Masks required indoors
Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2021 - 4:34pm |
The October ferry schedule is Friday, Saturday and Sunday hourly beginning at 9:30 am and the last ferry departs from Bear Island at 5:00 pm. Masks are optional on board the ferry. The last day of ferry service for the 2021 season is October 31, 2021. Please see the ferry schedule for complete information.
Please Note: Ferry tickets are sold in person on a first come first served basis. There are no reservations for the ferry.
Bear Island bathhouse restroom facilities are open daily with potable (drinkable) water. On November 15, 2021, the bathhouse will be CLOSED and winterized until the spring of 2022. The concession stand is CLOSED for the season and there are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty. Please swim at your own risk and use extreme caution as rip currents and strong currents can occur at any time.
Visitor center, exhibit hall, trails, mainland restrooms, and the boat ramp are open daily. The boat ramp will be closed from 9–10am and 2-3pm for ferry re-fueling as well as Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am – 11am for ferry vessel maintenance. Masks are required in all park buildings.
Bear Island is open for day use and the Bear Island beachfront and sound side campsites are open for campers. Sound side campsites are not accessible by ferry and have no access to the bathhouse. Sound-side campers must have transportation to the island by canoe, kayak, or private boat and must bring all necessities with them. See the Reservations page to make a reservation. Please note open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island.
Beachside campsites will be CLOSED during “King Tide Events”, June 22 – 26, 2021; July 21 – 25, 2021; October 6 – 12, 2021; November 3 – 9, 2021, and December 2 – 7, 2021. A king tide occurs when the sun, earth, and moon align, resulting in exceptionally high tides. Beach erosion from hurricanes and winter storms, reduced the Bear Island primary dune and during king tides, ocean waves will be at the dunes, restricting access to campsites 1-11 for extended periods of time.
Visitor center hours: 8am – 5pm, Gate Hours 8am – 6pm.
Last updated on: Friday, October 22, 2021
1572 Hammock Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584
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Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
Open daily:
8:00am to 6:00pm
► 2021 ferry schedule (updated)
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.
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 if you want.
PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.
Come down to the park in your costumes (if you want) and join a ranger on this Halloween-themed nature hike! You will hear about some of our “ghoulish” animals that are not as spooky and creepy as you may think. A cauldron of fun! Meet at the trailhead.
PROGRAM IS WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact park office for program update: 910-326-4881.
Park Maps and Brochures:
