Events and Programs

Status of Park Facilities as of November 18, 2020

FERRY SERVICE to Bear Island has ENDED for the 2020 season. Park staff hope to operate the regular ferry schedule beginning in April, 2021.

Visitor center, trails, mainland restrooms, and boat ramp are open daily. Masks must be worn in buildings and social distancing should be practiced.

The bathhouse on Bear Island is currently CLOSED and winterized, this includes rest room facilities and potable water.

Bear Island is open for day use and Bear Island campsites are open for campers with transportation to the island. Campers must bring all necessities with them including drinking water. See the Reservations page to make a reservation.

Group campsite A is open for organized groups. Campers must have transportation to Bear Island; by canoe, kayak, or private boat.

Visitor center hours: 8am – 5pm, closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm, gate hours 8am – 6pm.

Please see the Hammocks Beach Updates Page or www.ncparks.gov/open for additional information.

Last updated on: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Contact the park

910-326-4881

hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov

Address

Visitor center

1572 Hammock Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584

GPS: 34.6710, -77.1429

Hours

►

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

►

September to May:

Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm

June to August:

Open daily:
8:00am to 6:00pm

Closed Christmas Day

Ferry

Ferry service is not available in the off-season. Please check back in the spring for the 2021 ferry schedule.

Scheduled events

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.

Owl Prowl

Who gives a hoot? This program will introduce you to some of the park’s residents that like to keep watch during the night hours. You will learn about some of our owl species, their habitats, and tips of what you can do to help these night watchers. Bring your own flashlights to use on the trail.

PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.

Due to the Governor's new Executive Order social distancing is encouraged and face masks must be worn whenever social distancing of 6 feet can't be maintained.

Date of Event:

Tue, 11/24/2020 - 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

FHBI Marsh Cruise

Learn about the natural wonders and local history during this 90 to 120 minute interpretive cruise around Bogue Sound, Swansboro and the Hammocks Beach State Park islands. You will discover some of the local wildlife and learn about the unique history of the park and of the Swansboro area.

Cost: monetary donation per passenger benefiting the Friends of Hammocks and Bear Island, Inc. (FHBI). For more information or to make a reservation, visit FHBI.org/Marsh-Cruise.

Date of Event:

Wed, 11/25/2020 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Start Location:

Mainland Ferry Waiting Station

Full Moon Night Hike

Come out to the park for this after-hours night hike with the ranger to discover the woods under the light of the Beaver Full Moon! We will follow the 1/2-mile loop trail to explore the sights and sounds of the park. Bring a flashlight if you want… or use just the moonlight if you dare!

Space is limited; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by contacting the park office: 910-326-4881.

Due to the Governor's new Executive Order social distancing is encouraged and face masks must be worn whenever social distancing of 6 feet can't be maintained.

Date of Event:

Mon, 11/30/2020 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Hoof It or Woof It Hike

Come out to the park with your doggies and enjoy this ranger-guided hike along the park's newly developed hiking trails. There will be a new topic each month as we explore the sights and sounds around us. NOTE: pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Meet at the front of the Visitor Center.

PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.

Due to the Governor's new Executive Order social distancing is encouraged and face masks must be worn whenever social distancing of 6 feet can't be maintained.

Date of Event:

Sun, 12/06/2020 - 11:00am to 12:00pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Story Walk with a Ranger

For this program we will be walking and reading the park’s nature-themed Story Walk along the nature trail. You will get a chance to hear the winter story that will be on display for the season. AGES: 5 and younger

PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.

Due to the Governor's new Executive Order social distancing is encouraged and face masks must be worn whenever social distancing of 6 feet can't be maintained.

Date of Event:

Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:00am to 11:00am

Start Location:

Nature Trail

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Contact the park

910-326-4881

hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov

Address

Visitor center

GPS: 34.6710, -77.1429

Hours

Ferry

Scheduled events

About the Park