• Brown Pelican taking off.

    Cape Hatteras

    National Seashore North Carolina

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  • New Off Road Vehicle Regulations

    New off road vehicle (ORV) regulations are now in effect. Please check here for information on how to get your ORV permit More »

  • Beach Fire Permits are required

    Beach Fire Permits are now required. These permits are free. Please check here for information on how to get your Beach Fire Permit More »

First Amendment Rights

The National Park Service has long recognized freedom of speech, press, religion and public assembly. However, the courts have held that certain activities associated with exercising these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources and the public's legitimate use of the park's resources.

First Amendment activities require a special use permit in advance of the activity and the park may regulate the time, place and manner of the activity in accordance with court and public law guidelines. Specific examples of first amendment activities requiring a special use permit include:

  • Distribution of printed matter
  • Political speeches
  • Religious services
  • Public assemblies
  • Collecting signatures for petitions
The park has set aside special First Amendment zones for these activities, and a map will be furnished to those requesting in writing a copy, addressed to the Superintendent at our mailing address: National Park Service, Outer Banks Group, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, North Carolina 27954.

Did You Know?

Ocracoke Inlet was one of the most heavily traveled inlets in the 1700s.

In the 1700s, Ocracoke Inlet was one of the busiest inlets in the East. It was one of the few navigable waterways for ships accessing inland ports such as Elizabeth City, Edenton or New Bern. It was here that Blackbeard the pirate found the inlet's heavy shipping traffic ripe for easy pickings.