Cape Hatteras National Seashore is open year-round, although facilities and programs do change throughout the year. Please check the following list for times certain facilities and tours are available, and check the
Calendar for a listing of current ranger program offerings.
Campgrounds
The National Park Service offers
four developed campgrounds throughout Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each campground is unique and offer great opportunities to explore the seashore. Campgrounds are available on Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands.
Visitor Centers, Museums, and Lighthouses
Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides a variety of visitor centers, contact stations, and museums from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Village. Hours will vary based on the season, with all being open for the summer months and limited access in the off-season.
Park Stores are available at the Bodie Island Lighthouse (seasonally) and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (year-round).
There are three historic light stations at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, each with its own unique visitor experience. During the summer months, tickets can be purchased to climb the Bode Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses. Climbing is currently unavailable at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse due to an ongoing restoration project, but the grounds remain open. Only the base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is open for the public- check at the Ocracoke Discovery Center for times.
Off-Road Vehicle Ramps
Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers beach driving opportunities, through an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit, along portions of its ocean and sound-facing beaches. Visit the
ORV frequently asked questions webpage for more information on beach driving. ORV permits can only be purhased from
www.recreation.gov, there are no in-person sales.
ORV Ramp Hours of Operation
January 1-April 30
All ORV ramps open 24 hours a day.
NOTE: ORV ramps 23, 34, and 68 are seasonally open from October 15-April 14.
May 1-July 31
Priority ORV ramps (see list below) open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Non-priority ORV ramps (see list below) open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
All sound-side ORV ramps open 24 hours a day.
August 1-September 30
Priority ORV ramps open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Non-priority ORV ramps open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
All sound-side ORV ramps open 24 hours a day.
October 1-November 15*
All priority and non-priority ORV ramps open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
All sound-side ORV ramps open 24 hours a day.
November 16-December 31
All ORV ramps open 24 hours a day.
Priority ORV Ramp: 2, 4, 25, 27, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70, and 72
Non-Priority ORV Ramps**: 30, 32, 38, 55, 59, 63, and 67
Sound-side ORV Ramps: 46, 48, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60, Prong Road, Borrow Pit Road, and Scrag Cedars Road
Areas or routes may be subject to temporary use restrictions for the purposes of visitor safety or resource protection.
*Transition to 24 hours a day driving begins every September 15, depending on the status of sea turtle nests along ORV routes.
**Seasonal ORV ramps are not included in listing of non-priority ramps.
