Can I Still Camp On Hatteras Island?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Frisco Woods Campground

: One of the more well-known campgrounds on Hatteras Island, Frisco Woods is located on the Pamlico Sound. Soundfront are available, as well as more secluded campsites nestled in the trees. Hook-ups are available for RV sites, and tent sites can be primitive or have hook-ups.

Are the Outer Banks lighthouses open?


The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open seasonally for self-guided climbs

. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse may not be open for climbing in 2022 due to ongoing restoration efforts. The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is not open for climbing but the base is open periodically for viewing.

Can you camp out on the Outer Banks North Carolina?


Permits are not required for camping in the Outer Banks

, but you must stay in official campgrounds that are either privately owned or managed by the National Park Service. Oceanfront camping means behind the barrier dunes; camping on the beach itself is not allowed.

Why is Hatteras Lighthouse closed?

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed to climbing for the 2021 season

due to an extensive restoration project

. Climbing is available at nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Is Hwy 12 open to Hatteras?


The highway is now fully open on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands

, as N.C. 12 also reopened on Ocracoke Island earlier this morning, as well as in northern Buxton.

Is the road to Cape Hatteras open?


The road is open

, but soundside flooding remains an issue in many places, so travel is still not advised, especially in low-clearance vehicles. If you must, travel with EXTREME CAUTION. Stay safe. Soundside flooding is worsening all along NC12 between Oregon Inlet and Hatteras.

Can you camp on Hatteras beach?

Camping on Cape Hatteras National Seashore


The area has many campgrounds, several of which are managed by the National Park Service

. Driving on the beach is allowed in certain areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, however, a beach driving permit is required.

Are tents allowed on Outer Banks beaches?


Canopies and tents must be placed no closer than 10 feet apart

. Tents and canopies cannot be larger than 12×12 and stand no higher than 9 feet above the sand when erected. Beach equipment cannot obstruct the line of sight of a lifeguard to the sand and cannot obstruct the passage of public works or emergency vehicles.

How much does it cost to camp at the Outer Banks?

Campground Location Cost Oregon Inlet Oregon Inlet Campground Highway 12 Nags Head, NC 27954

$28 for no utilities/$35 for utility hookups
Cape Point* 46700 Lighthouse Road Buxton, NC 27920 $20 Frisco 53415 Billy Mitchell Road Frisco, NC 27936 $28 Ocracoke 4352 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 $28

How long is the ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke?

Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily year-round, and the crossing takes

60 minutes

.

Do you have to take a ferry to Hatteras Island?

You can't just hop in your car and drive. The only way to get to Ocracoke is by boat (or small plane).

Free ferries from Hatteras Island run continuously throughout the summer season to Ocracoke Island

; wait times may average one to two hours.

Is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse still in operation?

Due to threatening beach erosion,

the Bureau of Lighthouses decommissioned the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1935

.

Is Bodie Island Lighthouse still in operation?

The building now serves as a ranger office and visitor center for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The most recent restoration of the lighthouse itself was completed in 2013. Still a functioning navigational aid,

the tower is open seasonally for public tours

.

How much did it cost to move the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

The lighthouse was moved in June 1999 at a cost of

$11.8 million

.

How long did it take to build the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?

In December 1870, the new lighthouse at Cape Hatteras, destined to become one of North Carolina's most enduring symbols, was lit for the first time. The new lighthouse took

over two years

to build and cost $155,000, more than twice the cost originally allocated by Congress.

What is the least crowded beach in North Carolina?


Emerald Isle Beach

, North Carolina

Beaches are not usually crowded, making it a good place for swimming, body boarding, and shelling – just watch out for its population of nesting sea turtles.

Can you drive the Outer Banks?


A beach driving permit is required for driving on all Outer Banks beaches, except the northern 4WD beaches of Carova

. Permits are available from the National Park Service for driving in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, or from the respective towns, (like Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills), in the central Outer Banks.

Is Bonner Bridge open?

The pier is free and

open 24 hours a day

. View photos on Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Flickr page.

Is the point in Buxton NC Open?

Cape Point remains open to both ORVs and pedestrians from beach access ramps 43 and 44 in Buxton.

Can you camp on Shackleford island?


Everything you need to know about Camping on Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks can be found on the National Park Service website

. Each passenger is allowed 2 free carry-ons, which can be a tote, backpack, small cooler, etc. There is a fee of $5.00 per item for any item over 2 or for oversized items.

How much does it cost to camp at Carolina beach?

Reservations are on a first come/first service basis. During this period, there is a

$50.00 per night fee for a permit

. NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING is allowed the Friday before Memorial day through the Sunday before Labor Day.

How long is the Outer Banks in North Carolina?

The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands that skirt the coast of North Carolina from the Virginia border to Cape Lookout through Currituck, Dare, Hyde, and Carteret Counties.

More than 175 miles

long, they are separated as much as 30 miles from the mainland by a series of shallow sounds.

Can you metal detect on Hatteras Island?


Metal detecting is prohibited within Cape Hatteras National Seashore

. These prohibited beaches include Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Rodanthe, Salvo and Waves.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in NC?

Remember, underage drinking is always against the rules. Carolina Beach – 3 hours, 46 minutes –

If you're headed to the Beach Strand, don't take any alcohol at all

. If you're driving and parking on the beach at Freeman Park, you can take beer (cans only), but no liquor.

Can you metal detect at the Outer Banks?

In general,

metal detecting is allowed at the public beaches on the Outer Banks

. These prohibited beaches include Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Rodanthe, Salvo and Waves. Additionally, metal detecting is prohibited in all North Carolina State Parks, which include the beach at Jockey Ridge State Park.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.