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
Contents
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- About Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Is Cape Hatteras National Seashore worth visiting?
- History of Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Things to know before your visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Details about Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Map
- Where is Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
- Getting to Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Driving Directions
- Best time to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Weather
- Best Things to do in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Hiking in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- How to beat the crowds in Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
- Where to stay when visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Camping
- Parks near 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
Cape Hatteras NS was the first National Seashore authorized by Congress in 1937.
The park was formally dedicated in 1958.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1870 as a successor to an earlier smaller lighthouse.
The lighthouse warns ships away from Diamond Shoals. It is the tallest lighthouse in the United States and one of the most recognizable.
Things to know before your visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Entrance fee
$0.00, there is no fee to visit the park.
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.
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 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 - 1/8 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
Check out the amazing vacation rentals near Cape Hatteras!
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!!!!
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.
Oregon Inlet Campground
Campsites - 107, 47 with hookups
Location - Highway 12, Nags Head, NC
Season - year-round
Reservations - Yes, www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777 up to 6 months in advance.
Max length - 40' at all sites
Cape Point Campground
Campsites - 202
Location - 46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC
Season - Open April to November
Reservations - Yes, www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777 up to 6 months in advance.
Max length - 40' at all sites
Frisco Campground
Campsites - 127
Location - 53415 Billy Mitchell Road, Frisco, NC
Season - Open April to November
Reservations - Yes, www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777 up to 6 months in advance
Max length - 40' at all sites
Frisco Campground is located among sand dunes. You will want to be prepared for sand!
Ocracoke Campground
Campsites - 136
Location - 4352 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC
Season - year-round
Reservations - Yes, www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777 up to 6 months in advance
Max length - 40' at all sites
Parks near Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Moores Creek National Battlefield
Ninety Six National Historic Site
Check out all of the North Carolina National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Virginia, National Parks in Tennessee, South Carolina National Parks, and Georgia National Parks
National Park Service Website
Leave a Reply