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 - 8:09pmDirections
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 - 1:29pmThe Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City.
From I-95, take I-40 east to NC 24. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.
From the south, take US 17 north to Jacksonville, and turn on NC 24 east to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.
From points east, follow Highway 24 west into Swansboro. Turn left onto Old Hammocks Road. Turn left onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.
From the park office area, the passenger ferry provides transportation to Bear Island for a modest fee. The island is also accessible by private boat or marine taxi service.
The island is also accessible by private boat, canoe / kayak or marine taxi service.
Toll ferry
Note: the ferry schedule is available in Fees/FAQs/Rules. 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. Please refer to the schedule, or contact the park office for more information.
The 2.5-mile passenger ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and offers a glimpse of interesting wetland inhabitants, including herons and egrets. After traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway, the ferry moves through the shallow waters of Cow Channel, a channel through which cows were once herded to the island for grazing. The ferry then docks at the pier on Bear Island where a half-mile trail travels through the dune system, across the island, to the beach. This 15-minute walk is like a trip through the desert. The sand is often hot; wear protective shoes.
The park ferry operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day except in inclement weather. During popular summer months, a line often forms for the ferry and the island quickly reaches capacity. Arrive early in the day to avoid long delays.
Get directions from Google.
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