Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Danger

• Costly Outcome: Shark Island

  Alert, Severity, danger, Costly Outcome: Shark IslandLocated near the Point of Cape Lookout, a sandbar has begun to connect, known as Shark Island, which lies outside of Cape Lookout's jurisdiction. The sand in this region is soft, making it difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of becoming stuck.

Information

• Prospectus for Passenger Ferry Service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and Land Transp

  Alert, Severity, information, Prospectus for Passenger Ferry Service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and Land TranspFind more information for concession business opportunity to provide passenger ferry service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and land transportation on the South Core Banks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cc-calo001-26.htm

Current Status of Park Operations and Facilities.

South Core Banks: OPEN

Camping, shelling, fishing allowed. Check directly with the ferry service for their operational schedule. Drinking water availability -- water supply locations at the restrooms near the lighthouse and at the Great Island Cabin camp OPEN from March until November. Visitors should bring their own drinking water supply during the winter months.

• Open: Souside Dock Restrooms
• Open: Oceanside Pedestrian Beach Restrooms
• Open: Backroad Restrooms near the Point

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.

• Closed: West End Restrooms near beaufort are closed due to repairs needed for damaged solar system.

North Core Banks: OPEN

Camping, 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.

Beaufort Passenger Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent - Check directly with the ferry service for daily operational schedule.

Harkers Island Passenger Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent: Check directly with the ferry service for daily operational schedule.

Vehicle Ferry: OPEN

Weather Dependent: Check directly for daily operational schedule.

Harkers Island Visitor Center

• Open: Staff and volunteers are on duty to answer questions, assist with orientation information, and provide maps and brochures. Films and exhibits are available. Open 9 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Eastern National Park's store. Open 9 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Restrooms in the parking area are open year-round.
• Open: Shell Point Restrooms are open year-round.
• Holiday Closed: Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Years Eve; New Years Day

Light Station Visitor Center

• Open: Keepers' Quarterms Muesem open 9:30 am to 4: 30 pm
• Open: Eastern National Park's store open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Open: Restrooms near shade shelter
• Open: Outdoor showers

Portsmouth Village Visitor Center: Closed

The visitor ceneter is closed due to repairs needed for the damaged solar system.

Great Island Cabin Camp: Open

• Open: Staff are on duty to answer questions, assist with orientation information, provide maps and brochures, issue Off Road Vehicle Permits, sell gas and ice and check people into cabin. Open 8 am to 3:00 pm. Weather permitted.
• Open: Bathhouse (restrooms and showers)
• Open: Dump Station

Long Point Cabin Camp: Closed

Closed due to damage from Hurricane Dorian - no sales of ice or gas. The new North Core Banks cabins are under construction, estimated opening July 1, 2025.

• Open: Bathhouse (restrooms and showers)
• Closed: Dump Station
• Note: Water is not potable (drinkable)

Cape Lookout Lighthouse: CLOSED

Cape Lookout Lighthouse is closed due to deteriorated stair way conditions, pending contracted rehabilitation of the historic structure