About Cape Lookout National Seashore
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Cape Lookout National Seashore has 3 offshore barrier islands that are open 24 hours and 365 days a year (weather permitting). Operating hours for visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year.
Activities
Getting There
Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island, 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
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Night Skies at Cape Lookout
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a sanctuary for natural darkness on the East coast of the United States. Take this…
Kayak or Canoe Core Sound and Back Sound
The islands of this North Carolina park lie between two and three miles from the mainland. At this distance, even…
Visitor Centers
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…
Hours: Open Seasonally from mid-March until end of November. Actual dates may vary, please see the park's website for details.
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…
Hours: Open all year
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,…
Hours: Open seasonally; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily during the season.
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…
Hours: Portsmouth Village Visitor Center restrooms closes due to repairs needed for damaged solar system.
Campgrounds
Great Island Cabin Camp
Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic, wooden beachfront cabins with porches for individuals and families or small groups of up to 12 people. Cabins…
North Core Banks - Beach Camping
Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20- barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean…
South Core Banks -- Beach camping
Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on…
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