Cape Hatteras National Seashore
In A Nutshell
Things To Know Before You Come
Insects at Cape Hatteras
Insects have always been a part of life at Cape Hatteras. Visitors should be prepared for insects by bringing appropriate clothing and/or insect repellant.
- Biting Flies: also called "yellow flies" or "deerflies", are most active in late spring, and appear again in August.
- Chiggers: are small red mites. Chigger "cures" are ineffective because the bug is gone before the itching begins. Chiggers live in grassy areas.
- Mosquitos: certain mosquitos can be vectors of disease. Wearing repellant with DEET will reduce the chances of being bite.
- Sand Gnats: the tiny sand gnat (also called the "sand fly" or "no see-um") appears in large numbers during mild temperatures.
- Ticks: There are many species of ticks on the Outer Banks. Wearing insect repellant, tucking pants into socks, and inspecting for ticks after a visit is recommended when venturing in to grassy areas and the maritime forests.
Hurricane Information
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Although tropical storms can occur off the North Carolina coast at anytime during hurricane season, the strongest tropical storms typically impact the North Carolina coast mid-August through September. Your two best sources of hurricane preparedness and evacuation information are NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness website and the Dare County Emergency Management website.
Ocean Swimming Safety
One of the most important things to know before coming to the beach is ocean swimming safety.
The Danger of Heat and Humidity
A combination of high temperature and high humidity during summer months creates an even higher and possibly dangerous apparent temperature. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are possible during elevated apparent temperatures. Enjoy the beach, but limit your physical activity and exposure during days of high heat and humidity.
Avoiding the "OUCH"!
Our seashore is beautiful, but often on the beach, and in the sound and ocean waters, you'll find dangerous debris. You may come across sharp objects such as broken seashells, crabs, cactus, and sand spurs. People add to that with glass, metal, fishooks and nails. Hot sand can burn unprotected feet. Think "safety" before leaving your vehicle and protect your feet from these hazards.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Cape Hatteras National Seshore is open year-round.
The Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island Visitor Centers are open and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during summer months and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily September through May (closed Christmas).
The summer program schedule generally runs mid-June through Labor Day.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing generally mid-April through Columbus Day (early October).
National Park Service campgrounds at Oregon Inlet, Frisco, and Ocracoke are generally open Easter weekend through Columbus Day. The Cape Point Campground is generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Directions
The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras NS is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 in Nags Head, NC. The Seashore's southern entrance is located on NC-12 just north of Ocracoke, NC (assessible by ferry only).
To reach the Seashore's northern entrance:
- From the North - Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, Va. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway.* Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. *Chesapeake Expressway is a toll-road which costs $2.00 each way.
- From the West - Via I-95 into North Carolina. Take US-64 East toward Rocky Mount. Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC. From Plymouth, NC keep going east to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South.
- From the South - Coming from South Carolina take I-95 to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville and Washington, NC. From Washington, take State Route 30 to Plymouth, NC and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South.
To reach the Seashore's southern entrance:
- Via the Cedar Island Ferry - From I-40 East, take Exit 306 to US-70 East. Follow US-70 East to Sea Level, NC. In Sea Level, take NC-12 North to the ferry terminal. The Cedar Island Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Village. Follow NC-12 North to the Seashore entrance. Ferry crossing time is 2.25 hours and reservations are required.
- Via the Swan Quarter Ferry - Take USA-264 to NC-45 in Swan Quarter. Follow NC-45 South throught twon to the Hyde County Courthouse. At the courthouse, turn on Oyster Creedk Road (SR-1128) and follow to the terminal. The Swan Quarter Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Village. Follow NC-12 North to the Seashore entrance. Ferry crossing time is is 2.5 hours and reservations are required
There are several ways to reach the park by air:
- The Norfolk, VA Airport (100 miles distance) and the Raleigh-Durham, NC Airport (200 miles distance) offer commercial airline service.
- The Manteo, NC Airport (MQI) services private aircraft.
- Billy Mitchell Airfield in Frisco, NC and Ocracoke Airfield in Ocracoke, NC have 3000 ft. runways and tie-downs. Use is limited to daylight hours. There are no services (fuel, hanger space, repair service, etc).
Fees & Reservations
There is no entry fee for Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
2007 Activities Fees
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing Fees . . . more
$7 - adults
$3.50 - children under 12 (must be at least 42" tall); seniors 62 and older; disabled
$3.50 - with a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior or Access Pass
Campground Fees . . . more
-Oregon Inlet, Frisco, and Cape Point Campgrounds
$20 per night
$10 per night with a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior or Access Pass
$4 per person for group camping at Oregon Inlet
-Ocracoke Campground
$23 per night
$11.50 per night with a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior or Access Pass
Marina Boat Dock Fees (at Silver Lake on Ocracoke Island)
-Summer Rates:
$1.25 per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $80/day
$3 per day - 110 volt electric service
$5 per day - 220 volt electric service
-Winter Rates (no electric service available):
.60 per boat foot/day, cap at 80 feet or $40/day
National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes The following National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands passes for reduced activity fee rates for federal land management areas and are honored in our park as listed above.
Senior Pass - $10âLifetime pass to all federal entrance fee areas for people 62 years and older.
Access Pass - FreeâLifetime pass to all federal entrance fee areas for permanently disabled persons.
Educational Group Fee Waivers
Activity fees may be waived for educational groups, including chaperones, visiting the park as part of their course work. Materials for a fee waiver must be submitted at least four weeks prior to your visit.
more...
Cape Hatteras In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
