Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a stunning coastal preserve located on the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Encompassing three undeveloped barrier islands - North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks - Cape Lookout National Seashore stretches for 56 miles along the coast.

The historical background of Cape Lookout dates back to the early 19th century when the area was recognized for its strategic importance. During the Civil War, Confederate troops maintained a presence on the outer banks to protect blockade runners and their trade routes. In later years, the cape became a haven for lighthouse keepers who guided mariners safely along the treacherous coastal waters.

One of the main attractions at Cape Lookout National Seashore is the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Standing at 163 feet tall, the black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse continues to guide passing ships today. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the islands and surrounding waters.

The seashore is also famous for its pristine beaches, where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters. Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse ecosystem of Shackleford Banks, which is home to a population of wild horses believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs from shipwrecks centuries ago.

Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can camp on the beach, go fishing, or embark on a scenic boat tour to watch dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitats. Exploring the islands' abundant nature trails and birdwatching opportunities is also popular among visitors.

There are several attractions near Cape Lookout National Seashore that can enhance the visitor's experience. The nearby towns of Beaufort and Harkers Island offer quaint coastal charm, with historic sites, local shops, and delicious seafood restaurants. Beaufort also boasts the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which showcases the maritime history and culture of the region.

Overall, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a destination that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities. Whether it's climbing the lighthouse, observing wild horses, or simply enjoying the serene coastal landscape, this hidden gem has something to offer for every visitor.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is nestled along the eastern coastline of North Carolina. This stunning natural reserve stretches across a series of barrier islands that protect the mainland from the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The seashore encompasses a vast area and includes three main islands - North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks. Located south of the bustling Outer Banks, Cape Lookout presents a serene paradise with its pristine beaches, dunes, and maritime forests. The geographical proximity of Cape Lookout National Seashore to the Atlantic Ocean provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and a unique coastal ecosystem that is rich in natural beauty.

Address & Contact

1800 Island Rd
Harkers Island, NC 28531
Driving Directions
Phone: 2527282250
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cape Lookout National Seashore would be during the months of March, April, and October. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 63°F to 75°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 2.9 in to 4.4 in. These months also see a moderate number of visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience and avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cape Lookout National Seashore are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Swimming ATV Off-Roading Auto Off-Roading Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cape Lookout National Seashore: Animals Night Sky Tortoises and Turtles Unique Species Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Astronomy Wars and Conflicts Civil War Endangered Enslavement Maritime Horses (wild) Coastal Defenses Lighthouses

Visitor Centers

Portsmouth Visitor Center

Located 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. Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, park passport stamp; Exhibits on maritime history and village life

Campsites within or near Cape Lookout National Seashore

Great Island Cabin Camp

Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic, wooden beachfront cabins with porches for individuals and families or small groups of up to 12 people. Cabins range in size from 288 to 960 sq ft., and Cabin 2 is accessible. All cabins are wired for generator use, needed to power electricity. Guests must provide their own generators, no larger than 5,500 watts or equipped with a GFI.
Fees (US$): 80.00 (4-person cabins), 120.00 (6-person cabins), 155.00 (8-person cabins), 180.00 (12-person cabins), 120.00 (ADA/Wheelchair accessible cabin (sleeps 6))
Total Campsites: 23
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

North Core Banks - Beach Camping

Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20- barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No Fee Camping)
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

South Core Banks -- Beach camping

Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No Fee Camping)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Cape Lookout National Seashore

A Place at the Beach, a VRI resort

When you stay at A Place at the Beach, a VRI resort in Atlantic Beach, you'll be near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Fort Macon State Park and Triple S Marina. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1904 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Sand Dollar Motel

With a stay at Sand Dollar Motel in Atlantic Beach, you'll be by the ocean, just a 1-minute walk from Triple S Marina and 12 minutes by foot from Fort Macon State Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 101 Henderson Blvd, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Beaufort Hotel NC, Ascend Hotel Collection

With a stay at Beaufort Hotel NC, Ascend Hotel Collection in Beaufort, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Rachel Carson Reserve and a 5-minute drive from Beaufort Historic Site. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Beaufort? This hotel has facilities measuring 9652 square feet (897 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 2440 Lennoxville Rd, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
Web: Link

Sea Spray

With a stay at Sea Spray in Atlantic Beach, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Triple S Marina and 9 minutes by foot from Fort Macon State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 301 Commerce Way Unit 124, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

A Place at the Beach

When you stay at this hotel in Atlantic Beach, you'll be near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Fort Macon State Park and Triple S Marina. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1904 E. Fort Macon Rd Unit 256, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Southwinds

With a stay at Southwinds in Atlantic Beach, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Fort Macon State Park and Triple S Marina. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2008 E. Fort Macon Rd Unit A-17, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Sea N Sea

With a stay at this condo in Atlantic Beach, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Fort Macon State Park and 13 minutes by foot from Triple S Marina. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1100 E. Fort Macon Rd. Unit A, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Down East Retreat

When you stay at this vacation home in Beaufort, you'll be 12 minutes by car from Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 301 Stewart Drive, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
Web: Link

Dolphin Dreams

Located in Atlantic Beach, this vacation home is within a 5-minute drive of Triple S Marina and Fort Macon State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 303 Sea Dreams Drive, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina 28512
Web: Link

Inlet Inn NC

When you stay at Inlet Inn NC in Beaufort, you'll be in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of North Carolina Maritime Museum and Beaufort Historic Site. Featured amenities include a computer station, a library, and microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 601 Front St, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
Web: Link