Cape Hatteras
National Seashore
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is probably the most beautiful area of the Outer Banks.
With having many miles of undeveloped beaches, on both the ocean and sound side of Hatteras Island, the National Seashore has become one of the most popular Outer Banks sightseeing locations.
The National Seashore border begins north of Oregon Inlet on Bodie Island and includes Hatteras Island and
Ocracoke Island to the south.
On the northern part of Hatteras Island you will find Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife
habitat is home to over 350 species of birds, 25 different species of mammals and more than 20 species of reptiles.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Popular Activities
- Kayaking and Canoeing
the inland waters around Pea Island
- Wildlife Photography
- Birdwatching
a popular year round activity
- Beach Horseback Riding
- Hiking trails through the wildlife refuge and the open beach
- Surf Fishing
and Fishing the waters of the Pamlico Sound
- Beach Combing for Seashells (my favorite area for shelling is south of Cape Point after a storm)
- Windsurfing on the sound side at Salvo Day Use Area and Haulover Day Use Area
- Climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The National Park service maintains four campgrounds as part of the National Seashore of Cape Hatteras. Like most national campgrounds that I have stayed at, these four are well maintained and offer the usual minimal conveniences you would expect to find at this type of campground. These campgrounds are more primitive and only offer modern restrooms, unheated showers, potable water, grills and tables.
National Campgrounds Available - Oregon Inlet Campground, Nags Head - Opens early April and Closes early October
- Cape Point Campground, Buxton - Opens mid May and Closes early September
- Frisco Campground, Frisco - Opens early April and Closes early October
- Ocracoke Campground, Ocracoke Island - Opens early April and Closes mid October
All four of these campgrounds can accommodate tents, travel trailers and motorhomes. If you are looking for a campground with more conveniences, you will find that one of the private campgrounds located in Buxton, Frisco, Avon, and Rodanthe offer all the popular RV hook-ups.
My Favorite Beach The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is my most favorite beach area on the Outer Banks.
Most of the popular tourist beaches are crowded with a lot of people. On the National Seashore we are able to find a quiet area away from the crowds with plenty of distance from other people enjoying the beach life. Taking a long walk and enjoying the beauty of these preserved natural beaches gives me a fresh perspective on life every time I'm there. I find this to be great therapy for anyone feeling a little stressed with life. There is nothing like a quiet day relaxing on the beach soaking up the warm sun with the sound of the surf pounding the shore. I'm sure the beaches of the National Seashore on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island will soon become your favorite.
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