to NC-12 and Cape Hatteras NS.

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.

Best time to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The best time to visit the Outer Banks is between the months of March-May and September-November.

You will find far fewer visitors and lodging rates drop reflecting this change. Keep in mind that during late spring and early fall, the National Park Service blocks certain areas to protect threatened and endangered species.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Weather

Hurricane season in the Outer Banks runs between June 1 through November 30th. This is just a guide but when the highest probability to occur.

Did you know that the Outer Banks experience the most meteotsunamis along the east coast?

Better yet, what is a meteotsunamis?

They are typically about 1-foot waves that are barely noticeable, up to 2 feet or more waves that are much stronger can occur that can have impacts on land and lead to human injuries. unlike tsunamis that are generated by earthquakes, meteotsunamis are created by sudden air temperature drops like severe thunderstorms, squall lines, nor'easters, and tropical cyclones.

Best Things to do in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

There are so many epic things to do in Cape Hatteras NS!

You can spend your time relaxing on the beach, exploring historic lighthouses, birdwatching, fishing, surfing, shelling, or doing absolutely nothing but watching the waves.

Ocracoke Ponies

You can view the Ocracoke Ponies from the Pony Pen and Parking Lot on Ocracoke Island.

Enjoy the Beach

You can enjoy nearly 70 miles of the beach while visiting the park.

If you plan to go swimming make sure you are aware of rip currents.

There are four beaches along the national seashore that are staffed with lifeguards during the summer.

The four lifeguard beaches are Coquina Beach, Frisco Beach, Ocracoke Beach, and Old Lighthouse Beach.

Beach Fires

Fires are allowed on the beach from 6 am to 10 pm.

From November 16 to April 30, beach fires are allowed through the park.

From May 1 to November 15, beach fires are only allowed on the ocean beaches at Coquina Beach, Ocracoke Day Use Area and the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras to protect nesting sea turtles.

In order to have a beach fire, you do need a free beach fire permit from the National Park Service. They are available here.

Lighthouses

There are three historic lighthouses located in the park, The Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Open seasonally for self-guided climbs.

Visitors need to make a reservation tour time in order to climb the lighthouse.

There are over 200 steps from the ground to the top. There is no air conditioning or elevator to the top.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open to climbing 7 days a week beginning the third Friday in April through Columbus Day.

The first climb begins at 9 am, and the final climb is 5:40 pm.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens along with kids 11 and under.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be purchased from www.recreation.gov. Tickets go on sale at 7 am for that day's climbs only.

The park offers full moon tours of the lighthouse.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Currently not open due to ongoing restoration work.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The base is open periodically for viewing but it is not open to be climbed,

Wildlife viewing

Cape Hatteras is a great place for wildlife and bird watching. Over 400 species of birds have been spotted in or around the seashore.

A stop at the Bodie Island Marsh Blind provides a great place for wildlife viewing. The blind is open from April 1 through the middle of November most years.

Sea Turtles

There are five species of sea turtles found along the Cape Hatteras NS - the leatherback, hawksbill (rarely seen), Kemp's Ridley, loggerhead and green.

The Kemp's Ridley, leatherback and hawksbill are listed as Endangered, the loggerhead is Threatened, and the green is Threatened.

If You See a Sea Turtle...always call 252-216-6892 to report any sighting (sea turtle nesting, live, cold-stunned, dead, tangled, etc.).

Junior Ranger Program

Junior Ranger programs can be picked up at the visitor centers. The program is a great way for visitors of all ages to learn more about the park.

Off-Road Vehicles

There are ramps along the seashore that provide access to the ocean beaches.

Use of ORVs within Cape Hatteras NS requires a permit.

If you plan to go off-roading make sure to check current access ORV Routes on the NPS website.

Every vehicle heading out to the beach is required to carry a low-pressure tire gauge, a shovel, a jack, and a jack support board.

Fishing

The best fishing is in the spring and fall but you can fish year-round.

Any visitor over the age of 16 has to have a Coastal Recreational Fishing License.

Hiking in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.

There are three signed nature trails within the National Seashore.

Hammock Hills Nature Trail - Ocracoke Island

Distance - .75 mile loop

Buxton Woods Nature Trails - Hatteras Island

Distance - .75 mile loop

Bodie Island Dike Trail - Bodie Island

Distance - ⅛ mile long boardwalk

Open Ponds Trail - Hatteras Island

Distance - 4.5 mile one way, 9 miles round trip

How to beat the crowds in Cape Hatteras National Seashore?

Try arriving during the week or on Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday.

Saturday traffic can be a beast taking up way too much time from your beach vacation.

If possible visit during the off-season or shoulder season instead of the busy summer season.

Where to stay when visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore

There are no National Park Lodges in Cape Hatteras NS

Check out the amazing vacation rentals and lodging near Cape Hatteras!

Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging - Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging provides laundry facilities and more. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Hatteras Island Inn - Hatteras Island Inn provides everything you need. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

The Inn on Pamlico Sound - Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a library at The Inn on Pamlico Sound. This inn is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach, beach umbrellas, and beach towels. Enjoy onsite activities like rowing/canoeing, surfing/body boarding, and kayaking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a bar.

Swell Motel - Swell Motel provides amenities like a playground and a gym. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Avon Motel - Avon Motel provides laundry facilities and more. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Cape Pines Motel - Take advantage of a grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a garden at Cape Pines Motel. In addition to laundry facilities and a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Click on the map below to find current hotel and vacation rental rates for your stay!

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Camping

There are four designated campgrounds within Cape Hatteras NS.

You will want to make a reservation as soon as you know you are heading to the Outer Banks. These campgrounds are POPULAR!!!!

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Things to know when planning a camping trip to Cape Hatteras

Dump stations are located at the Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and Ocracoke Campgrounds.

Holders of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access Pass, or the Golden Age or Access pass are eligible for a 50% discount on their campsite.

Oregon Inlet Campground has heated showers: Frisco, Cape Point, and Ocracoke have unheated showers. All campgrounds have modern restrooms and potable water.

No more than two vehicles (a pop-up camper is considered a vehicle) and six persons may occupy a single site.

Mosquitoes may be a problem, so netting and insect repellent are recommended.