Cape Hatteras National Seashore
There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach, and with over 70 miles of National Seashore spanning from Oregon Inlet to the Southern tip of Ocracoke Island, the Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities to explore the sand and get your feet wet in the cool ocean waves. Because the beaches of Hatteras Island are located in a National Park, there are a few guidelines and rules that you should know before you kick off your flip flops and head to the beach.
Pets on the Beach
Pets are allowed on most Hatteras Island beaches as long as they are kept on a 6 foot leash. The National Park Service will issue a ticket for an unleashed pet. Please always clean up after your pet.
Surf Fishing
North Carolina State law regulates fishing within the National Seashore. Limits, seasons and licensing requirements are set by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), which can be contacted at (800) 682-2632 www.ncfisheries.net. Size and limit sheets can also be found at most local tackle shops. You will need a North Carolina Recreational Fishing License to surf fish on the Outer Banks, which can easily be obtained at local tackle stores or via the aforementioned NCDMF website.
Bonfires on the Beach
Bonfires on the beach can be fun way to enjoy an evening with the family. The Park Service allows beach bonfires as long as the following rules are observed:
- The fire must be below the high tide line.
- The fire must be attended by an adult.
- The fire must be completely extinguished before you leave the site.
- Please do not put anything into the fire that will not burn completely (i.e., cans, bottles, etc.) This is considered littering and is subject to severe fine.
Off Road Vehicle Access on Hatteras Island
Off-road vehicles (ORVs) are welcome on many of Hatteras Island’s beaches. Please look for the brown signs along NC Highway 12 indicating ORV ramp access, and observe the National Park Service beach driving guidelines which are posted at every ramp as well as temporary beach closures that are posted seasonally. Here are some helpful tips to driving on the beach:
- Lower the air pressure in your tires to under 20 psi. Do not attempt to drive on the beach unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
- Make sure your vehicle is street legal.
- Follow the "tracks" in the sand made by other drivers and observe the posted speed limits.
- Do not drive through the surf, as salt water can harm your vehicle
- Do not drive through the dunes and vegetation.
- If you get stuck, do not spin your tires. Use a shovel and wooden boards to get yourself out, or call a local towing company.
Fireworks
Fireworks are prohibited on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. According to local ordinance, it is against the law to possess or set off any fireworks on Hatteras Island.
Camping in Cape Hatteras
Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds only. There is no camping allowed on the National Seashore, including the beaches, soundside and maritime forests.
