Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Current Status of Park Operations and Facilities.

South Core Banks: OPEN

Camping, shelling, fishing allowed. Check directly with the ferry service for their operational schedule. Drinking water availability -- water supply locations at the restrooms near the lighthouse and at the Great Island Cabin camp OPEN from March until November. Visitors should bring their own drinking water supply during the winter months.

• Open: Southside Dock Restrooms
• Open: Oceanside Pedestrian Beach Restrooms
• Open: Backroad Restrooms near the Point

Shackleford Banks: OPEN

Camping by tent, shelling, fishing allowed. Check directly with the ferry service for their operational schedule. Drinking water availability - no locations on the island. Visitors should bring their own supply.

North Core Banks: OPEN

Camping, shelling, fishing allowed. Check directly with the vehicle ferry for their operational schedule. Drinking water availability -- no potable water is available on the island. Visitors should bring their own supply.

Beaufort Passenger Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent - Check directly with the ferry service for daily operational schedule.

Harkers Island Passenger Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent: Check directly with the ferry service for daily operational schedule.

Vehicle Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent: Check directly with ferry services for daily operational schedule.

Harkers Island Visitor Center

• Open: Staff and volunteers are on duty to answer questions, assist with orientation information, and provide maps and brochures. Films and exhibits are available. Open 9 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Eastern National Park's store. Open 9 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Restrooms in the parking area are open year-round.
• Open: Shell Point Restrooms are open year-round.
• Holiday Closed: Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Years Eve; New Years Day

Light Station Visitor Center

• Open: Keepers' Quarters Museum open 9:30 am to 4: 30 pm
• Open: Eastern National Park's store open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Restrooms near shade shelter
• Open: Outdoor showers

Portsmouth Village Visitor Center: Open

The restrooms in the visitor center are closed due to repairs needed for the damaged solar system.

Great Island Cabin Camp: Open

• Open: Staff are on duty to answer questions, assist with orientation information, provide maps and brochures, issue Off Road Vehicle Permits, sell gas and ice and check people into cabin. Open 8 am to 3:00 pm. Weather permitted.
• Open: Bathhouse (restrooms and showers)
• Open: Dump Station

Long Point Cabin Camp: Closed

Closed due to damage from Hurricane Dorian - no sales of ice or gas. The new North Core Banks cabins are under construction, estimated opening August 2025.

• Open: Bathhouse (restrooms and showers)
• Closed: Dump Station
• Note: Water is not potable (drinkable)

Cape Lookout Lighthouse: CLOSED

Cape Lookout Lighthouse is closed due to deteriorated stairway conditions, pending contracted rehabilitation of the historic structure