News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial plan to reopen most facilities Sept. 1

Photo of standing water in the Ocracoke Campground.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 31, 2023

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-270-5389

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial plan to reopen all facilities, except for Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds, at normal times tomorrow, Sept. 1.

While conditions associated with Tropical Storm Idalia are improving, standing water and sand on many roads continue to be a hazard for travelers on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Additionally, the National Weather Service forecast indicates that ocean over wash is likely to occur along vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 during high tide cycles this evening and that elevated water levels may occur through multiple tide cycles through Saturday morning. Travel through vulnerable areas around high tide this evening should be avoided.

Vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 include:

• Ocracoke Island – along a two-mile stretch of highway south of off-road vehicle ramp 59

• Southern Hatteras Island – between the villages of Hatteras and Frisco

• Central Hatteras Island – along the northern boundary of Buxton and along Ocean View Drive in Avon

• Northern Hatteras Island – along N.C. Highway 12, old N.C. Highway 12 and several side streets in northern Rodanthe, and between the Pea Island Visitor Center and Basnight Bridge.

Travelers should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Campgrounds
Due to a significant amount of rainfall over a short period of time, most camp sites at Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds are currently unusable. These campgrounds will reopen when possible. The Oregon Inlet and Frisco campgrounds will reopen at 3 p.m. Sept. 1, for those with reservations. Reservations and payments for camp sites can be made at www.recreation.gov.

Swimming
State of North Carolina recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in North Carolina coastal waters from Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina State Line affected by Tropical Storm Idalia. State officials plan to begin testing waters as soon as conditions are safe and areas accessible. For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, visit the program’s website.

Beach Driving
The next two high tide cycles are expected to create unfavorable beach driving conditions. Drivers should use caution if attempting to travel along off-road vehicle routes on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for current beach access information.

Rodanthe Beach
Visitors should continue to avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive until ocean conditions improve.

Educational Programs and Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
Educational programs and Bodie Island lighthouse climbing opportunities return to normal schedules Friday, Sept. 1.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Educational programs resume at normal times Friday, Sept. 1. View the park’s calendar for full schedule.

Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial reopens at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1. View the park’s calendar for a listing of educational programs.