Cape Hatteras

National Seashore
North Carolina

U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service

Metal Detectors: 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7) prohibits use of metal detectors in all national parks.

Fireworks: 36 CFR 2.38(b) prohibits the use or possession of fireworks in all national parks.

Vehicles: All vehicles used in the park, including those portions of the beach open for driving, must have a current vehicle registration, license tag, and the operators must have a valid driver's license. No ATV's are permitted in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Operation of a vehicle off paved roads is permitted only on marked routes or on designated portions of the beach. (Ask a Ranger for information on beach driving.)

Horses: Horses may be ridden only on the ocean beach seaward of the existing dunes, on vehicular beach access routes, along road shoulders or directly across paved routes where travel is necessary to cross to or from beach or beach access routes.

Bicycling: Use extreme caution. There are no established bike paths within the National Seashore. While attached bicycle lanes exist on portions of NC Highway 12, the road is relatively narrow with soft shoulders.

Swimming: Dates for lifeguarded beaches at Coquina, Buxton, and Ocracoke are 5/23-9/1/03. Tides, rip currents and strong waves make ocean swimming extremely hazardous.

Surfing: For safety reasons, surfing is prohibited within designated life-guarded beach swimming areas, specific areas adjacent to villages, and within 300 feet of fishing piers.

Pet Policy: Dogs, cats, or other pets are prohibited throughout the park unless crated, caged, on a six-foot leash, or otherwise under physical restraint. Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches. Pets running at large will be apprehended and returned to their owner, if known and located, or delivered to the local animal shelter for disposal in accordance with local procedures. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are permitted to remain with their owners at all times.

Fishing - Boating: Surf, sound, and pier fishing is excellent in the spring and fall. Fishing tackle may be rented at most local tackle and bait stores. There are several marinas in the area, which offer charter head-boat services and have boat-launching ramps. National Park Service boat launching ramps are located near the Oregon Inlet Marina and near Silver Lake on Ocracoke Island.

Personal Watercraft: The trailering, launching, or landing of PWC's on any NPS ocean or soundside beaches, public boat ramps at Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke Island, and the operation of PWC's within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is prohibited.

Dump Stations: RV dump stations are located near Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and Ocracoke Campgrounds and are available while NPS campgrounds are open. Dump stations are closed for use at the end of the NPS camping season.

Weather: For current weather conditions telephone (252)-223-5737 or check http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/mhx.

Open Fires: On Cape Hatteras National Seashore, open fires are permitted only in grills provided in designated campgrounds and picnic areas. Ground fires are permitted only on the ocean beach below high tide line.

Lighthouses: There are 3 lighthouses in the park. Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Ocracoke Lighthouse

Nature/Hiking Trails: Signed, self-guiding nature trails in the Seashore include: Hammock Hills Nature Trail (on Ocracoke Island), Buxton Woods Nature Trail (on Hatteras Island), and Bodie Island Dike Trail (on Bodie Island). Longer hikes can be taken along impoundment dike tops on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Birding: Birding is a year around activity at the park. Terns and herons are best seen in the summer. Spring and fall seasons are excellent times to view shorebirds, hawks and songbirds. Ducks and geese are common during the winter season.

For Personal Comfort: Insect repellant/netting, sunscreen, hat and jacket are often needed to protect oneself from the elements.

Alcoholic Beverages: Some alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Seashore, but consider the following. The laws of North Carolina do not permit spirituous liquors -- distilled liquors, whiskey, vodka, etc. -- or fortified wines to be consumed in public. Ask where you buy your wine if are unsure what's fortified and what's not. The legal drinking age in North Carolina is 21. Open containers of alcohol are not permitted within any motor vehicle, including vehicles on the beach. Please be sure to put all your can and bottles in the trash so you're not creating a hazard.

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