The Islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore are accessible only by boat. While may visitors take a ferry, most paddlers and sailors prefer to take their own boats across to the Islands. Fishing, whether on the waters of Back Sound, Core Sound or out the inlet to the near-shore ocean waters, is also an enjoyable and rewarding activity. The steady winds that blow across the sounds make this an ideal area for winsurfers and kite-boarders as well.
Cape Lookout National Seashore is open 24 hours a day/365 days a year. However, the operating hours for the visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year as shown below in the listings we have provided for you.
Hours:
Harker's Island visitor center is open daily form 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Portsmouth Village Visitor Center is open from April to November (hours vary).
Park administrative offices are open Monday though Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed all government holidays).
Services available seasonally.
Ferry service to the park is generally offered from mid-March to the first weekend in December.
Cabin rentals are generally available from April 1st to the first weekend in December.
A wealth and variety of activities awaits you at Cape Lookout National Seashore. From birding, to camping, to fishing, to hunting, to learning about the rich history of Cape Lookout Light station -- there is something for everyone!
Park Lodging
Cabin lodging areas within the seashore are located at Long Point on North Core Banks, opposite the town of Atlantic and at Great Island on South Core Banks, opposite the town of Davis. These rustic cabins provide and alternative to camping and are reachable by a concession operated ferry. There are approximately 32 cabins available that sleep from 4 to 12 people bunk-bed style. Some cabins have screened porches. Cabins are wire for generators (provided by the visitor). Cabins have gas hot water heaters, private bathrooms, tables, chairs, kitchen with cabinets, and propane cook stove with oven.
There are no refrigerators. You will need a cooler for keeping any food cold. Ice is provided by Ferry Service and the Park Service. Customers must provide their own pots and pans, cooking utensils, bed linens, drinking water, dishes and ice chest. Before checking out, customer is expected to clean the sink and table, remove trash and sweep the cabin. Pets are allowed in cabins and must be on a leash for safety purposes. For camping reservations on Great Island call 252-241-6783.
Primitive Camping
Open all year camping, is available for tents, picnic tables, bathhouses, and restrooms. There are established camping in the park and few other amenities, such as water pumps or toilets, available within the park's boundaries, All camping is primitive. You must bring everything you need and take all trash with you. A camping permit is required for camping within the seashore. These permits are free of charge and are available at each of the park's visitor centers, as well as at self-serve permit stations on each of the Islands. You may camp for up to 14 consecutive days. Camping is permitted on all Islands within Cape Lookout National Seashore, however, there are no designated campsites. Tent campers may set up among, but not on, the dunes just behind the ocean beach as well as on the sound-side of the Island. For camping information on Long Point call 252-732-4424.
Vehicle Camping
Vehicle camping is permitted only on North and South Core Banks. All vehicles and trailer must remain on the ocean beach or use the designated pull-outs near Cape Lookout point. Vehicles are not allowed to camp on the sound-side of the Island.
Areas Closed To Camping:
>Harker's Island Visitor Center site
>Designated long-term parking lots/areas
>In concession cabin areas
>Within 100 yards of the lighthouse, or any Cabin or house
>Within 100 feet of any docks, shade shelter, restrooms or other structures.
>In areas closed for sea turtles and bird nesting
>Within Portsmouth Village Historic District
>Within the grounds of the Historic Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station
Getting Around
Four wheel drive vehicles and ATV's are the best source for getting around. All vehicles must be operated by a Licensed driver with a valid driver's license in their possession. All person's on ATV's must wear helmets. For those without four wheel drives or ATV's arrangements can be made for travel up and down the beach. Proceed with caution when traveling due to sea turtles and other wildlife. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, use sunscreen, and wear hats or use an umbrella for shade.
Cabin lodging areas within the seashore are located at Long Point on North Core Banks, opposite the town of Atlantic and at Great Island on South Core Banks, opposite the town of Davis. These rustic cabins provide and alternative to camping and are reachable by a concession operated ferry. There are approximately 32 cabins available that sleep from 4 to 12 people bunk-bed style. Some cabins have screened porches. Cabins are wire for generators (provided by the visitor). Cabins have gas hot water heaters, private bathrooms, tables, chairs, kitchen with cabinets, and propane cook stove with oven.
There are no refrigerators. You will need a cooler for keeping any food cold. Ice is provided by Ferry Service and the Park Service. Customers must provide their own pots and pans, cooking utensils, bed linens, drinking water, dishes and ice chest. Before checking out, customer is expected to clean the sink and table, remove trash and sweep the cabin. Pets are allowed in cabins and must be on a leash for safety purposes. For camping reservations on Great Island call 252-241-6783.
Open all year camping, is available for tents, picnic tables, bathhouses, and restrooms. There are established camping in the park and few other amenities, such as water pumps or toilets, available within the park's boundaries, All camping is primitive. You must bring everything you need and take all trash with you. A camping permit is required for camping within the seashore. These permits are free of charge and are available at each of the park's visitor centers, as well as at self-serve permit stations on each of the Islands. You may camp for up to 14 consecutive days. Camping is permitted on all Islands within Cape Lookout National Seashore, however, there are no designated campsites. Tent campers may set up among, but not on, the dunes just behind the ocean beach as well as on the sound-side of the Island. For camping information on Long Point call 252-732-4424.
Vehicle camping is permitted only on North and South Core Banks. All vehicles and trailer must remain on the ocean beach or use the designated pull-outs near Cape Lookout point. Vehicles are not allowed to camp on the sound-side of the Island.