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Cape Lookout National Seashore
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.
RecAreaDirections
Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531
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Permits info
Facilities
Cape Lookout National Seashore Duck Blind Lottery Ticket Facility
Cape Lookout National Seashore, on the southern Outer Banks, is wild, beautiful, and remote. This isolated strip of sand is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier island systems in the world. Waves crash, winds blow, currents shift, and storms batter this dynamic landscape, where change is certain and survival difficult. Congress established Cape Lookout National Seashore to preserve a unique environment and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities. This includes managing hunting activities in a way that is compatible with other recreational uses. Construction of temporary duck blinds is allowed under a park special use permit. Sites for permitted duck blinds are chosen by lottery in late August each year and then on a first come, first served basis at the Harkers Island Visitor Center after that. Permitted blinds must be removed before March 31. Construction of permanent blinds is prohibited. The permit application form is located on the Cape Lookout National Seashore website and should be completed and brought to the park on the day of your scheduled appointment.
South Core Banks -- Beach camping Campground
List of CampsitesDispersed 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.
GREAT ISLAND CABIN CAMP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Great Island Cabin Camp is located on South Core Banks within beautiful Cape Lookout National Seashore just off the mainland of North Carolina. The historic camp has been a favorite of fisherman and beach goers for many years.
The camp can only be reached by boat, adding an element of both privacy and adventure. Visitors can travel by personal boats or reserve a spot on the vehicle ferry, which cruises across scenic Core Sound to South Core Banks and the Great Island Cabin Camp.
4WD, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended due to deep sand on the Back Road and the oceanside beaches. There are NO paved roads on North or South Core Banks. An Off-Road Vehicle Driving Permit is required and must be purchased from Recreation.gov prior to arrival. Once you arrive on the island, show proof of payment for the Off-Road Vechicle Driving Permit to the park staff at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office or law enforcement Rangers/staff on North Core Banks, and they will issue you the corresponding decal for your vehicle.
Recreation
The park's sandy beaches are a prime location for fishing, exploring, beachcombing/shelling, swimming, birding or simply relaxing. Spring and fall at Cape Lookout offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Kayaking is a popular activity at the park. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline ranging from docile sound to pounding surf, Cape Lookout National Seashore has become one of the premier paddling destinations on the Mid-Atlantic Coast.Facilities
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.
Each cabin contains bunk beds and mattresses, a private bath with sink and shower stall, a hot water heater, a table and chairs. Small kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. There are no refrigerators. A grill is just outside each cabin. Bathroom facilities with showers are also centrally located within the camp.
Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. Most campers also bring flashlights or lanterns. Ice and fuel are available at the camp office.
Natural Features
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet. At 56 miles long, these barrier islands consist mainly of bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation and large expanses of salt marsh along the sound.Nearby Attractions
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, historic Cape VillageCharges & Cancellations
Please note: Customers who cancel a cabin reservation less than 14 days prior to the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Refunds resulting from storm closures will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
LONG POINT CABIN CAMP Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Long Point Cabin Camp is located on North Core Banks within beautiful Cape Lookout National Seashore just off the mainland of North Carolina. The historic camp has been a favorite of fisherman and beach goers for many years. The camp can only be reached by boat, adding both privacy and adventure to the trip. Visitors can cross scenic Core Sound to North Core Banks in their personal boat or use the vehicle ferry to bring their personal vehicles across for driving the oceanside beaches.Recreation
The park's sandy beaches are a prime location for fishing, exploring, shelling, swimming, birding and simply relaxing. Spring and fall at Cape Lookout offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Kayaking is a popular activity at the park. With 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline ranging from docile sound to pounding surf, Cape Lookout National Seashore has become one of the premier paddling destinations on the Mid-Atlantic Coast.Facilities
Long Point Cabin Camp offers 10 rustic, wooden beachfront duplex cabins on the Atlantic Coast for individuals and families or small groups. These cabins have electricity. Visitors can rent one half of the duplex (sleeps six) or the whole duplex (sleeps 12). Cabins 9-20 have a connecting door in the center. Each unit is approximately 500 sq ft., and Cabins 9 and 10 are accessible. These units share porches and decks. Each unit contains six single bunk beds with mattresses in a combination sleeping/eating area with ceiling fans, a table and chairs. Kitchens are equipped with cabinets and a propane oven/stove. Private baths are located in each unit, along with a hot water heater and lighting fixtures. Cabins 9-20 have propane heaters. Cabins 3-8 have window air conditioning units. Bathroom facilities are also located within the camp. There are no refrigerators. Campers must provide their own linens, bedding, cookware, food and food storage, coolers, first-aid supplies and anything else needed during their stay. Ice and gas are available at the camp office.Natural Features
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast side to Beaufort Inlet on the southwest side. At 56 miles long, these barrier islands consist mainly of bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation and large expanses of salt marsh along the sound.Nearby Attractions
Historic Portsmouth VillageCharges & Cancellations
Please note: Customers who cancel a cabin reservation less than 14 days prior to the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Refunds resulting from storm closures will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cape Lookout National Seashore Tours Ticket Facility
Overview:
Cape Lookout National Seashore, on the southern Outer Banks, is wild, beautiful, and remote. This isolated strip of sand is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier island systems in the world. Wave crash, winds blow, currents shift, and storms batter this dynamic landscape, where change is certain and survival difficult.Step off a ferry and into a world where birds outnumber people and wild Shackleford horses roam. Wiggle your toes in the sand, gather shells, and surf cast. In the midst of this changing landscape, the renewal of life is evident. Sea turtles, piping plovers, and American oystercatchers return each year to lay eggs on the same beach where their lives began.
Join a ranger-guided tour to enhance your exploration of this remote island. Climb the historic lighthouse during the day (sold at park), or join the Horse Sense and Survival tour to walk among the wild horses, enjoy the beach and ocean views and connect with the rhythms of nature.
The Evening at the Cape tour offers visitors the chance to walk on the beach, tour the lighthouse keeper's quarters and climb the lighthouse under a full moon, with one of the best night sky views on the east coast.
Summary of Fees
| Tour Name | General Admission | Changes* | Reservation fee | Cancellations**(per ticket) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening at the Cape Tour | $28.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3.00 |
| Horse Sense and Survival | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1.50 (non-refundable) |
$0.00 |
**Customers who cancel any tour after this time (or no-shows) Will forfeit the tour fee.
Harkers Island Visitor Center Facility
Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site. Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island history and ecology including the Shackleford Banks horses; interactive map of the park; Discovery Room with sounds of the seashore game, a touch table and other kid friendly activities; the park film is shown upon request; book store; Ranger programs and free Junior Ranger and Junior Ranger Adventures activity guides
Beaufort Visitor Information Center Facility
Available Facilities: Information, maps, restrooms & first aid, Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island ecology and history, park map, park passport stamp. Free Jr Ranger and Jr Ranger Adventures activity guides.
Light Station Visitor Center Facility
Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, shade shelter, water fountain. Purchase tickets for climbing the lighthouse at the ticket window. Also available: park passport stamp station, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Activity guides, bookstore, beach wheelchair (free rental) Located on South Core Banks near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this visitor center is reached only by the park ferry or private boat. Open from mid-March through October, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily.
Great Island Cabin Office Facility
Located at Great Island on South Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Davis, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger booklet, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits
Portsmouth Visitor Center Facility
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
