South Core Banks -- Beach Camping
Open — Open year-round for tent camping. Vehicle camping season runs mid-March through November; ORV permits required. Primitive backcountry camping only with no facilities.
Hurricane Erin Closures At Cape Lookout National Seashore:
The National Park Service staff will be monitoring ongoing developments with Hurricane Erin and will post updates as needed on the park website at go.nps.gov/stormwatch, and via Facebook and Instagram.
Prospectus for Passenger Ferry Service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and Land Transp
Find more information for concession business opportunity to provide passenger ferry service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and land transportation on the South Core Banks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cc-calo001-26.htm
Costly Outcome: Shark Island
Located near the Point of Cape Lookout, a sandbar has begun to connect, known as Shark Island, which lies outside of Cape Lookout's jurisdiction. The sand in this region is soft, making it difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of becoming stuck.
Fireworks Prohibited within Cape Lookout National Seashore
Happy Independence Day! We look forward to spending the holiday weekend with you. A friendly reminder that for public safety, fireworks are prohibited within Cape Lookout National Seashore.
About
South Core Banks provides one of the most remote beach camping experiences on the East Coast. This 20-mile barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore offers completely dispersed camping directly on the Atlantic beach with no designated campsites, facilities, or development. The island is accessible only by private boat or commercial ferry service from Davis, NC. Vehicle camping is permitted seasonally and requires a 4x4 vehicle capable of driving on soft sand. Both the ocean beach and the sand trail behind the dunes (known as the "back road") have no hard surfaces. Tent camping is allowed year-round. All camping is primitive backcountry style, requiring campers to be completely self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. The island offers excellent surf fishing, shelling, bird watching, and solitude. Campers must bring all food, water, and supplies, and pack out all trash. Wildlife protection zones may restrict access to certain areas during nesting seasons. This is true wilderness camping for experienced campers seeking isolation and natural beauty.
Directions
Accessible only by ferry from Davis, NC to Great Island on South Core Banks, or by private boat. Cape Lookout National Seashore barrier islands cannot be reached by road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| calo_vc@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (252) 728-2250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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