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National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Park ClosureOct 21, 2026

Cape Point & Frisco campgrounds and several ORV ramps remain closed

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Park ClosureAug 17, 2026

Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving Project

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Park ClosureAug 4, 2026

Project Safety Closure in Place Near Southernmost Groin in Buxton

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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

Oct 18, 2026

Operational Updates for Oct. 19 at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial

On Oct. 19 at 9 a.m., Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will reopen to the public. A number of facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will also reopen.

Oct 17, 2026

National Park Service Announces Weather-Related Closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial

Due to forecasted strong winds and coastal impacts, the campgrounds, off-road vehicle ramps and visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, will close by 12 p.m. on Oct. 17. Reopening will begin after conditions improve and post-storm assessments are complete.

Oct 14, 2026

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Begins Treatments to Control Invasive Reed

Over the next few weeks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is using aerial and ground-based herbicide treatments to control an invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) and help restore native wetland vegetation.