Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a protected area located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It stretches over 70 miles along the coast, covering more than 30,000 acres. The park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including barrier islands, sand dunes, marshes, and maritime forests.

The area's historical background is rich, as it has served as a significant location for maritime activities and exploration for centuries. The treacherous waters off Cape Hatteras earned it the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the hundreds of shipwrecks that occurred in the area. The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, situated within the national seashore, has been a guiding beacon for mariners since 1870 and remains a symbol of the region's maritime heritage.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy. The pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and fishing. Surfers flock to the area, attracted by the consistent Atlantic swells. The park is also renowned for its excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a wide variety of species nesting and migrating through the area.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse ecosystems found within the national seashore. There are numerous hiking trails that wind through the maritime forests, providing glimpses of wildflowers and wildlife, including white-tailed deer, foxes, and various bird species. The park's salt marshes are also home to marsh rabbits, diamondback terrapins, and a myriad of migratory birds.

In addition to the natural beauty, Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers a chance to explore the region's rich history. Visitors can tour the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, climb to the top, and learn about its fascinating past. The nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse are also worth a visit for those interested in maritime history and stunning panoramic views.

Not far from the national seashore, visitors can explore the charming coastal towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills. These towns offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and shopping opportunities. Additionally, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, commemorates the site of the famous first powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, a glimpse into history, or simply a relaxing beach getaway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers a unique and diverse experience for all who visit.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is situated in the eastern region of the state of North Carolina, along the captivating Outer Banks barrier islands. Stretching across a magnificent 70-mile-long stretch, the national seashore encompasses the offshore waters, sandy shores, and various natural habitats of this mesmerizing coastal area. Located south of Nags Head and north of Hatteras Village, Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers visitors a unique blend of sandy beaches, beautiful dunes, maritime forests, and tranquil salt marshes. Its geographical location provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, including swimming, fishing, surfing, and wildlife spotting, while also showcasing the significant role the Outer Banks play in protecting the mainland from the Atlantic's powerful waves and storms.

Address & Contact

46375 Lighthouse Road
Cape Hatteras Light Station
Buxton, NC 27920
Driving Directions
Phone: 2524732111
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore would be during the months of April and May. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 69°F to 77°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is around 4.3 inches, which is relatively moderate compared to other months. These months also attract a high number of visitors. This allows for a good balance between enjoyable weather and avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cape Hatteras National Seashore are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Swimming Group Camping RV Camping Auto Off-Roading Saltwater Fishing Snorkeling Saltwater Swimming Surfing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Animals Birds Night Sky Tortoises and Turtles Unique Species Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Science, Technology and Innovation Climate Change Astronomy Wars and Conflicts Civil War Endangered World War II Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Oceans Piracy and Privateering Ships and Shipwrecks US Navy US Coast Guard US Air Force (Army Air Corps) Lighthouses

Visitor Centers

Whalebone Junction Information Center

The Whalebone Junction Information Center is located on Highway 12 in Nags Head, NC at the entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Park maps, newspapers, and current beach conditions are available inside. The building is staffed by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. The Dyke Trail can be accessed from the Information Center parking lot.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Whalebone Junction Information Center.

Campsites within or near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Point Campground

Cape Point Campground with 202 sites is located southwest of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Hatteras (also known as Cape Point) itself. Open spring-late fall. Campsite reservations are limited to same-day reservations only. Campsites must be booked via recreation.gov.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Camp Site)
Total Campsites: 202
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Cold- Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Frisco Campground

Frisco Campground with 127 sites is located west of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse near the village of Frisco, North Carolina. The campground is tucked between the sand dunes and shrub thicket. A public boardwalk allows easy ocean access for campers, and public bathhouses, grills, and picnic tables are available. Open spring-late fall.
Fees (US$): 28.00 (Camp Site)
Total Campsites: 117
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Cold- Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Ocracoke Campground

Ocracoke Campground with 136 sites is located east of the village of Ocracoke, North Carolina on the island of Ocracoke. The campground offers grills, flush toilets, drinking water, cold showers, and is pet-friendly. The soil is sandy, so tent-campers will need extra-long tent stakes. RVs under 40 feet are welcome at this campground. There's no electricity, but there is a nearby dump station. There is no shade at the campground. Mosquitoes are common, and insect spray is recommended. Open year round.
Fees (US$): 28.00 (Camp Site)
Total Campsites: 135
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Cold - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground has 107 sites and is open year round. Camping on a barrier island provides a chance to take in the power and nature of this special place. Listen to the breaking ocean waves while staring up at the night sky filled with stars. Walk along the sandy beaches during the day and share stories with friends at night. RV hookups are available at select sites. Running water and flush toilets are throughout the campground.
Fees (US$): 28.00 (Camp Site), 70.00 (Group Site), 35.00 (Site with Hookups)
Total Campsites: 107
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Hatteras Island Inn

When you stay at Hatteras Island Inn in Buxton, you'll be by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 46745 Hwy 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

The Inn on Pamlico Sound

Located in Buxton, The Inn on Pamlico Sound is on the waterfront, a 3-minute drive from Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts and 6 minutes from Frisco Native American Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. This inn has 4 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 49684 NC Highway 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Outer Banks Motel

Located in Buxton, Outer Banks Motel is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Buxton Woods Nature Trail and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Featured amenities include a business center, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 46577 NC Highway 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Outer Banks Motel - Village Accommodations

When you stay at Outer Banks Motel - Village Accommodations in Buxton, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 47651 NC Highway 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Outer Banks Motel Cape and Tower Cottages

When you stay at this cottage in Buxton, you'll be on the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 46025 Cottage Avenue, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Cape Pines Motel

Located in Buxton, Cape Pines Motel is in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Featured amenities include a computer station, express check-out, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 47497 Highway 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging

Located in Buxton, Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Buxton Woods Nature Trail and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Featured amenities include express check-out and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 46677 Hwy 12, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Web: Link

Sea Lyin' 2 Bedroom Cottage

With a stay at this vacation home in Buxton, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Lighthouse Beach and 12 minutes by foot from Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Guests will find features like Internet access.
Address: 46221 Oramar Drive, Buxton, North Carolina 27959
Web: Link

Spartina 3 Bedroom Cottage

With a stay at this vacation home in Buxton, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Guests will find features like Internet access.
Address: 48184 Decoy Drive, Buxton, North Carolina 27953
Web: Link

Swell Motel

When you stay at Swell Motel in Buxton, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 46854 NC-12, Buxton, North Carolina 27953
Web: Link