NPS announces seashore campground opening and closing dates

The National Park Service’s Outer Banks Group has announced the dates for this season for the four park-operated campgrounds in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The Oregon Inlet, Frisco, and Ocracoke campgrounds will open to the public on Friday, April 17. the Oregon Inlet and Frisco campgrounds will close at noon on Oct. 12, and Ocracoke Island Campground will close at noon on Oct. 26.  Cape Point Campground in Buxton, on Hatteras Island, will open Friday, May 22, for Memorial Day weekend and close at noon on Sept. 7.

All four campgrounds accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes up to 35 feet in length.  Each campground provides rest rooms, potable water, unheated showers, grills, and picnic tables.  No hookups (utility connections) are available.

During the 2015 camping season, possibly as early as April, Oregon Inlet and Frisco Campgrounds will be placed on a reservation system for the first time.  Ocracoke Campground visitors will continue to be able to make advanced reservations for campsites, and reservations are currently being taken.  Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or via the Internet at www.recreation.gov and can be made up to six months in advance.

No more than six persons and two vehicles may occupy a single campsite.  Camping trailers, including pop-up campers, are considered vehicles.  From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, all camping is limited to a total of 14 days within a 30-day period.  Quiet hours are between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.  Generators may not be operated during these hours.

Group camping is available only at Oregon Inlet Campground.  The group camp site accommodates groups of seven to 30 people, including infants and toddlers.  Beginning in April, reservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or via the Internet at www.recreation.gov and can be made up to six months in advance.  Because of the popularity of the group camping site, it is recommended that reservations be made at least two weeks in advance.

Camping in Cape Hatteras National Seashore is permitted only in designated campgrounds.  Camping on beaches is prohibited.  Pets must be physically restrained at all times on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.  For more information, please go to www.nps.gov/caha.