Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Last updated 1/18/2007
Please notify webmaster of any corrections.

Information

• Cape Hatteras Map

• None

• Most trails are accessible to stock (unmodified) four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Trails at are comprised mostly of fire breaks, sandy unimproved roads, and driving near the ocean.
• Trail system is open year-round
  Drive only on marked ORV routes and comply with posted restrictions. Do not drive on or between the dunes unless marked as an ORV route. Driving or parking on vegetation is prohibited.
• Observe posted speed limits - the speed limit on the beach, generally 25 mph, is reduced in certain areas.
• Any law applicable to vehicle use on a paved road in the State of North Carolina also applies to ORV use.
• A current driver’s license; and valid vehicle registration, insurance, and license plate are required for all vehicles, including ATVs.
• Use only designated beach access ramps and sound-side access roads to enter designated ORV routes. Reckless driving, i.e. cutting circles or defacing the beach, is prohibited.
• Avoid driving or parking on the wrack line. The wrack line is a line of stranded natural debris on the beach left by the previous high tide that can be an important food source for protected birds.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
• Open containers of any type of alcoholic beverage are prohibited in vehicles. Public consumption of spirituous liquors or fortified wines is prohibited.
• The use of seatbelts is required.
• Do not hang outside of moving vehicles or sit on the tailgate or roof. Those in truck beds must be seated on the floor with the tailgate closed; children in truck beds must be accompanied by an adult.

• The area is comprised largely sand trails.
• Standing pools of mud and stream crossings may be present, with these conditions being prevalent immediately following heavy rainfall.

• Hotels can be found the nearby town of Hatteras, NC [Hatteras City Info] and Rodanthe, NC [Rodanthe City Info]

• The park has four campgrounds. Camping is allowed only in these campgrounds. Camping on the beach is prohibited. Campers should prepare carefully for the natural conditions to be found at the park.
• Link to the four campgrounds.
• Please note that some campgrounds require reservations and fill up quickly during busy travel months.