News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore to resume normal operations Sunday, Aug. 24; a few safety closures remain in effect

Date: August 23, 2025
Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — While Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) will resume normal operations tomorrow, Aug. 24, be advised that there are a few safety closures that remain in effect.

Swimming Advisories
The Seashore urges residents and visitors to follow the precautionary water quality swimming advisory issued for ocean-side areas impacted by Hurricane Erin in Dare County along the Seashore. The state recreational water quality officials issued a precautionary advisory warning to the public against swimming in ocean waters in and between the villages of Rodanthe, Buxton and Hatteras along Highway 12. The advisory is due to public health risks resulting from exposed septic drain fields and pumping of ocean over wash to the ocean surf. Hurricane Erin caused extensive erosion and storm surge in these areas.

Beach Safety Closures
The entire beachfront from the village of Buxton to four-tenths-of-a-mile north of off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp 43 is closed to public entry due to damages to dozens of houses and associated septic systems caused by wave action as Hurricane Erin passed along the coastline. Leaking septic systems, along with compromised decking, HVAC systems, pilings, concrete parking areas, and wiring, poses a serious public health and safety threat. To the south of the village, at the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site, petroleum odors and sheens have been observed, necessitating a precautionary public health advisory and closure to public entry.

Reopening Sunday, Aug. 24
All visitor facilities, campgrounds, and lifeguard beaches will be open tomorrow, Aug. 24, except for the lifeguard area at Old Lighthouse Beach and a portion of the parking lot at Frisco Beach Access where crews will be removing sand.All ORV ramps will be open, except for Pole Road on Hatteras Island and Ramp 72 on Ocracoke Island that require additional maintenance to provide for safe access. Cape Point will also be fully accessible to the public.