Hammocks Beach Facility Update as of January 5, 2021
Click here prior to your visit to Hammocks Beach State Park for the latest information on the ferry and amenities at Bear Island.
COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order
Posted on: Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 11:54am |
Home
Status of Park Facilities as of January 5, 2021
FERRY SERVICE to Bear Island does not operate in January, February, or March. Park staff hope to operate the regular ferry schedule beginning in April 2021.
Beachside campsites 1-11 are currently CLOSED due to beach erosion. During periods of high tide there is no beachfront and campsites are inaccessible and may be unsafe.
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 CLOSED and winterized, this includes rest room facilities and potable water.
Bear Island is open for day use and Bear Island sound-side 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. Please note open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island.
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: Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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.
Hammocks Beach State Park
A crown jewel of the North Carolina coast and Hammocks Beach State Park is Bear Island—a 4-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island accessible by the park’s passenger ferry or private ferry, or by paddling a canoe or kayak. A wide beach between massive dunes and the ocean is interrupted only by primitive campsites and a modest concession/picnic complex. The park’s mainland gateway offers a full-service visitor center and is the launch site for ferry service, canoes or kayaks. Rent or bring your own kayaks, canoes or paddleboards to explore paddling trails leading to marshes, Bear Island or Huggins Island, which is graced with unspoiled maritime forest. Interpretive programs and extensive exhibits teach about park ecology and wildlife including endangered sea turtles and nesting shorebirds.
Reservations
Find and book a campsite or facility online
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
Notices and alerts
Now hiring
Hammocks Beach State Park is now accepting applications for the following seasonal positions. Click the links below to learn more and to apply:
Status of park facilities
Prior to your visit, please visit the Bear Island Current Information page for more information on ferry service, camping, and more.
Current weather
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Friday, January 22, 2021 - 2:00pm
Sunday, January 24, 2021 - 2:00pm