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.
A wooden lifeguard stand with a sun shade stands in center of beach in front of ocean.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Reopens Beach Between South End of Buxton and Ramp 43
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has reopened more than a mile of beach between the south end of Buxton and off-road vehicle ramp 43, following an interim response action by the Army Corps of Engineers, soil testing, and consultations with the U.S. Public Health Service and Dare County’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Urges Visitors to Swim at Lifeguard Beaches and Sign Up for Swimming Safety Alerts
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is pleased to announce the locations of its five lifeguarded beaches and offer tips to help summer visitors stay safe in and out of the ocean.
Beach Nourishment Activities Close Ramp 38 Parking Lot and Delay Access to Beach Route
From May 18 through July 15, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the parking lot at off-road vehicle ramp 38, located south of Avon, N.C., to accommodate Dare County’s beach nourishment project.
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.
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