Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 when visiting parks and recreational facilities
Current Status of Park Operations and Facilities
Barrier Islands: South Core Banks, Shackleford Banks, North Core Banks
Superintendent's Closure -- In support of policy to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Under 36 CFR section 1.5 a (1), I am limiting any groups of the public that might gather together to 10 or less, effective immediately (3/30/2020). This is a direct result of observed groups gathering at Wade Shores and the Cape who are coming in by private boat.
South Core Banks OPEN Camping by vehicle/tent, shelling, fishing allowed. Check directly with the ferry service for their operational schedule. Drinking water availability -- 2 locations near lighthouse, hose on back road near beachside restrooms and the drinking water fountain near the visitor center on the soundside.
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 by vehicle/tent, 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.
Ferry Operations
Passenger ferry service from Beaufort and Harkers Island OPEN
Vehicle ferry services -- OPEN
Check with the individual ferry service for operation schedules
Visitor Centers
Harkers Island Visitor Center OPEN Visitor Center Store OPEN
Light Station Visitor Center closed
Keepers' Quarters Museum OPEN
Beaufort Visitor Information Center closed
Portsmouth Village Visitor Center OPEN (open intermittently through August 1)
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Closed until further notice
Restrooms
Harkers Island Shell Point restrooms OPEN
Shackleford Banks restrooms OPEN
Light Station (Lighthouse Area) --
- soundside dock area restrooms OPEN
- oceanside pedestrian beach restrooms OPEN
Back road restrooms near the point of Cape Lookout OPEN
Great Island Cabin Camp -- South Core Banks
Cabins OPEN
Cabin office OPEN
Ice sales OPEN
Gas sales OPEN
Bath house OPEN
ORV dump station OPEN
Long Point Cabin Camp -- North Core Banks
Closed for the 2020 season due to damage from Hurricane Dorian - no sales of ice or gas
Bath house: restrooms OPEN; shower section OPEN note: water is not potable, do not use for drinking
ORV dump station OPEN
Shell Point, Harkers Island
Nature trail OPEN (only during daylight hours)
Restrooms OPEN