Cape Lookout National Seashore

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Superintendent
Cape Lookout National Seashore
131 Charles Street
Harkers Island, NC 28531
252-728-2250

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow, ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southwest. These barrier islands—55 miles in length—have a fascinating natural and social history. They consist mostly of wide, bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation, and large expanses of salt marsh alongside the sound. Portsmouth Village, a historic, largely abandoned shipping town, lies on the northern end of the seashore. Shackleford Banks, a proposed wilderness zone, anchors its southern end.

Features: Rolling dunes turning to rich marshland along Core and Pamlico Sounds; historic structures
Places nearby: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, Croatan National Forest, Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach
Activities: Hiking, Camping, OHV driving, Beachcombing, Fishing, Birdwatching, Windsurfing, Boating

Fishing/Boating
Spring and fall at Cape Lookout offer what many consider to be some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Most of the beach and sounds are open to fishing. There are no fishing piers at the park. There are no slips for boats at the park. Make sure you have navigation charts aboard. Follow the marked channels. The sound is shallow, and it is easy to run aground. There are charter boat services in Morehead City and Atlantic Beach, NC.

Windsurfing
Many windsurfers use the area known as Shell Point on Harkers Island.

Trails/Hiking
There are no trails on the seashore, but many people do backpack or hike the islands. Be advised that the walking can be difficult due to the soft sand. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are recommended.

Birding
Birding is a year-round activity at the seashore. Terns and herons are best seen in the summer. Spring and fall are excellent to view shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Ducks and geese are common during the winter months.

Swimming
Due to hazardous currents on the ocean side, swimming is not recommended at the park. Swimming in the ocean is NOT the same as swimming in a pool. Tides and rip currents are dangerous and can be fatal.

Practicalities

Visitor Resources
For basic information about Cape Lookout National Seashore, go first to the ranger station on Harkers Island. The visitor center at Ocracoke, which is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, can give you information on Portsmouth village and on how to reach it. This park is undeveloped and has no maintained roads. There are no lifeguarded beaches; rip currents do occur along the beach and visitors should never swim alone. There are no camping facilities or concessions of any kind on the islands. Be prepared to carry with you everything you need. Nearby towns and villages on the mainland can provide you with most supplies that you will need.

Supplies & Shelter
Clothing: There is little shade or shelter on the islands, so don't go without a shirt and a hat.

Water: Take it with you. Water is a necessity and you can dehydrate quickly on the islands in hot weather.

Trash: Carry everything out with you. Burying trash causes problems, for disturbing any part of the natural system, including the water table, eventually destroys the rest.

Insects: Yes, we have mosquitoes. So does almost every other part of the Atlantic coast. We also have sand gnats and chiggers. Bring an ample supply of repellent. On Shackleford Banks, check yourself daily for ticks, just as you would in any other woodland area.

Lodging
There are primitive cabins located on the National Seashore. Cabins have hot/cold running water and propane gas stoves and ranges. Some of the cabins have generator provided electricity. You must bring linens, food and necessary supplies with you to the cabins. The cabins are located a considerable distance from the lighthouse or Portsmouth Village. You must make your cabin reservations with the concessionaire.

On Harkers Island and Atlantic Beach, NC, there are beach cottages for rent.

There are hotels and motels located in Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and Harkers Island, NC. Please contact the local chamber of commerce for more information.

Private campgrounds can be found in the area and may offer utilities for trailers and recreational vehicles. Some are open on a year-round basis.

Getting There & Around

Highways: A highway system connects Carteret County with metropolitan areas throughout the eastern United States. I-95, which passes within 160 kilometers (100 miles), connects via U.S. 70 and state roads to Harkers Island. The Intracoastal Waterway also passes near Beaufort enabling tourists to arrive by boat.

Ferries: All access to the park itself is by toll ferry or private boat. There are no roads or bridges to the islands. Ferry service is available from Harkers Island and Beaufort to the Cape Lookout Bight area, from Davis to near Great Island, from Atlantic to an area north of Drum Inlet, and from Ocracoke to Portsmouth village. A toll ferry also sails from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. The ferries at Davis and Atlantic are equipped to transport 4-wheel-drive vehicles. For ferry schedules and toll information, contact the Harkers Island Ranger Station.