• Cape Lookout Lighthouse from Barden Inlet

    Cape Lookout

    National Seashore North Carolina

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  • Change in Harkers Island Visitor Center Hours

    Harkers Island Visitor Center hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until further notice.

Laws & Policies

Rules & Regulations

Wildlife Nesting & Vehicle Closure Areas

Superintendent's Compendium (2013) (896 KB, pdf)
Local park rules regarding fires, pets, beach driving, camping, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36
Federal rules governing what happens in a National Park.

Wildlife Closure information has moved -- follow this link to its new address.
North Carolina State ATV Regulations
The state regulations went into effect December 1, 2005
Annual Wildlife Reports


 

Federal Firearms Regulations

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit our state's website:

Concieled Handguns Receprocity

North Carolina Firearms Laws, updated 12/2011 (pdf, 2.2 MB) -- a quick guide to NC handgun laws can be found on pages 41 and 42.

Federal law (Title 18-Part 1-Chapter 44-Section 930) prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; Including but not limited to,

  • all residences, administrative and maintenance buildings at Shell Point on Harkers Island,
  • all employee and volunteer residences within the park,
  • the Light Station Visitor Center and the Keepers' Quarters Museum at the Lighthouse Complex on South Core Banks, and the Lighthouse itself,
  • all buildings occupied by park staff and volunteers at:
    • Great Island,
    • Long Point,
    • Portsmouth Village

All of these places are marked with signs at all public entrances prohibiting the carry of weapons, concealed or otherwise. For more specific information call or email this park.

Did You Know?

Humpback whale in front of Cape Lookout lighthouse

Diamond City was a shore-based whaling community located where Barden Inlet now separates the islands of Shackleford Banks and South Core Banks. Crews would row whaling dories out from shore to chase the whales as they migrated past the island. Cape Lookout National Seashore