National Seashore Updates for the Week of August 9

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates related to beach driving and recreational activities on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Changes related to the National Seashore for the week of August 9 include the following:

Cape Point Updates:

•    Off-road vehicles (ORV) can now travel 0.71 miles south of ORV ramp 44.

•    Beach walkers can walk south of Ramp 44, walk around the currently closed area, and connect with the southwestern boundary of the closed area, which is approximately 0.3 miles west of the tip of Cape Point.

•    Beach walkers can also walk 1.2 miles east of the South Beach Road parking area. Access to South Beach Road through the Cape Point Campground has reopened after July’s heavy rains and flooding.

•    Only the tip of Cape Point remains temporarily closed due to a mixed tern (Least Tern and Black Skimmer) colony in various stages of nesting and chick-rearing. Staff monitor the area daily and will restore additional access when possible.

•    The resource protection area at the tip of Cape Point is approximately a quarter mile in size. Seashore-wide, there are around 27 miles out of 29 miles to drive on and around 36 miles out of 38 miles available for beach walking.

Additional CHNS Updates

•    There continues to be standing water in areas of the park due to the significant rainfall the area received in July. Beware of hidden potholes on Lighthouse Road near the entrance to Cape Point Campground and off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp 44. Park staff will fill all potholes once the standing water is gone.

•    There is approximately 3-8 inches of standing water in multiple areas on the Inside Road. ORV drivers should consider using the beach route between Ramps 48 and 49 until water levels go down.

•    Camping in the Cape Point Campground is temporarily closed due to standing water. Staff will reopen the campground when possible. There are plenty of dry sites at nearby Frisco Campground.

•    Sea turtles continue to nest on National Seashore beaches. Please use caution while driving and report any sightings (nesting, live, cold-stunned, dead, tangled, etc.) by calling 252-216-6892.

•    Visitors can continue to sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting “JoinOBXBeachConditions” to 30890. The text messaging system is operated by Dare County with support from lifeguards and rescue squads operating on the Outer Banks.