Special Use Permit - Long-Term Parking

Vehicles parked in the long-term parking lot on South Core Banks at Great Island Cabin Camp.

NPS/Pat Bland

Planning to leave your vehicle parked while enjoying Cape Lookout National Seashore? Here's what you need to know about long-term parking permits, fees, and how to apply.

When Is a Parking Permit Required?

A Long-Term Parking Permit is required for any vehicle or trailer left unattended for more than 24 hours on North Core Banks or South Core Banks.

Exceptions:

• Visitors parking at the Harkers Island Visitor Center while camping on the barrier islands do not need a Long-Term Parking Permit.

• Vehicles left unattended for less than 24 hours do not require a parking permit.

Vehicles parked for less than 24 hours may be left on the open beach or in designated short-term parking areas, provided they do not block traffic or enter areas closed to vehicles.

Designated Long-Term Parking Areas

Vehicles left unattended for more than 24 hours must be parked in one of the following designated areas:

• Great Island Cabin Camp Area – South Core Banks

• Cape Lookout Lighthouse Area – South Core Banks

• Former Long Point Cabin Camp Area – North Core Banks

Permit Decal Requirements

Your issued parking decal must be displayed on:

• Vehicles: Driver's side of the front bumper.

• Trailers: A visible location on the trailer body.

Permit Fees

Monthly Permit - $60 per month

Annual Permit - $450 per season

Which permit should you choose?

If you plan to park for more than 8 months, an annual permit is the more economical option.

How to Obtain a Long-Term Parking Permit

To help ensure your permit is processed before your trip, please follow these steps.

Step 1: Complete the Application

• Complete all required sections of the application and provide any required supporting documents.

Step 2: Save Your Application

• Download or save a copy of your completed application to email and for your records.

Step 3: Complete the Pay.gov Form

• Enter the required information

• Select either monthly or annual parking permit and review your information carefully.

• Follow the Pay.gov instructions to submit the non-refundable parking fee.

Step 4: Save Your Receipt

• After your payment is successfully submitted, Pay.gov will provide confirmation and receipt email.

• Save or download a copy of your receipt to email and for your records.

Step 5: Email your application and proof of payment to [e-mail]

Once your application is received, park staff will contact you within 7–10 business days with permit for signature and information about parking decal.

 

After Submitting Permit Information:

• All required documentation must be current and valid. Incomplete applications will delay processing, and parking decals will not be issued until all required documentation is received.
• Permit holders are responsible for providing updated documents when they expire.
• Permit holders are responsible for maintaining monthly payments. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.

Decal distribution depends on your parking location:

• North Core Banks (Long Point Area): Your parking decal will be mailed to you.

• South Core Banks: Pick up your parking decal at the Great Island Cabin Office, open daily from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM during the season.

Questions or Assistance?

For questions about Long-Term Parking Permits or Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permits, please contact:

Cape Lookout National Seashore
Harkers Island Visitor Center
Phone: [phone]
e-mail us

Permit Fee Authority

The National Park Service is authorized under 54 U.S.C. 103104 and 54 U.S.C. 200101 to recover costs associated with managing special park uses. These fees are intended to cover administrative and operational costs, not generate revenue beyond actual expenses.