Night beach driving restrictions begin May 1

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