Plan Your Visit

A little planning can make your visit to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore more enjoyable. Unlike neighboring beaches, no bridges cross from the mainland to the islands. A boat ride is a must for reaching the area - either your own boat or a ferry. There are also no paved roads, concession stands, bathhouses, camp stores or trash cans in the seashore. Except for the ferry landing areas, the islands are undeveloped and wild.

A horse stands in tall grass with water in the foreground.

Basic Information

Planning a trip to the seashore? Learn what you need to know.

Ariel view of seashore with sand, trees, and a blue sky with clouds.

Direction and Transportation

Learn how to visit the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore.

A tent on the beach with star filled skies.

Eating and Sleeping

Learn about camping, and rustic cabins throughout the seashore.

Things to Do

Looking for adventure? Let us help!

A horse grazes on grass with the lighthouse behind. Blue sky in the background.

Places to Go

Explore the unique places throughout the seashore.

Milky Way above Lighthouse Keepers. Cape Lookout Light flashes. Sand and grass covered dunes.

Events and Programs Calendar

Check out what events and programs are available during your visit.

Two stripped chairs with a 5 gallon bucket between them on the sand. A person wearing a hat sits in the right chair. People in the background standing in the water. A cloudy blue sky in the background, — Visitors enjoying a day at the Point.
NPS Photo/S.Godin

Plan a Day Trip

Visit for a couple of hours, a half day, or all day--there's plenty to do and see.

Hit the beach for shelling, swimming, and fishing. Become a Junior Ranger - be sure to stop by a park visitor center or a cabin camp office to pick up your Junior Ranger booklet or begin your Junior Ranger Adventure. Join us for a ranger-led program: Check our Ranger Programs page for the types of programs available in various areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Explore our Calendar to find out what guided talks, hikes and other events are planned during your visit. Explore the area near Cape Lookout Lighthouse while you are on the island. Tour Portsmouth Village.

For additional guided tours of the park by boat, kayak or atv as well as shelling and horse watching opportunities; see our list of commercial tour operators.

Suggested items to bring:

Drinks and snacks or a picnic lunch.
Hand sanitizer and/or moist towelettes. Most areas do not have sinks or running water.
A trash bag to carry any empty wrappers, drink containers, or the remains of your lunch back to the mainland for recycling or disposal. Remember there are no trash cans or garbage pickup on the islands; help us keep the beach clean.
Sunscreen and a hat for shade.
Insect repellent.
Comfortable clothing and shoes that can take getting sandy and wet. Remember to check the weather and dress accordingly.
Beach or fishing gear if going swimming, surf fishing or for other activities.

Three bunk beds with a window in the background. The sun fills the room, leaving streaks on the beds and walls. — Inside cabin 3 of Great Island Cabin Camp.
NPS Photo/Lisa Giris

Plan an Overnight Trip

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. Reservations are highly recommended. While the basics are provided you will still need to bring a few things:

bed linens or a sleeping bag.
an ice chest and ice for your food and drinks (no refrigerators).
your food and drinks.
a lantern for light and/or a generator if staying at Great Island Cabin Camps, the cabins at Long Point do have some solar generated electricity provided.

Learn more about the cabins...