Can You Camp Cape Lookout?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Campfires:

Campfires are permitted in the park, but only on open beaches below the high tide line

. It is generally best to bring your firewood with you. Driftwood may be collected but is extremely limited.

Can you camp on OBX beaches?


Camping directly on the beaches of the OBX is not permitted

, but there are many excellent campgrounds on the Outer Banks and in the surrounding coastal area. Most offer beach access or sound access.

How do you camp on Cape Lookout?

Camping is permitted on all Islands within Cape Lookout National Seashore, however,

there are no designated campsites

. Tent campers may set up among, but not on, the dunes just behind the ocean beach as well as on the sound-side of the Island. Vehicle camping is permitted only on North and South Core Banks.

How do you stay at Cape Lookout?

There are two ways to stay overnight on the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Rustic cabins may be rented from mid-March through the end of November, while primitive camping is available year-round

. Rustic cabin rentals are available on North Core Banks at Long Point and on South Core Banks at Great Island.

Is camping allowed on Shackleford Banks?


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.

Does Cape Lookout campground have showers?

Cape Lookout State Park Campground Amenities Showers: Yes Dump station: Yes

Can you drive on Cape Lookout?

Although Cape Lookout National Seashore allows vehicles to drive off-road, it is not an “off-road park.”

Driving is allowed as a means of transportation only and is restricted to the open oceanside beach seaward of the dunes and on marked trails

. Speed limits are posted and enforced.

Can you climb Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is

generally open for climbing from the third week in May to the third weekend in September

. Self-guiding tours of up to 10 people* will begin every 15 minutes during the hours of operation.

How much is the Cape Lookout Ferry?

Vehicle Ferry rate (roundtrip)


Passengers: $14.00-$16.00 per person; Vehicles: $75.00-$80.00 per standard size (18 1/2 ft and under) vehicle

. Larger vehicles cost more. Vehicles are carried by concession operators.

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 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 campsite permit

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

How do you camp in the Outer Banks?

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.

How long is the Cape Lookout ferry ride?

On this gorgeous

15-20 minute

ferry ride to Cape Lookout, you may catch a glimpse of the Shackleford Banks horses, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and more! Enjoy the majestic Cape Lookout lighthouse, surf fishing, wide beaches, and the beach shuttle to get you to the best shelling on the eastern seaboard!

What should I bring to Cape Lookout?

Tips for Visiting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

As a result, visitors will want to bring along

snacks, sunscreen, and especially big spray

. If you go, make sure and reserve plenty of time to explore the nearby beaches!

Can you stay on Portsmouth Island NC?

Where do you stay on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Visitors can camp anywhere on the Portsmouth Island beaches, except within the historic district where Portsmouth Village is located

.

How do I get to Shackleford Banks?

Although the Shackleford Banks is only accessible by boat, reaching the Shackleford Banks is a fairly easy venture thanks to

Island Express Ferry Service

. Island Express Ferry Service is the only taxi service that is commisioned by the National Park Service to provide transportation to and from Shackleford Banks.

Where can I fish in Cape Lookout?

Cape Lookout Shoals runs 10 miles almost due south into the Atlantic Ocean.

To the west of the shoals is Onslow Bay, and to the east is Raleigh Bay

, locally referred to as the East Side, known to produce the most consistent fishing.

How long is Cape Lookout island?

How large is the Cape Lookout National Seashore? The string of barrier islands that make up the Cape Lookout National Seashore are

56 miles

long, from the northern tip of Portsmouth Village to the southeastern tip of the Shackleford Banks.

Can you camp on Netarts Spit?

Near Tillamook, Oregon, United States


A popular campground and day-use area, Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean

. This scenic park is a destination for hiking, beachcombing and visiting sites along the Three Cape Scenic Route.

Why is Cape Lookout Oregon closed?

A 2020 windstorm, which fueled historic wildfires in other parts of the state, knocked down and damaged trees within Oswald West and Cape Lookout state parks.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Lookout Campground?


Dogs are allowed at Cape Lookout State Park Campground

. Pets must be confined by the owner, or on a leash not more than six (6) feet long, and kept under physical control at all times.

Can you swim on Cape Lookout?


Swimming is a popular activity at Cape Lookout National Seashore

, especially in the summer when water temperatures can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on any of the beaches at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Swim at your own risk.

Are there wild horses on Cape Lookout?

Shackleford Banks, the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, is home to

more than 100 wild horses

. Venture out by boat or passenger ferry to enjoy the rare privilege of watching horses that live without the help of man.

Do you have to take a ferry to Cape Lookout?

Cape Lookout National Seashore, including the Shackleford Banks which are located across from Beaufort, are

only accessible by boat or ferry

, and as such the services on these islands are very limited.

Is Cape Lookout Lighthouse still active?

During the summer, the Cape Lookout Light Station Visitor Center and Keepers’ Quarters Museum are open. Though tower climbs were suspended in February 2008, the lighthouse opened for climbing permanently July 15, 2010.

The regular season lasts from mid-May to mid-September each year

.

Why is Cape Lookout Lighthouse closed?

The historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which dates to 1857, will be closed at least three years (through 2023)

to address fears the stairwell and floors won’t withstand the weight of tourists ascending its 207 steps

.

Why is it so difficult to visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse?

It’s also well known as one of the most difficult to get to, simply because of

its location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore

, which is only accessible by personal watercraft or ferry.

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.