Update on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Driving Access

While recent coastal flooding temporarily closed many popular park beaches and beach access ramps, several areas have reopened as standing water continues to recede on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.  Park beaches are open to pedestrian access throughout the park unless otherwise posted.  Park visitors can expect to see some safety and/or resource protection closures in effect as well as standing water in many areas. 

Adverse weather from the possible approach of Hurricane Joaquin will continue to have impacts throughout the region through the week and into the weekend. Beach ramp status is continually monitored and updated accordingly as conditions improve.

Currently, as of today, the following is a summary of the status of park beach access areas/ramps that are open to ORV access:

Bodie Island Oregon Inlet Area:

Ramp 4 is open for ORV access with standing water conditions

Rodanthe-Waves- Salvo Area:

Ramps 23 will reopen to ORV access on November 1 (designated seasonal ORV route) but is currently open to pedestrian access

Ramp 25, 27, 30 and 32 are open to ORV access with possible standing water conditions on all ramps. 

Ramp 34 will reopen to ORV access on November 1 (designated seasonal ORV route) but is currently open to pedestrian access

Between Ramp 34 and Ramp 38, the area is open to pedestrian access and will reopen to ORV access on November 1 (designated seasonal ORV route)

Ramp 38 is open to ORV access with standing water conditions

Ramp 43 is open to ORV access with standing water conditions and remains closed to ORV night driving (9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.)

Ramp 44 is closed to ORV access due to flooded conditions but remains open to pedestrian access.  Currently there is ORV access to Cape Point via Ramp 43 to the tip of Cape Point.  The area is closed to ORV night driving (9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.)  

Ramp 49 remains closed to ORV access but is open to pedestrian access with standing water conditions

Ramp 55 remains closed to ORV access but is open to pedestrian access with standing water conditions

The Pole Road remains closed to ORV access but is open to pedestrian access with standing water condition

Ocracoke Island:

Ramps 59 remains closed to ORV and pedestrian access with standing water conditions

Ramp 67 is open to ORV access with standing water conditions

Ramp 68 (will reopen to ORV access on November 1 (designated seasonal ORV route)  but is currently open to pedestrian access

Ramp 70 is open to ORV access

Ramp 72 and South Point Road are closed to ORV access but are open to pedestrian access

All soundside access areas on Ocracoke Island are open with some minor standing water.

Closed ramps will remain closed until standing water and tidal flooding conditions subside or cease.  Daily monitoring of these areas will continue.

Cape Point Campground remains closed due to flooded conditions.

All Park Visitor Centers and ORV permit offices are open under normal fall operating schedules. 

For more information, contact 252-473-2111.

Click Here To View Off Road Vehicle Access Ramp Status Chart