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National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

InformationJun 29, 2026

Upcoming Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving Project

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Park ClosureJun 5, 2026

Beach closure in place in front of Buxton Village

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The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Bodie Island Lighthouse still has its first-order Fresnel lens.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

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 climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!

Activities

Auto and ATVAuto Off-RoadingAstronomyStargazingCampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingFishingSaltwater FishingFoodPicnickingHiking
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Junior Ranger Program
Snorkeling
Surfing
Swimming
Saltwater Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

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 and Cedar Island, NC to the village of Ocracoke on Ocracoke Island. The provided physical address is the location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, roughly in the middle of the park.

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Weather

The weather along the Outer Banks varies throughout the year and even throughout the day. Please check the National Weather Service information at http://www.weather.gov/mhx/ for forecast information.

News

National Park Service Reminds Visitors that Use and Possession of Fireworks are Illegal on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches
Jun 30, 2026

National Park Service Reminds Visitors that Use and Possession of Fireworks are Illegal on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches

Cape Hatteras National Seashore reminds visitors and adjacent homeowners that it is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all Seashore beaches, including the beaches on Ocracoke Island and all the beaches in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving
Jun 25, 2026

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving

Beginning Sept. 8, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The project will provide full resurfacing of paved areas, new reflective paint, and new tie-downs and anchors, improving visitor safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Reopens Beach Between South End of Buxton and Ramp 43
May 21, 2026

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Reopens Beach Between South End of Buxton and Ramp 43

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has reopened more than a mile of beach between the south end of Buxton and off-road vehicle ramp 43, following an interim response action by the Army Corps of Engineers, soil testing, and consultations with the U.S. Public Health Service and Dare County’s Department of Health and Human Services.