Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
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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. Unfortunately, the Visitors’ Center will be closed to the public during this time. 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: Sunday, June 19, 2022Contact 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 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- October to March:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- April to September:
8:00am to 7:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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- 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
Jockey's Ridge State Park
The tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast is a premier location for kites, sightseeing and sunsets, with a view arcing from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. A visitor center with museum and 360-foot boardwalk with exhibits explain the dune’s ecology and are a gradual entry to the massive dune field. Hang gliding lessons are available through a vendor in the park. Experienced hang gliders must have a current USHPA membership and get a flying permit at the visitor center. Shoes and sun protection are recommended. By calling ahead a minimum of 24 hours in advance, visitors with mobility restrictions can request a ride between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in our all-terrain-vehicle to the top of the dunes. Rides will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes and availability will depend on weather and staff availability. The soundside access of the park is a different experience offering sunbathing, wading, paddling, and a one-mile nature trail that opens onto wetlands, grassy dunes and maritime thickets.
Reservations
Find and book a picnic shelter online
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
Notices and alerts
GPS issue
Some online maps and GPS systems do not provide accurate directions to the park.
To get directions, please enter the park's address, 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959, or the GPS coordinates.
Using "Jockey's Ridge" to search for directions may take you to private property.
Current weather
Park Maps and Brochures: