Hammocks Beach State Park

About

Hammocks Beach State Park encompasses mainland areas and three barrier islands in Onslow County, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. The park offers oceanside camping unavailable elsewhere in North Carolina's state park system. Bear Island camping includes eight primitive oceanfront sites (001-008), an improved beachfront group site, and three sound-side boat-in sites (012-014) accessible only by personal watercraft. The island bathhouse provides flush restrooms, showers, and potable water. The Simmons Mainland Campground operates year-round with 12 full hookup sites, 7 non-electric sites, 2 primitive sites, a group campsite, and 4 camper cabins. A bathhouse serves mainland campers with restrooms and showers. Reservations are available within a 6-month booking window through ReserveAmerica. Campers must check in at the visitor center before closing to obtain overnight parking permits; no late check-ins are allowed. During sea turtle nesting season (May through October), white flashlights are prohibited on Bear Island at night and red-lens lights are required on the beachfront.

Directions

Located at 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584, approximately 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville in Onslow County.