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Cape Lookout National Seashore

Harkers Island, NC

The seashore is a 56 mile long section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. The three undeveloped barrier islands which make up the seashore - North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks - may seem barren and isolated but they offer many natural and historical features that can make a visit very rewarding

CONTACTS

Email - CALO_Information@nps.gov

Fax- 252-728-2160

Write to
131 Charles St.
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Phone
Headquarters - (252) 728-2250

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Visitor Center on Harkers Island is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET (closed December 25 and January 1). Visitor Centers in the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and in Portsmouth Village are open from April to November (hours vary).

Private ferry service to the park offered mid-March to the first weekend in December. Park accessible by personal boat year round.

Primitive cabin rentals available from April 1st to the first weekend in December.

Getting There
CAR - Cape Lookout National Seashore's Visitor Center is located on the eastern end of Harkers Island, approximately 20 mi (30 km) east of Beaufort, NC and 30 mi (50 km)south of the Cedar Island terminus of the North Carolina State Ferry route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island.

From Beaufort: Take U.S. 70 east to Harkers Island Road (SR 1332/SR 1335).

From Cedar Island: Take SR 12 south past the Atlantic turnoff to US 70 west. Continue on US 70 to Harkers Island Road (SR1332/SR 1335) .

Follow Harkers Island Road until it terminates. On the left is the two-story visitor center.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Cape Lookout National Seashore is accessible only through private ferries leaving from Harkers Island, Davis, Atlantic, Beaufort, Morehead City and Ocracoke or your personal boat.

Ferries leaving from the communities of Harkers Island, Beaufort, Morehead City and Ocracoke, NC carry passengers only. The ferries from Davis and Atlantic, NC can transport passengers and 4-wheel drive vehicles. For additional information call (252)728-2250, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET. After hours a recording will give you a list of the ferry operators.

Weather & Climate
Summers are warm, humid and buggy. Winter temperatures can go below freezing. Fall and spring have low humidity and are generally mild. Rainy periods occur throughout the year. Wear comfortable sportswear in season with a hat for the sun and good walking shoes that can take the sand and salt water.

Accessibility
Visitor Center on Harkers Island is accessible. Access to and on the banks is limited. Ferries are partially accessible, contact the individual ferry service for details. On the banks soft sand may hinder walking or wheelchairs. Steps in the historic buildings at Portsmouth Village and in the Keeper's Quarters may prevent easy access. At the southern end of the park there is a wooden walkway from the ferry dock to an observation platform at the beach and to the Keeper's Quarters by the lighthouse. Ease of access to this walkway is dependent on the phase of the tide. A standard wheelchair for boardwalk use and a beach wheelchair are available for rent on a first-come first-served basis at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters.

Getting Around
Most people walk although personal 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on North Core and South Core Banks subject to State of North Carolina laws. All vehicle operators, ATVs included, must have a valid drivers license in their possession while driving a vehicle in the park. For those without a vehicle there are limited privately operated beach shuttle services available during the summer months.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Free!

Activity Fee
BEACH SHUTTLE (ROUNDTRIP)

The concession operation on North Core Banks offers 4 wheel drive shuttle service from their area of operation. Cost is $3.50 per person per mile (minimum 2 persons) round trip. Contact the concession directly for more information.

PASSENGER FERRY RATE (ROUND TRIP)

Rates vary with the seasons. Contact the ferry operator directly for the current price. All rates quoted are for roundtrip fares.

VEHICLE FERRY RATE (ROUNDTRIP)

Passengers: $14.00 per person; Vehicles: $75.00 per standard size (18 1/2 ft and under) vehicle. Larger vehicles cost more. Vehicles are carried by concession operators. Contact them directly for more information.

Permits
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Free!
Required for both tent and vehicle camping. Available from the Harkers Island Visitor Center, the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters or from any park ranger.

PARKING
$10.00 for 7 Days
This permit is required for vehicles that will be left unattended on the banks for 24 hours or longer. No permit is required for beach driving or vehicle camping.

CAMPING

Primitive Camping
Open All Year
Campers should be aware that all camping is in the primitive style. There is very little shade or shelter on the islands and no source for supplies. Campers must bring everything they need with them, including drinking water. Please pack out what you pack in. There is no trash pick up on the islands and buried trash resurfaces quickly in the beach environment creating a hazard for sea turtles and other wildlife.

LODGING

Alger Willis Fishing Camps Inc.
Open from approximately April 1st through 1st week of December.
There are twenty-one (21) individual, rustic cabins that vary in age and condition. Cabins sleep from four to twelve person’s bunk-bed style. Some cabins have screened porches. Most are wired for generator use. Visitors supply their own generator. Each cabin has a hot water heater, table, chairs, and a kitchen with cabinets, propane oven/stove combination and a private bath. Visitors need to provide their own linens, bedding and cookware.
For More Information on this lodging please call (252) 729-2791

Morris Marina, Kabin Kamps and Ferry Service, Inc.
Open from approximately April 1st through 1st week of December.
There are twenty units with a sleeping capacity of six (6) bunk-bed style. Each unit has a hot water heater, individual propane heating system, lighting fixtures, a combination sleeping-eating area with ceiling fans, table, chairs, a kitchen with cabinets, oven/stove combination and a private bath. Each unit is approximately 500 sq. ft. Visitors need to provide their own linens, bedding and cookware.
For More Information on this lodging please call (252) 225-4261

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