Sunday, May 4, 2025

Night beach driving restrictions begin May 1

Share post:

The National Park Service’s night beach driving restrictions for off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches go into effect Thursday, May 1, at 9 p.m.

From May 1 – Sept. 14, ORV routes on ocean beaches are closed to ORVs from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the sea turtle nesting season.  Beginning Sept.15 until Nov.15, ORV routes will reopen when there are no sea turtle nests remaining on that route or portion of the route.  

In addition, from May 1 to Nov. 15, beach fires are limited to the following ocean beaches in front of:

In general, fires are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a fire permit is required.  To obtain the free beach fire permit, visit one of the three ORV permit offices, any of the park campgrounds or visitor centers, or they are available on-line at   http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/beach-fire-permit.  

The beach fire permit is valid only when a responsible adult (18 years of age or older) is present.  Fires, no greater than 3 feet in diameter, may be ignited and maintained seaward of the ocean dune, below the high tide line and at least 50 feet from any vegetation.  Fires cannot be left unattended and must be completely extinguished (cold to touch) upon termination of use.  Clean area of all trash before leaving the beach and remember the “pack in/pack out” practice of leaving national seashore beaches in a clean and safe condition for the next visitor.

As the turtle nesting season proceeds, park visitors will encounter localized sea turtle nest protection areas.  These areas are posted on-site and closed to ORVs, pedestrians, and pets.

Fireworks and metal detectors are prohibited.  Pets must be on leashed at all times.

For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 or check http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

Trending

Subscribe

Help Support Local News! Subscribe for Free, Upgrade to Premium, or Make a Contribution.

Related articles

Coastal Resources Commission tours Buxton Beach as plans accelerate to repair Buxton jetties

Representatives of local and state agencies took a tour of problematic sites on Hatteras Island’s shorelines on Thursday...

ORV night driving restrictions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands begin May 1

Night driving restrictions on oceanside beaches within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore begin on Thursday, May 1, at...

Outer Banks Forever offers ways to give back during National Park Week

April 19-April 27 is earmarked as National Park Week, and Outer Banks Forever – the official nonprofit partner...

Project begins to replace Avon’s 22 public beach boardwalks

The Avon Property Owners Association (APOA) has launched a massive project to replace all 22 beach boardwalks in...