Operating Hours & Seasons

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is open year-round, although facilities and programs do change throughout the year. Please check the following list for times certain facilities and tours are available, and check the Calendar for a listing of current ranger program offerings.

Campgrounds

The National Park Service offers four developed campgrounds throughout Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each campground is unique and offer great opportunities to explore the seashore. Campgrounds are available on Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands.

Visitor Centers, Museums, and Lighthouses

Bodie Island

Bodie Island Visitor Center	Mid April - October	9:30 am - 1:30 pm & 2:15 pm - 5:00 pm Park Store open. ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
	November 1 - Mid April	9:00 am - 1:00 pm & 1:45 pm - 4:30 pm
	Christmas Day	Closed
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing	Early May — Early Fall	See page. Wed-Sat only
	Rest of the year	no climbs

Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island Visitor Center	Year-round	9:30 am — 4:30 pm Park Store open. ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
	Christmas Day	Closed
Museum of the Sea	Mid April—Columbus Day	9:00 am—6:00 pm
	Rest of the year	Intermittent
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing	Climbing in 2023 is unlikely, due to restoration efforts. Grounds open year round	See page
		No climbs available at this time

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island Discovery Center	Mid-April - September	10:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
	October - December	10:00 am - 12:00 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
	Christmas Day	Closed
	Rest of the year	Intermittent
Ocracoke Lighthouse Base	Mid-April - September	10:30am - 12:30pm & 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
	October - December	1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
	Rest of the year	Intermittent