Winter 2013-14 Facility Closures

Date: November 22, 2013
Contact: Wouter Ketel, 252-728-2250 ext. 3014

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Winter winds and colder weather bring about many changes to the beaches and islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore, and quite a different experience from the summer months. As you visit in the winter and early spring, please be aware that some facilities are closed and winterized. Closures for the winter are listed below.

Although certain barrier island facilities will be closing, the islands and beaches will remain open throughout the winter for tent camping, surf fishing, shelling, horse watching and other outdoor Ferry services will continue to operate as the weather permits. When planning a trip to the barrier islands, call ahead to the ferry to verify its operational status. Vehicle ferries will stop operations on

Locations and facilities closing for season:

Cape Lookout Lighthouse Area
The Light Station Visitor Center and the Keepers’ Quarters Museum, located near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, will close beginning on November 23. Restrooms at this location will also close with the onset freezing weather winter and once winterized will remain closed until spring.

Cabin camps at Great Island (South Core Banks) and Long Point (North Core Banks)
The last night to stay in a cabin will be the night of November 29. Cabins will close on November 30. Day use restrooms and showers will close with the onset of freezing weather and will remain closed until spring.

Portsmouth Village
The Portsmouth Visitor Center, Post Office & General Store, School, and U.S. Life-Saving Station within the village closed November 11. Restroom facilities within the visitor center are also closed. The composting toilets on the beach access road will remain open. The village grounds are open for touring, but no buildings are open.

Restroom Facilities on the barrier islands
All flush-toilet restroom facilities on the barrier islands will close for the winter with the onset of freezing weather. Composting toilets on Shackleford Banks (at Wades Shore) and at Portsmouth Village will remain available throughout the winter.

Vehicles on North or South Core Banks
All vehicles must be off the islands by the end of the day on December 31. The islands are closed to beach driving and vehicle camping from January 1 to March 15, 2014.

Locations and facilities open all year:

Harkers Island
The National Park Service Visitor Center is located at 131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, North Carolina 28531, and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. all year. Holiday hours: open Thanksgiving Day; closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Nature trails and picnic areas are open 7 days a week during daylight hours.

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is located at 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, North Carolina, 28531. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Holiday hours: open Thanksgiving Day, closed December 24-26 and January 1 each year. Call 252-728-1500 or visit www.coresound.com for more information.