Parks / Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
National Seashore · NC
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving Project
The Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) is closed to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The project will provide full resurfacing of paved areas, new reflective paint, and new tie-downs and anchors, improving visitor safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Project Safety Closure in Place Near Southernmost Groin in Buxton
Public access is closed for 300 feet north and south of a groin repair project site in Buxton, as well as the adjacent ocean area to the east. Surfers, swimmers, and all other recreationists should stay at least 300 feet from the southernmost groin area for safety purposes.
Partial Beach Closures in Place in Front of Buxton Village
The beachfront in front of Buxton Village is temporarily closed due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures and Dare County's beach nourishment project. Renourished sections of beach will open to the public immediately after construction activities conclude in the areas, generally within 24 hours.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (4)
Cape Point Campground
Cape Point Campground with 202 sites is located southwest of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Hatteras (also known as Cape Point) itself. Open spring-late fall. Campsite reservations are limited to same-day reservations only. Campsites must be booked via recreation.gov.
Details →Frisco Campground
Frisco Campground with 127 sites is located west of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse near the village of Frisco, North Carolina. The campground is tucked between the sand dunes and shrub thicket. A public boardwalk allows easy ocean access for campers, and public bathhouses, grills, and picnic tables are available. Open spring-late fall.
Details →Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke Campground with 136 sites is located east of the village of Ocracoke, North Carolina on the island of Ocracoke. The campground offers grills, flush toilets, drinking water, cold showers, and is pet-friendly. The soil is sandy, so tent-campers will need extra-long tent stakes. RVs under 40 feet are welcome at this campground. There's no electricity, but there is a nearby dump station. There is no shade at the campground. Mosquitoes are common, and insect spray is recommended. Open year round.
Details →Oregon Inlet Campground
Oregon Inlet Campground has 107 sites and is open year round. Camping on a barrier island provides a chance to take in the power and nature of this special place. Listen to the breaking ocean waves while staring up at the night sky filled with stars. Walk along the sandy beaches during the day and share stories with friends at night. RV hookups are available at select sites. Running water and flush toilets are throughout the campground.
Details →Upcoming Events
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climb
Aug 31, 2026
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Reflect on the Past, Preserve for the Future
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Life on a Barrier Island (Ocracoke)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet outside of the Ocracoke Discovery Center.
The Ocracoke Lighthouse: Celebrating Over 200 Years of Service
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet on the boardwalk of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
Life on a Barrier Island (Hatteras Island)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Banker Ponies
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet outside of the Pony Pens - 8 miles from the Discovery Center.
Old Days at the Weather Station
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at the US Weather Bureau Station in Hatteras Village.
Totally Turtles!
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: Lighting the Way for over 150 Years
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet on the back porch of the Double Keeper's Quarters.
Bird Walk (Ocracoke)
Sep 1, 2026 · Meet outside at the beach access parking lot adjacent to the NPS Ocracoke Campground.
Surf Fish with a Ranger
Sep 1, 2026 · Hatteras Island
Night Skies over Ocracoke
Sep 2, 2026 · Meet at the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Crabbing with a Ranger
Sep 2, 2026 · Bodie Island
Beach Bird Walk (Hatteras)
Sep 3, 2026 · Meet at fish cleaning tables at ORV Ramp 44.
Soundside Explorers
Sep 4, 2026 · Hatteras Island
Life on a Barrier Island (Hatteras Island)
Sep 8, 2026 · Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Bodie Island Lighthouse: Lighting the Way for over 150 Years
Sep 8, 2026 · Meet on the back porch of the Double Keeper's Quarters.
Bird Walk (Ocracoke)
Sep 8, 2026 · Meet outside at the beach access parking lot adjacent to the NPS Ocracoke Campground.
Life on a Barrier Island (Ocracoke)
Sep 8, 2026 · Meet outside of the Ocracoke Discovery Center.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Reflect on the Past, Preserve for the Future
Sep 8, 2026 · Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Visitor Centers
- Bodie Island Visitor Center
- Hatteras Island Weather Bureau Station
- Museum of the Sea
- Ocracoke Island Discovery Center
- Whalebone Junction Information Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.