2021 is Year of the Beetle for NC State Parks! Come join a ranger for a short talk on ladybugs and a creative children’s craft activity. We will meet outside at Picnic Shelter #3(next to the Visitor Center). After the talk, children will be able to make their very own beetle bug to take home. Materials will be provided and families will be spread out among our picnic shelters. The rangers will be available to help with building and answering questions. This 45-minute program is geared towards ages 3-10. Pre-registration is required: call the Park Office at 252-441-7132.
COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 5/28/2021)
Posted on: Friday, May 28, 2021 - 10:04am |
New URL for the webstore
Posted on: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 - 10:58am |
Events and Programs
Current status of park facilities
The main park entrance and dune are open from 8:00am to 9:00pm. The Soundside access and swim beach are open from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Please be advised that the parking lot at our Soundside Access fills up very quickly. We recommend arriving as early as possible as the parking lot is the only designated area where you may park to enjoy our Soundside beach area. You may be ticketed or towed if you park along Soundside Road or in any other undesignated area. Please look for alternative access sites such as those located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
After 27 years, our Visitors’ Center is being renovated! Please excuse our appearance while we are remodeling. From May 24, 2021 until April 2022, the Visitors’ Center will be closed to the public. However, the Park, the public restroom building located near the Visitors’ Center, and the Soundside Access will be open during normal operating hours. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Trails and restrooms at both park accesses are open. Please follow the 3-Ws and any posted guidelines.
With 24-hour advance notice, and dependent upon weather and ranger availability, we are offering dune rides to visitors with mobility restrictions on a limited basis, please call the park for more details.
When visiting, please follow the North Carolina State Parks Guidelines listed above.
Please monitor this page for additional information.
Last updated on: Monday, May 24, 2021
Contact the park
252-441-7132
jockeys.ridge@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Visitor center
300 W. Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959
GPS: 35.9642, -75.6330
Soundside access
330 W. Soundside Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
GPS: 35.9525, -75.6320
Hours
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- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to September:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- October to March:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- April to September:
8:00am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- The park visitor center is currently under construction for renovations and is CLOSED until next spring.
- October to March:
9:00am to 5:00pm
- April to September:
9:00am to 6:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Scheduled events
Jockey's Ridge State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Date of Event:
Thu, 06/24/2021 - 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Start Location:
Picnic Shelter #3
Take a moment and let park staff show you how unique and special Jockey's Ridge really is. Topics may include cultural history, ecology, types of natural phenomena that occur within the park. A brief talk will be provided by park staff.
Date of Event:
Thu, 06/24/2021 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Start Location:
Near the main dune access/pavilion
Join us for a view that has been described as "unparalleled". A park ranger will present information about the dunes and history of the state park as we watch the sunset over the Roanoke Sound.
Date of Event:
Thu, 06/24/2021 - 8:00pm to 8:30pm
Start Location:
Western ridgetop
Discover what lives within our waters on the Roanoke Sound. Give a park ranger a helping hand with seining the sound. Extra nets will be available for visitors to use for educational purposes. This activity will be taking place close to the shoreline. Get out, get wet, and enjoy summer!
Date of Event:
Fri, 06/25/2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Start Location:
Soundside Access beach, Soundside Road off 158
Take a moment and let park staff show you how unique and special Jockey's Ridge really is. Topics may include cultural history, ecology, types of natural phenomena that occur within the park. A brief talk will be provided by park staff.
Date of Event:
Fri, 06/25/2021 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Start Location:
Near the main dune access/pavilion
Park Maps and Brochures:
