Cape Hatteras National Seashore Custom Search Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Once dubbed the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' for its treacherous currents, shoals, and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. These dynamic islands provide a variety of habitats and are a valuable wintering area for migrating waterfowl. The park's fishing and surfing are considered the best on the east coast.   CONTACTS Email - CAHA_Superintendent@nps.gov Fax- 252-473-2595 Write to 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Phone Headquarters - 252-473-2111 Visitor Information - 252-441-5711 Visitor Information - 252-995-4474 Visitor Information - 252-928-4531 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons The park is open year-round. Park visitor centers at Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, September through May(except for Christmas)and 9 a.m to 6 pm in summer. Getting There PLANE - The Norfolk, VA (ORF)Airport is 100 miles distance. Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) Airport is 200 miles distance. CAR - There are three major accesses to NC Highway 12, which is the only major route through the park. From the north, US Highway 158 accesses the Outer Banks at Kitty Hawk, and then intersects NC Highway 12 at the park's northern entrance below Nags Head, NC. From the west U.S. Highway 64-264 comes over Roanoke Island, and intersects NC Highway 12 at the park's northern entrance. NC Highway 12 may be used from the south (ferry transportation and reservations required; call 1-800-BY FERRY) from Morehead City/Beaufort NC area. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - State-operated toll ferries access the park's southern entrance at Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter (call 1-800-BY-FERRY). Bus service may be available at Elizabeth City, NC. Weather & Climate Wind is an everyday occurrence on the Outer Banks, and can range from gentle southwest breezes to strong northeast storm winds. Otherwise the weather changes rapidly and can be very unpredictable. Summer days are usually warm and humid, and are often broken by fast-moving but severe thunderstorms. Winter temperatures are usually cool, though the wind can make them bitterly cold. Spring and Fall days can vary a great deal between these two extremes. Mosquitoes can be a significant problem throughout the warm- weather months. Clothing should be seasonal, but have extra gear available for wind and rain. Accessibility All park Visitor Centers and associated restrooms are accessible. Campground restrooms also have accessible facilities. Boardwalks from roadside parking areas provide accessibility for ocean views. Individuals with special needs can call the park prior to their visit for specific information. Beach wheelchairs are available for check-out from the visitor centers at Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras. Getting Around Personal vehicle, bicycle (a partial bike path exists along some stretches of Highway 12; use caution on busy two-lane highway). There are a variety of short trails in the park, as well as long stretches of pristine beach. ORV access to the beach is permitted in several areas. CAMPING Cape Point Open From 05/25/01 To 09/03/01 Cape Point Campground is located near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Historic District. It is suitable for both tents and R.V,s. Cold-showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, and grills are provided. Frisco Open From 04/13/01 To 10/08/01 Frisco Campground has beautiful ocean views and is suitable for both tents and R.V.s. Cold-water showers, flush-toilets, grills, and picnic tables are provided. Ocracoke Campground Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP Open From 04/13/01 To 10/08/01 Ocracoke Campground is set close to the ocean on Ocracoke Island. It is suitable for tents and R.V's. Running water, flush toilets, and cold-water showers are provided. Oregon Inlet Campground Open From 04/13/01 To 10/08/01 Beautiful campground is close to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Modern toilets, drinking water, cold showers, grills, a dump station and picnic tables available. The campground is near the ocean in a flat, sandy area with very little shade. If you tent camp, bring extra-long stakes and mosquito repellent. LODGING None No lodging is available in the park. Surrounding communities offer a full range of lodging options. FACILITIES Visitor Centers BODIE ISLAND Phone - (252) 441-5711 Location - Approximately 6 1/2 miles south on NC Highway 12 from US158/NC12/US64-264 Intersection (Whalebone Junction) at Nags Head, NC. Closures - The Bodie Island Visitor Center (the historic Double Keepers Quarters of the Bodie Island Light Station) is closed on Christmas Day. Special Programs - A full range of ranger-led programs are available on a regular basis from mid-June through mid-August. Exhibits - The Bodie Island Visitor Center contains interesting exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the families who tended it. Available Facilities - Accessible restrooms, a visitor center, walking paths, and a unique bookstore are available. The area is also a wonderful spot for birding, crabbing, and walking through a spectacular salt marsh ecosystem. Although the Bodie Island Lighthouse is not open for climbing, visitors may meander the historic grounds of this historic light station. HATTERAS ISLAND VISITOR CENTER Phone - 252-995-4474 Location - Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, NC. Closures - Christmas Day Special Programs - The Cape Hatteras Visitor Center houses a variety of exhibits on park themes. Staff are available to answer questions and visitors will find a varity of publications available for sale. A full range of ranger-led programs are available on a regular basis from mid-June through mid-August. Exhibits - Exhibits cover the history of Hatteras Island. Available Facilities - Facilities are accessible. Parking and modern restrooms are available at the Cape Hatteras Light Station entrance. OCRACOKE Phone - (252) 928-4531 Location - Ocracoke, NC Closures - The Ocracoke Visitor Center is now open year-round, except Christmas Day. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is closed for climbing. Special Programs - A full range of ranger led programs are available from mid-June through mid-August. Exhibits - Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Ocracoke Island and Cape Hatteras National Seashore may be viewed at the visitor center. Available Facilities - Accessible restrooms, exhibits, information and a bookstore are available.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Cape Hatteras National Seashore.   Campgrounds Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Cypress Cove Campground, Manteo, 0 miles away North Beach Campground, Rodanthe, 4 miles away Rodanthe Watersports, Rodanthe, 4 miles away The Refuge On Roanoke Island, Wanchese, 5 miles away Obx Campground, Kill Devil Hills, 5 miles away Colington Park Campground, Kill Devil Hills, 5 miles away Kitty Hawk Trailer Park, Kitty Hawk, 8 miles away   Marinas Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Mateo Waterfront Marina, Manteo , 1 miles away Marshes Light Marina, Manteo , 1 miles away Pirate's Cove Yacht Club, Manteo , 3 miles away Broad Creek Marina, Wanchese , 6 miles away Thicket Lump Marina, Wanchese , 6 miles away   Hotels Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Elizabethan Inn, Manteo , 0 miles away Holiday Inn Express NAGS HEAD OCEANFRONT, Nags Head , 5 miles away Beach Front Beacon Motor Lodge, Nags Head , 5 miles away John Yancey Oceanfront Inn, Kill Devil Hills , 5 miles away Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills , 5 miles away Comfort Inn On The Ocean, Kill Devil Hills , 5 miles away Best Western Ocean Reef Suites, Kill Devil Hills , 6 miles away   Trails Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Thomas Hariot Nature Trail, Dare County , 2 miles away   Beaches Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Coquina Beach, Dare County , 10 miles away   Public Lands Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Jockey's Ridge State Park, North Carolina , 4 miles away   Golf Courses Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Nags Head Golf Links, Nags Head , 5 miles away Duck Woods Country Club, Kitty Hawk , 11 miles away Sea Scape Golf Links, Kitty Hawk , 12 miles away Holly Ridge Golf, Harbinger , 13 miles away Pointe Golf Club, Powells Point , 15 miles away