Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Park Closure Passenger Ferry Dock Closed; Visitors Deboard via Beach Landing

The ferry dock servicing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse area is closed for repairs. Visitors will deboard the ferry in front of the lighthouse. To reach the boardwalk, visitors will need to walk 5–10 minutes on soft sand. Depending on the tide, visitors may also need to walk through water.

Overview

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • ATV Off-Roading
  • Auto Off-Roading
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Cape Lookout National Seashore: Cape Lookout National Seashore has 3 offshore barrier islands that are open 24 hours and 365 days a year (weather permitting). Operating hours for visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year.

Getting there

Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531

Visitor centers

Campgrounds

  • South Core Banks -- Beach camping
  • Great Island Cabin Camp (23 sites) — reserve
  • North Core Banks - Beach Camping

Weather

Spring: Temperatures generally range from 50 F to 70+ F. Rain & wind are common Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F with high humidity (80-90%). Average wind speed is 10-15 mph. Be prepared with plenty of water. With little shade on the islands, an umbrella to provide shade from the sun is a good idea. Fall: Temperatures usually range from the high 70 F to the upper 40 F. Winter: Temperatures usually range from 50 F - 32 F. Winds can be strong. Dress in layers.

Phone: 2527282250

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

A bird with orange bill and orange legs runs along the tide line. Waves in the background
American Oystercatcher · NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A red light illuminates a tent on the sand, with a star filled sky behind it.
Camping Under the Stars · NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A seashell lays in the sand, with the sun setting in the background.
Shelling at the Seashore · NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A sand covered turtles flings sand on the beach while laying eggs.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · NPS Photo
A Jeep drives on the sand in between grass covered dunes.
Beach Driving · NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A angler sits in a chair, with two fishing poles in the sand. Lighthouse in background.
Angler on the Seashore · NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

Pair it with