Park Maps and Brochures:
Lifeguards may not be on duty daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2018 in the protected swim area. Park staff make every effort to ensure lifeguards are on duty in the protected swim area Memorial Day through Labor Day; however, due to circumstances beyond our control and occasionally at the last moment, lifeguards may not be on duty. If you have questions about the status of lifeguards, please contact the park office at hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov or 910.326.4881. Always use extreme caution as rip currents and strong currents can occur at any time. Current information regarding Bear Island and the ferry service can be found under the Hammocks Beach Park News Link.
Posted on: Thursday, August 2, 2018Each of North Carolina’s state parks has special events during the year and news about facilities, trails, staff and park supporters. And, visitors are frequently finding new ways to explore a park’s unique cultural and natural resources. Check these pages to keep abreast of the news at your favorite parks.
Bear Island Ferry Service and Bathhouse Open Daily through Labor Day.
Through Labor Day weekend, ferry service to Bear Island operates hourly Monday and Tuesday and every 1/2 hour Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 9:30 am with the last ferry off Bear Island at 6:00 pm. Please see the ferry schedule link for the complete schedule. Ferry tickets are sold first come, first served and may sell out early in the day. Arrive early in the day to purchase tickets.
Ranger Renee Evans talks about her discovery of a dolphin that washed up on the shores of Bear Island and the steps her and others are taking to use the dolphin's skeleton as an educational tool for Hammocks Beach State Park.
Our guest for this episode of the Ask a Ranger Podcast is the stupendous Ranger Jake from Hammocks Beach State Park. In this episode, we cover the basics of what you need to have a safe and fantastic trip on your next canoe, kayak or paddleboard excursion.
During this episode, we discuss the North Carolina State Parks education theme for 2018 — the year of the FISH!!! We talk with Ranger Brian Swanson about fish and fun crafts you can do with — you guessed it — FISH! Who knew there were crafts you can do with actual fish?
The peace of the woods, the crackle of the campfire, trying different s'mores recipes — who amongst us doesn't love camping? From its past as a necessary part of exploration to its present status as an excursion and break from our daily lives, camping is something that is held near and dear by most people who do it. Whether you enjoy camping in a van or living out of a backpack for a week, camping is personal and treasured by us all. In this podcast, we discuss everything from wearing socks while sleeping to a perfect camping environment. Join Rangers Jess and Crystal and guest Ranger Brian as we discuss the finer side of camping and maybe even share a couple of our favorite camping hacks to make your experience even better.
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
