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National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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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Park ClosureJul 31, 2026

Partial Beach Closures 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

Billy Mitchell Airport to Close on Aug. 17 to Rehabilitate Runway
Jul 29, 2026

Billy Mitchell Airport to Close on Aug. 17 to Rehabilitate Runway

Beginning Aug. 17, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The closure will occur earlier than the previously announced Sept. 8 date, due to an accelerated construction schedule. The runway closure is expected to last until mid-November.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Temporary Beach and Swimming Closure for Dare County Groin Repair Project
Jul 27, 2026

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Temporary Beach and Swimming Closure for Dare County Groin Repair Project

Beginning Aug. 3, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will temporarily close a small section of beach and swimming area in Buxton. This closure will ensure public safety during a Dare County project to repair the southernmost groin near the former Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site. The Seashore expects to maintain the closure for the duration of the repair work.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Shares Progress on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project
Jul 9, 2026

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Shares Progress on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project

Cape Hatteras National Seashore today announced significant progress in the ongoing restoration of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Crews have advanced major construction and preservation milestones designed to protect one of the nation’s most recognizable historic landmarks.