The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbi
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe grounds of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are always open for visitors, though there are resource closures that seasonally affect different parts of the beach.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 2524732111 · caha_public_affairs@nps.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located along NC-12 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You can reach the seashore from the north by following US 158 to Nag Heads, NC and the turn-off to NC-12 and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From the south, you can take NCDOT ferries from Swanquarter, NC a
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Cape Hatteras National Seashore — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include BI BW Coquina Boardwalk, BI TR Off Island Trail, BI TR Pond Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The grounds of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are always open for visitors, though there are resource closures that seasonally affect different parts of the beach.
Nearby sites
Vbofficial / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
