Operating Hours & Seasons

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is open year-round, although facilities and programs do change throughout the year. Please check the follow 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	Year-round	9:30 am — 4:30 pm Park Store open ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
	Christmas Day	Closed
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing	May 13—Columbus Day	See page
	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-March—October	9:00 am—6:00 pm
	Rest of the year	Intermittent
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing	3rd Friday in April—Columbus Day	See page An announcement on the status of climbing operations is expected to be made in August. Depending on progress of interior paint removal project, there may be a short climbing late this summer.
	Rest of the year	No climbs

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island Discovery Center	Year-round	9:00 am-12 pm & 1:00-4:00 pm (summer 2021 hours) ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
	Christmas Day	Closed