Cape Lookout National Seashore

Small sandpipers, called Sanderlings, are common sights on the ocean beach as they search for food in the sand between waves
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.
Map showing location of park.
Duck Blind Permits Available for the 2024-2025 Hunting Season
For the 2024-2025 duck hunting season, Cape Lookout National Seashore will continue to use a lottery system to determine the initial order for applicants to register their duck blinds with the park.
Completion of Dredging from Back Sound to Lookout Bight
Next Generation Logistics has completed the dredging from Back Sound to Lookout Bight. This project was a major collaborative effort between the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Carteret County Government. It was greatly supported by the state of North Carolina, as well as by Congressman Greg Murphy and Senator Thom Tillis.
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f
Photo by NPS photo
Mature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sun
Photo by NPS photo
small sandpipers poke their bills in the sand while waves break in the background
Photo by NPS photo
2 ladies sit in beach chairs on the sand with their feet in the water
Photo by NPS photo
A surf fisherman stands in the water holding his surf rod and watching the waves
Photo by NPS photo