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.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Urges Caution Near Threatened Oceanfront Structures in Buxton and Rodanthe
Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to use caution from today to April 11 on east-facing beaches. There is the potential for multi-day, persistent northeast winds and breaking waves. This could cause coastal erosion and the partial or full collapse of one or more threatened oceanfront structures in Buxton and Rodanthe.
Image of a broken groin (or jetty) near the water.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Issues Permit to Repair Southernmost Groin in Buxton, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued a special use permit to Dare County for its upcoming project to repair the southernmost groin, located partially within the boundaries of the Seashore, in Buxton, North Carolina.
Photo of a beautiful sunrise behind the Bodie Island Light Station.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Outer Banks Forever Announce Repairs to Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its official non-profit partner, Outer Banks Forever, today announced an upcoming partnership project, funded by Outer Banks Forever, that will restore the interior of the Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters.
OBX Storm updates
Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS and Wright Brothers NMEM Announce Visitor Facility Closures Ahead of Winter Storm
Ahead of an impending winter storm, all National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed this weekend and will remain closed through at least the morning of Feb. 2. The Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke campgrounds are closing at 12 p.m. today.
Image of a red truck carrying a blue and white kayak.
National Park Service Provides Updates on Missing Person
The National Park Service continues to seek information from the public to assist in locating Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, who was officially declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16.
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