COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order
Posted on: Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 11:54am |
Activities
FERRY SERVICE to Bear Island does not operate in January, February, or March. Park staff hope to operate the regular ferry schedule beginning in April 2021.
Beachside campsites 1-11 are currently CLOSED due to beach erosion. During periods of high tide there is no beachfront and campsites are inaccessible and may be unsafe.
Visitor center, trails, mainland restrooms, and boat ramp are open daily. Masks must be worn in buildings and social distancing should be practiced.
The bathhouse on Bear Island is CLOSED and winterized, this includes rest room facilities and potable water.
Bear Island is open for day use and Bear Island sound-side campsites are open for campers with transportation to the island. Campers must bring all necessities with them including drinking water. See the Reservations page to make a reservation. Please note open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island.
Group campsite A is open for organized groups. Campers must have transportation to Bear Island, by canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Visitor center hours: 8am – 5pm, closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm, gate hours 8am – 6pm.
Please see the Hammocks Beach Updates Page or www.ncparks.gov/open for additional information.
Last updated on: Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Contact the park
910-326-4881
hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov
Address
Visitor center
1572 Hammock Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584
GPS: 34.6710, -77.1429
Hours
►
- September to May:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- June to August:
8:00am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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- September to May:
Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- June to August:
Open daily:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Ferry
Ferry service is not available in the off-season. Please check back in the spring for the 2021 ferry schedule.
Things to do
Boating
Journey to the island by private boat or marine taxi. Boats may be beached or tied at the island bulkhead, but please do not dock along the ferry pier. When traveling to the island by boat, navigate along the ferry route; boating in the inlet can be dangerous.
Canoeists and kayakers may reach Bear Island and explore the marsh by way of a designated canoe trail. Markers placed along the route indicate points of interest along the way. See the Trails page for more information.
Hidden Coast Adventure is a seasonal concessionaire at the park who offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board tours and rentals. Please view their website at paddlenc.com or contact them by phone at 910-612-3297 for additional information.
Due to sand migration in the channel the ferry uses to transport visitors to Bear Island, the ferry schedule can change on a daily basis. The ferry schedule is under Fees/FAQs/Rules, or please call the park for more information.
Fishing
Puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish are frequent catches on Bear Island. Fishing at Hammocks Beach is a favorite pastime in all seasons but is particularly good in the fall.
A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish in North Carolina. There is no fishing access on the mainland.
Swimming
Take a dip or catch a wave. A portion of the beach is a designated swimming area. There are lifeguards on duty in the designated swimming area most days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Picnicking
Pack a picnic to enjoy under a covered shelter that offers respite from the sun. A concession stand provides cold drinks and snacks from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Park Maps and Brochures:
