Activities
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Ferry Schedule:
September Ferry Schedule Wednesday – Sunday
The September ferry schedule is Wednesday through Sunday hourly beginning at 9:30 with the last ferry departing Bear Island at 5:00 pm. Please see the ferry schedule link at left for the complete schedule. Ferry tickets typically sell out early in the day on weekends. Arrive early in the day to purchase tickets.
Indoor showers on Bear Island will be open to campers from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. each day, drinking water, outdoor showers and restroom facilities are open daily 24/7.
Pets are not permitted on the ferry, also note that carts and wagons are not permitted on the ferry unless collapsible. The ferry captain reserves the right to request wagons and carts are emptied until passengers get off the ferry.
ADA accessibility to Bear Island is currently unavailable due to the required dock repairs scheduled after the close of the 2017 ferry season. Partial temporary repairs were completed in the spring to ensure the safety of passengers however, until permanent repairs are completed there will not be ADA accessibility. We apologize for any inconvenience and expect normal ferry service operations and ADA accessibility in 2018.
No lifeguards will be on duty for the remainder of the 2017 ferry season. Swim at your own risk and use extreme caution as rip currents and strong currents can occur at any time. Additionally, the concession stand is closed for the rest of the 2017 ferry season as well. Please be sure to bring any soft drinks and snacks with you to the island.
Bear Island Emergency Phone System Out Of Service
The emergency phone system on Bear Island is currently out of service. In the event of an emergency after hours please use your cell phone as cellular service from most carriers is available. Electrical outlets are available at the bathhouse to charge a cell phone.
Contact the park office at hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov or 910.326.4881 with questions.
Posted on: Wednesday, September 6, 2017 - 5:07pmDue to impacts from Hurricane Jose and Hurricane Maria, campsites 1 through 11 will be closed Friday, September 22 through Tuesday, September 26, 2017. Based on Maria’s current track the wave height and storm surge is expected to increase beginning on Friday and will peak on Monday at 6 to 9 feet creating unsafe conditions including campsites over wash, and little to no beachfront to walk to the bathhouse during the hours surrounding high tide. Additionally, beach erosion from the storms have caused a scarp or drop off to form. Visitors should use caution when walking the beachfront to avoid injury. Boat-In only campsites 12 through 14 will remain open and ferry service is expected to operate on the regular September schedule.
Please contact the park office at hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov or 910.326.4881 with any questions.
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 11:24amBoating
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.
Hammocks Beach State Park
September - May: 8am - 6pm
June - August: 8am - 7pm
Closed Christmas Day
Park Office
September - May: 8am - 5pm daily
June - August: 8am - 6pm daily
Closed Christmas Day