Fees/FAQs/Rules

There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.

Hot Sand

Shoes are a must to protect tender feet from hot sand and sandspurs - sand temperatures may be as much as 30 degrees higher than air temperatures.

Fulgurites

Fulgurites are glass tubes formed when lightning hits the sand. Please don't remove the fulgurites.

Hang Gliding

Hang gliding is regulated by park staff for the safety of participants and other visitors. Only persons with a USHPA Hang 1 or other agency-approved rating card may hang glide on Jockey's Ridge. All hang gliders must register with the park office. Hang-gliding activity stops one hour before the park closes.

Visitors may take hang gliding lessons; register at the private hang-gliding concession located near the park visitor's center.

Sandboarding

There's a designated site for sandboarding (see park map), which is allowed October 1 through March 31. If your sand board has foot bindings, a free permit is required and may be obtained from the park office.

Permits

Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you're unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity permit application or obtain one from the park office.

Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.

A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks.