National Park Service · North Carolina
The Outer Banks barrier-island seashore: 70 miles of open beach, lighthouses, world-class surf-fishing, and four NPS campgrounds you reserve on Recreation.gov.
Field briefing
Cape Hatteras National Seashore starts with access, not mileage.
Before you go
The seashore charges no entrance fee, but the real planning moves are reserving one of the four NPS campgrounds on Recreation.gov, deciding whether you want an ORV permit to drive the beach, and watching the weather, since fall trips overlap hurricane season.
The landmarks worth the trip. Tap any photo to enlarge.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Mild and breezy, with cool water and fast-changing weather off the Atlantic.
Pack Wind shell, layers, and footwear for soft sand and mixed conditions.
Warm to hot, humid, and busy, with strong sun and possible afternoon storms.
Pack Sun protection, water, swim gear, and an early-arrival parking plan.
Warm water, fewer crowds, and prime surf-fishing, but hurricane season runs into fall.
Pack Rain shell, layers, and a flexible plan around tropical weather.
Cold, windy, and quiet, with most services seasonal and only Ocracoke camping typically open.
Pack Insulation, wind protection, and a realistic plan for limited services.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in the country, an Outer Banks icon. Climbing is closed for a multi-year restoration, likely through 2026, but the grounds stay open.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
A climbable lighthouse near the north end of the seashore, with a marsh boardwalk and big views from the top.
Open-beach surf-fishing
The seashore is one of the best surf-fishing destinations on the East Coast. Many anglers drive the beach under an ORV permit to reach the productive points.
Cape Point
The dramatic elbow of the island near Buxton, a famous fishing and beach-driving spot where currents converge.
Put permit timing ahead of ambition, then build the route around what is actually approved. For one day in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, make Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the non-negotiable, add Bodie Island Lighthouse only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Open-beach surf-fishing as the flexible finish.
Turn Cape Hatteras's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around access
Plan the transfer before the trail list.
Plan your trip
2 quick tools, already seeded for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Tune the route, pack weight, weather margin, and overnight setup after the access plan is real.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Cape Hatteras National Seashore packing list
0 of 19 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
19 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Cape Hatteras asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Camp inside the seashore if you can: there are four NPS campgrounds, all reserved on Recreation.gov. The Outer Banks towns of Nags Head, Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton, Hatteras, and Ocracoke offer the broadest mix of rentals, hotels, food, and tackle shops when campgrounds are full or you want indoor lodging.
Camping reservations
Cape Hatteras has four developed NPS campgrounds spread along the islands. All four take reservations and payment only through Recreation.gov, so booking the right one early is the main camping decision.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Reservations and payments for all four campgrounds are made only on Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Summer and holiday weekends fill early.
Where to book or verify
Official NPS page with campground seasons, rules, and reservation links.
Use Recreation.gov for all four NPS campgrounds.
A 10-day permit is about $50 and an annual permit about $120. Required to drive on the beach.
Campgrounds to know
Make the transfer plan before the trail plan.
Weather windows, boat schedules, flight buffers, and backup days shape what is realistic.
Getting there
Car strategy
Most visitors drive in from Norfolk, Virginia, or the Raleigh area onto the Outer Banks via US 158 and NC 12, the road that threads the islands.
Transfer plan
Reaching Ocracoke requires a vehicle ferry.
Car strategy
A car is essential, and beach driving on the open sand requires an ORV permit.
Pair this with lodging: the best base is the one that protects the departure window, pickup point, or weather buffer.
No. The seashore charges no entrance fee. You pay only for specific activities: camping, lighthouse climbs, ORV beach-driving permits, and boat dock fees.
Yes. There are four NPS campgrounds: Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco, and Ocracoke. All four are reserved and paid for only through Recreation.gov, and most are seasonal.
Not right now. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed for a major restoration and is likely to stay closed for climbing through 2026. The grounds remain open, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse is climbable for a fee.
Yes. Driving on the open beach requires an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit, about $50 for 10 consecutive days or about $120 for an annual permit, purchased through the NPS.