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1800 Island Rd Harkers Island, NC 28531 Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531 Spring: Temperatures generally range from 50 F to 70+ F. Rain & wind are common Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F with high humidity (80-90%). Average wind speed is 10-15 mph. Be prepared with plenty of water. With little shade on the islands, an umbrella to provide shade from the sun is a good idea. Fall: Temperatures usually range from the high 70 F to the upper 40 F. Winter: Temperatures usually range from 50 F - 32 F. Winds can be strong. Dress in layers. Entrance Fee-free This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required. Parking/Transportation Parking, shuttle, or other transportation-related fees may apply. Public WiFi is not available.
Cell service is generally available, even on the barrier islands, at varying signal strength. However, there are dead zones throughout the area. These zones are generally small and walking a short distance should bring you back into a signal area. Check with your service provider to verify coverage for the barrier islands. On Harkers Island, best reception is found in the picnic area across from the Visitor Center or at the draw bridge as you come onto the island. Internet service is not provided. Harkers Island Visitor CenterAvailable Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site. Physical Address 1800 Island RoadHarkers Island, NC 28531 Mailing Address 131 Charles StHarkers Island, NC 28531 This visitor center is located on the eastern end of Harkers Island, approximately 20 mi (30 km) east of Beaufort, NC and 30 mi (50 km) south of the Cedar Island terminus of the North Carolina State Ferry route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island. This visitor center is one of two Ferry Gateways to the Cape Lookout Light Station and Shackleford Banks.
Email Address Phone Numbers
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 NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin Light Station Visitor CenterAvailable Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, shade shelter, water fountain. Physical Address Cape Lookout Light StationSouth Core Banks, NC 28531 Mailing Address 131 Charles StHarkers Island, NC 28531 Located on South Core Banks 3 miles offshore from the Harkers Island Visitor Center, the primary way to reach the Light Station Vistior Center is by the passenger ferry or taking your personal boat. Visitors with 4-wheel drive vehicles may take the vehicle ferry from Davis to the Great Island Cabin Camp on South Core Banks and drive the 10 miles down the beach to the entrance from the "backroad" between Ramp 40 & Ramp 41.
Email Address Phone Numbers The provided phone number is the general park phone number that rings at the main visitor center on Harkers Island. We can answer all questions about the park and this area at the general number. The Light Station Visitor Center is only staffed seasonally from about mid-March to the end of October.
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 NPS photo/Nate Toering Great Island Cabin OfficeLocated at Great Island on South Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Davis, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger booklet, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits Physical Address Great IslandSouth Core Banks, NC 28531 Mailing Address 131 Charles StHarkers Island, NC 28531 The Great Island Cabin Camp can be reached by ferries leaving from the town of Davis, NC. These ferries can carry both passengers and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Email Address Phone Numbers Phone number given is for the main park visitor center on Harkers Island. The Cabin Office is only open seasonally -- from about mid-March to the end of November -- and only has a cell phone for connection to the mainland. Cell service isn't always clear. The main park visitor center can answer most all questions about the park and the cabin camp.
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 NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin Portsmouth Visitor CenterLocated in the historic Theodore & Annie Salter House (The first house on the right of the path from Haulover Dock) in Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks. Physical Address Theodore & Annie Salter HousePortsmouth Village, NC 28531 Mailing Address 131 Charles StHarkers Island, NC 28531 Portsmouth Village is located on the northern tip of North Core Banks adjacent to Ocracoke Inlet. Currently the only way to reach Portsmouth Village is by passenger ferry from Ocracoke, NC. This 30 minute ride across the 5 miles from Silver Lake Harbor on Ocracoke down to the ferry dock in the village is done by small, flat bottom boats.
Email Address Phone Numbers This location is in a very remote part of the park without any modern services. No phone is located in the visitor center. The provided phone number is the general park phone number that rings at the main visitor center on Harkers Island. We can answer all questions about the park and this area at the general number.
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 NPS  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin  NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of 56 miles of undeveloped beach stretched over 3 to 4 barrier islands from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. A visit to the islands can be very enjoyable, but even a day trip requires some advance planning. There are four ways to explore the park:1) Ride as a passenger on any of the authorized ferry services and explore the park on foot. 2) Bring your four-wheel drive vehicle, ATV, or UTV on one of the vehicle ferries and drive on the beach or back road on South Core Banks (ferries leave from Davis, NC) or North Core Banks (ferry leaves from Atlantic, NC). Be sure to check the list of current wildlife closures and watch for closure signs. 3) Paddle your canoe or kayak from the mainland to one or more of the barrier islands. Don't forget to file a float plan with the Harkers Island Visitor Center! 4) Take a tour with one of the privately operated tour services. These may be boat tours, walking tours, or vehicle tours. |
Last updated: May 6, 2024