Rate Cape Lookout National Seashore
Learn and Explore
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
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.
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