COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
Reservable Facilities

FERRY SERVICE to Bear Island will not operate in April due to COVID-19. Beginning May 12, 2021 ferry service will operate on a COVID-19 modified schedule. Capacity is limited to a maximum of 20 passengers per trip. Day use passengers depart to Bear Island in the morning and tickets will have a set return time in the afternoon. Campers will depart to Bear Island on afternoon ferries only. COVID-19 ferry protocols will be followed including wearing masks and social distancing. Please see the ferry schedule for complete information.
Bear Island bathhouse restroom facilities are open with potable (drinkable) water.
Visitor center, trails, mainland restrooms, and boat ramp are open daily. Masks must be worn in buildings and social distancing should be practiced.
Bear Island is open for day use and Bear Island sound-side campsites and beachfront and sound side campsites are open for campers with transportation to the island. Campers 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.
Group campsite A is open for organized groups. Campers must have transportation to Bear Island, by canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Beachside campsites 1-11 will be CLOSED during “King Tide Events”, April 26 – 29, 2021; May 24 – 28, 2021; 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, 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: Saturday, April 3, 2021Contact 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
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- September to May:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- June to August:
8:00am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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- September to May:
Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- June to August:
Open daily:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Ferry
Facilities for rent
In addition to campsites, you can reserve the following facilities at this park:
Please note that some events and activities may require a Special Activity Permit in addition to the fee for use of the facility. Please contact the park office to determine if a Special Activity Permit is required and for the fees associated with the permit.
Gazebo
The gazebo with two picnic tables accomodates 30 people seated with tables and bench along the sides, or 100 people without seating using the lawn area. There is no electricity available in the gazebo area. Restrooms, water fountain and drink machine are nearby. Reservations are required. Please call the park for more information.
Auditorium
The auditorium accommodates 75 people, or 30 people with tables. Audiovisual equipment is available for rent. Restrooms, water fountain and drink machine are nearby. Reservations are required. Please call the park for more information.
Reservation forms and permits
Hammocks Beach State Park |
North Carolina State Parks |
Park Maps and Brochures: