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.
A person walks on the boardwalk surrounded by trees. Lighthouse in the background.
Post-Hurricane Erin at Cape Lookout National Seashore
The National Park Service is assessing for any impacts due to Hurricane Erin. Currently, very few damages to park facilities or resources have been found.
Key messages from noaa showing track of Hurricane Erin and coastal storm surge
Hurricane Erin Closures at Cape Lookout National Seashore
Hurricane Erin is forecast to be a threat to Cape Lookout National Seashore as current projections show the storm passing off the coast of Eastern North Carolina.
key message about hurricane erin from NOAA
Hurricane Erin Closures At Cape Lookout National Seashore
Hurricane Erin is forecast to be a potential threat to Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Hunter in duck blind.
Cape Lookout National Seashore Announces the Duck Blind Lottery for the 2025-2026 Hunting Season
For the 2025-2026 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 within the park.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Keeper's Quarters, and summer kitchen with tall pine trees behind them. A blue sky is in the background. Water and sand is in the foreground.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse Renovation Set to Begin
Cape Lookout National Seashore is proud to announce the commencement of a major renovation project for the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a treasured maritime beacon on the North Carolina coast.
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f
Photo by NPS photo
A bird with orange bill and orange legs runs along the tide line. Waves in the background
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A red light illuminates a tent on the sand, with a star filled sky behind it.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A seashell lays in the sand, with the sun setting in the background.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A sand covered turtles flings sand on the beach while laying eggs.
Photo by NPS Photo
A Jeep drives on the sand in between grass covered dunes.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A angler sits in a chair, with two fishing poles in the sand. Lighthouse in background.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin