A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2017 - 8:09pmActivities
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Lifeguards will be on duty in the protected swim area daily as staffing permits through Labor Day as well as the concession stand will be open through Labor Day weekend with drinks and snacks for sale, cash only. Concession Stand hours Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4:30pm.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 7, 2017 - 11:42amThe 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.
Through Labor Day weekend, ferry service to Bear Island operates hourly Monday and Tuesday and every 1/2 hour Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 9:30 am with the last ferry off Bear Island at 6:00 pm. Please see the ferry schedule link at left for 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, and drinking water, outdoor showers and restroom facilities are open daily. Contact the park office at hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov or 910.326.4881 with questions.
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.
Posted on: Monday, July 3, 2017 - 1:29pmBoating
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