Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

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Text CAHAORV to 333111 to receive beach access text alerts.

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Beach & Ocean Info

  • Beach Access Map
  • Off-road vehicle (ORV) Frequently Asked Questions
  • Before driving on designated off-road vehicle routes, we strongly recommend that tire pressure be lowered to at least 20 psi. The softer the sand, the lower the pressure needed. Reinflate tires to normal pressure as soon as possible after returning to paved roads. Many local businesses have air pumps.
  • [Daily Rip Current Forecast] [Rip Current Safety Info]
    • Low risk means that wind and/or wave conditions are expected to support the development of rip currents. Moderate risk means that wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the surf on moderate risk days. High risk means that wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents on high risk days are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

  • Let's Fill Beach Holes. Learn more at: go.nps.gov/beachholes.
  • Recreational shellfishing advisories - N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries info

 
Graphic showing waves and text that says Beach Access Updates.
 

Updated
March 15 at 1:24 PM

Dates & times change only when there are updates to report.

 

Bodie Island

Ramp 2 (Priority Ramp)

North: Pedestrian access only
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day (No driving allowed to north)
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 4 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open for 0.20 miles (seasonal portion of ORV route opens Sept. 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

 

Hatteras Island

Ramp 23 (Seasonal ORV Ramp open from October 15-April 14)

North: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 25 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 27 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes: No through access to Ramp 25 due to hazardous escarpment

South: Open to pedestrians
Hours: Ramp open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes: Open to pedestrians only

Ramp 30

North: Open to pedestrians
Hours: Ramp open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes: Open to pedestrians only

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 32

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 34 (Seasonal ORV Ramp open from October 15-April 14)

North: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 38

North: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 43 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 44 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes: Cape Point is open to ORVs and pedestrians.




Inside Road (Located between Ramps 44 and 49)

Open
Hours: ORVs can use Inside Road year-round, 24 hours a day.
Notes: ORV permit not required to drive across Inside Road

South Beach Road (ORV permit not required to access parking)

East: Open to pedestrians only
Hours: Open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes:

West: Open to pedestrians only
Hours: Open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 48 (Priority Ramp)

East: Open to ORVs until vehicle free area sign
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

West: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 49 (Priority Ramp)

East: Open
Hours: Ramp open to east 24 hours a day
Notes:

West: Open (seasonal portion of ORV route closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 55

East: Open (seasonal route closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

West: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Pole Road (Located near entrance to Ramp 55)

Open to ORVs and pedestrians 24 hours a day




 

Ocracoke Island

Ramp 59

North: Open to pedestrians only
Hours: Ramp open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 63

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 67

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 68 (Seasonal ORV ramp)

North: Open (seasonal ramp closes April 15)
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open to pedestrians
Hours: Ramp open to pedestrians 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 70 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

Ramp 72 (Priority Ramp)

North: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

South: Open
Hours: Ramp open 24 hours a day
Notes:

 
Pedestrians have access to all ORV areas, unless otherwise noted
 

Mileage Summary

Last Updated: December 5, 2023

The mileage summary is updated every Thursday from the beginning of the shorebird nesting season through the end of sea turtle nesting season.

Total Current % Open
Bodie Island 5.90 5.90 100%
Vehicle Free Areas 2.00 2.00 100%
ORV Areas 3.90 3.90 100%
Temporary Resource Closures 0.00
Hatteras Island 43.80 43.80 100%
Vehicle Free Areas 14.10 14.10 100%
ORV Areas 29.70 29.70 100%
Temporary Resource Closures 0.00
Ocracoke Island 17.00 17.00 100%
Vehicle Free Areas 6.20 6.20 100%
ORV Areas 10.80 10.80 100%
Temporary Resource Closures 0.00
Seashore Mileage Totals
Vehicle Free Areas 22.30 22.30 100%
ORV Areas 44.40 44.40 100%
Temporary Closures 0.00

Last updated: March 15, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive

Manteo, NC 27954

Phone:

252 473-2111

Contact Us