Hammocks Beach Facility Update
Click here prior to your visit to Hammocks Beach State Park for the latest information on the ferry and amenities at Bear Island.
Masks required indoors
Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2021 - 4:34pm |
Park News
Status of Park Facilities as of September 30, 2021
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
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
► 2021 ferry schedule (updated)
News archive
Each 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.
2021 Ferry Schedule at Hammocks Beach State Park
Updated May 21, 2021
Final Public Notice: Hammocks Beach State Park FEMA Project
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has applied for FEMA Public Assistance Program funding through the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) as a sub-recipient to repairs and replacements to various facilities at Hammocks Beach State Park. Comments are solicited from the public; local, state or federal agencies; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project.
Ask a Ranger: Sea Turtle Internship at Hammocks Beach State Park
Ranger Renee is back to sit down with us and let us in on one of NC State Parks' coolest opportunities for students – a sea turtle summer internship! Listen in to find out how you can be a part of helping the critically endangered loggerhead turtles.
Final Public Notice: Hammocks Beach State Park FEMA Project
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has applied for FEMA Public Assistance Program funding through the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) as a sub-recipient for repairs to two kayak docks and a walkway at Hammocks Beach State Park. Comments are solicited from the public; local, state or federal agencies; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project.
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 - 6:00pm
Sunday, October 31, 2021 - 1:00pm