Events and Programs

Park Maps and Brochures:

The park continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Florence. The visitor center and the mainland area are open along with the ½ mile loop TRACK trail. Bear Island is open for day use only. The following facilities remain closed: the kayak launch, all paddle trails, and the boat ramp. Huggins Island and Jones Island are both closed to visitors. Ferry service will not resume until the dock replacement construction project is completed. All campsites are closed through June 30, 2019. Please see Bear Island Current Information for additional information.

Last updated on: Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Events and Programs

Hammocks Beach State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.

Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.

Great Backyard Bird Count

We just need 15 minutes of your time! Join a ranger in this nationwide citizen-science project as we count the birds in our backyard for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Hammocks Beach State Park is a great location to see several bird species- from the ones that hide in the woods to those that swim our waters. For more information about this worldwide program check out: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/about-great-backyard-bird-count

NOTE: Meet at the Visitor Center. NOTE: We have a limited supply binoculars and field guides to use; bring your own if you have them!

Date of Event:

Sun, 02/17/2019 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Winter Survival

Some animals migrate to warmer climates for the winter and some stay in the same place in the colder months. Come out to the park and hear about some of the unique adaptations animals have to survive this time of the year. You’ll be amazed!

Date of Event:

Mon, 02/18/2019 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Black Bear

Black bear in North Carolina? Un”bear”-lievable! The American black bear is the most commonly seen bear in North America with a huge geographic range in North America including a large population here in Eastern North Carolina. Join a ranger as we learn and discuss about this prevalent and amazing animal!

Date of Event:

Sat, 02/23/2019 - 11:00am to 12:00pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Survival Skills

Fire is an essential survival tool used by many. We may use it to boil water, cook food and even to generate heat to keep us warm. For this program a ranger will discuss and teach you how to gather the right materials as well as the actual process of making a primitive fire using a bow drill. Skills that can be very important on a cold winter day!

Date of Event:

Sat, 02/23/2019 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Kayak Safety Series

TOPIC: COLD WEATHER SAFETY

Are you looking to expanding your outdoor recreational experiences? Come out to the park to learn and discuss about winter weather paddling safety. We will discuss about what you need to do to stay safe while paddling the waters around the coast. Be prepared on the water and come home safe!

Meet in the Auditorium inside the Visitor Center.

Date of Event:

Mon, 02/25/2019 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Contact:

1572 Hammocks Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584

910-326-4881
hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov

GPS: 34.671, -77.1429

PARK HOURS:

September to May:
8:00am to 6:00pm
June to August:
8:00am to 7:00pm

Closed Christmas Day

VISITOR CENTER:

September to May:
8:00am to 5:00pm
daily
June to August:
8:00am to 6:00pm
daily

Closed Christmas Day

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