Cape Lookout National Seashore — Island Rd
Harkers Island, NC Hours and Location

1800 Island Rd
Harkers Island, NC   28531Driving Directions
Phone: (252)728-2250(252)728-2250 Maps & Directions

https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyou...

National Seashore

Operating Hours & Seasons

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is open 24 hours and 365 days a year (weather permitting). Operating hours for visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:Open 24 hours
• Monday:Open 24 hours
• Tuesday:Open 24 hours
• Wednesday:Open 24 hours
• Thursday:Open 24 hours
• Friday:Open 24 hours
• Saturday:Open 24 hours

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $0.00 - Cape Lookout Entrance Fee
  There is no charge for coming to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The Harkers Island Visitor Center and the Beaufort Visitor Information Center can be reached by car. All other locations require a trip by ferry. There is a charge for the ferry. Contact the ferry company for costs and schedules.

About

Explore the Undeveloped Islands of Cape Lookout

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.

Directions

Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, 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

Harkers Island Visitor Center

Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site. Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island history and ecology including the Shackleford Banks horses; interactive map of the park; Discovery Room with sounds of the seashore game, a touch table and other kid friendly activities; the park film is shown upon request; book store; Ranger programs and free Junior Ranger and Junior Ranger Adventures activity guides Beaufort Visitor Information Center

Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, and ferry ticket booth. Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island ecology and history, park map, park passport stamp. Free Jr Ranger and Jr Ranger Adventures activity guides. Winter hours - December 11 through March 19: Closed for the season Light Station Visitor Center

Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, shade shelter, water fountain. Purchase tickets for climbing the lighthouse at the ticket window. Also available: park passport stamp station, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Activity guides, bookstore, beach wheelchair (free rental) Located on South Core Banks near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this visitor center is reached only by the park ferry or private boat. Open from mid-March through October, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily. Great Island Cabin Office

Located at Great Island on South Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Davis, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Adventures activity guides, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits Long Point Cabin Office

Located at Long Point on North Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Atlantic, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Adventures activity guides, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits Portsmouth Visitor Center

Located in the historic Theodore & Annie Salter House (The first house on the right of the path from Haulover Dock) in Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks. Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, park passport stamp; Exhibits on maritime history and village life

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.

Permits and Reservations Information