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 - September 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Park Store open.
ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov.
October - Mid April 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Christmas Day Closed
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing April 26-October 9, 2023 See page. Daily
Rest of the year no climbs
Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island Visitor Center Mid April - September
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Park Store open.
ORV permits must be purchased at
www.recreation.gov.
October - mid April
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Christmas Day Closed
Museum of the Sea Mid April - September 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
October - Mid April 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing Lighthouse climbing opportunities will likely not be possible until the summer of 2026, due major restoration project.
See page
Grounds open year round No climbs available at this time
Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island Discovery Center Mid April - September




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

Last updated: March 12, 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