Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Lots of recreation opportunities await visits on the sound side of the barrier islands.
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!
Map showing location of park.
Scenic view from atop the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Bodie Island Lighthouse opens for daily climbing April 18, 2025
The Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open for daily climbing from Friday, April 18 through Oct. 13, 2025.
Visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS, and Wright Brothers NMEM will reopen at normal times Jan. 24
Following multiple days of snow and ice removal from park roads and sidewalks, National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial will reopen at normal times on Friday, Jan. 24. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Friday; however, visitors should use caution while driving and walking through the parks, particularly during the colder morning hours.
Visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS, and Wright Brothers NMEM to remain closed Jan. 23; shoreline erosion public meeting postponed
National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Fort Raleigh) and Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed Thursday, Jan. 23. Fort Raleigh’s shoreline erosion public meeting, originally scheduled for Jan. 23, is postponed—a new date will be announced in the coming days.
Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS, and Wright Brothers NMEM announce visitor facility closures ahead of winter storm
Ahead of an impending winter storm, National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Fort Raleigh) and Wright Brothers National Memorial will close at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 and remain closed Wednesday, Jan. 22. Outdoor areas at the Seashore and Fort Raleigh will remain open.
Red fire engine park next to the Bodie Island Double Keepers' Quarters.
Fire extinguished insdie the Bodie Island Double Keepers' Quarters
After observing smoke inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters (DKQ), staff from Eastern National—the operator of the building’s retail store—called 911 at around 12 p.m. today, Jan. 7. All occupants safely exited the building.
The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Photo by NPS Photo
A young girl paddles across the water with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visible in the distance.
Photo by NPS Photo
Black and white painting of the brick Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Photo by NPS Photo
Two kids play in the sand.
Photo by NPS Photo