Enjoy this ranger-guided trip through the adjacent marsh water as we explore some of the ecosystems which make this part of North Carolina so special. Kayaks, paddles, & lifejackets will be provided. Must be 13 years & older to participate. Space is limited; Registration is required by contacting the park office: 910-326-4881.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Bear Island Current Information
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 - 5:07pm Bear Island Beachfront Camping Closed September 22 – 26, 2017
Due 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 - 11:24amEvents 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.
Date of Event:
Fri, 09/22/2017 - 8:30am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join a park ranger for an exciting hike through the woods. You will get an opportunity to explore the park’s new property, discovering sights and sounds while taking in the fresh air. You never know what types of wildlife you may get a glimpse at. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Date of Event:
Fri, 09/22/2017 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Learn about the natural wonders and local history during this 90 minute interpretive cruise around Swansboro and the Hammocks Beach State Park islands. Cost: monetary donation per passenger benefiting the Friends of Hammocks and Bear Island (FHBI). Reservations completed at FHBI.org
Date of Event:
Sat, 09/23/2017 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
A week full of activities for children ages 6-12 who want to learn and discover more about the environment around them. These programs support the North Carolina State Park’s Junior Ranger Program. Every day is a new activity. SPACE IS LIMITED; Contact the park office to register: 910-326-4881.
Date of Event:
Mon, 09/25/2017 - 4:00pm to Fri, 09/29/2017 - 4:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Learn about the natural wonders and local history during this 90 minute interpretive cruise around Swansboro and the Hammocks Beach State Park islands. Cost: monetary donation per passenger benefiting the Friends of Hammocks and Bear Island (FHBI). Reservations completed at FHBI.org
Date of Event:
Wed, 09/27/2017 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Contact:
Hammocks Beach State Park
1572 Hammocks Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584Phone910-326-4881
hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 34.671000
Longitude: -77.142900
Park Hours:
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