
COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 2/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, February 26, 2021 - 2:37pm |
Public input needed for new website redesign
Posted on: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 - 2:20pm |
Trails

FERRY SERVICE to Bear Island does not operate in January, February, or March. Park staff hope to operate a regular ferry schedule beginning sometime in May 2021.
Beachside campsites 3-11 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. Barring any unforeseen repairs or freeze warnings, the bathhouse will open on March 15, 2021.
Bear Island is open for day use and Bear Island sound-side campsites and Sites 1 and 2 on the beachfront 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.
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, March 2, 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
►
- 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.
List of trails
Enjoy three well-marked paddle trails, ranging from 200 yards to more than six miles.
While Bear Island does not have designated walking trails, the beach is always available for hikes. There are also trails available on the mainland.
4.00 miles
one way
easy hike
Saltmarsh paddle considered difficult due to length, strong currents, and proximity to powerboat channels.
5.60 miles
one way
difficult paddle
orange over white
Saltmarsh paddle affected by strong currents, tide changes, and wind. Portage possibilities at low tide.
2.60 miles
one way
moderate paddle
white over orange
Coastal upland forest trail with three boardwalks across wet drainages
0.80 miles
loop
moderate hike
red circles
Coastal evergreen forest trail that will soon connect through to the FFA Camp Road
0.30 miles
one way
moderate hike
blue circles
Park Maps and Brochures: