Open Facilities
The mainland area is open daily. Bear Island camping and the bathhouse is open. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and gate hours for the visitor center and trails are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restrooms are open and can be accessed through the visitor center or outdoor entrances. The Simmons Mainland Campground is open, the campground gate has 24-hour access, see camping information below. The boat ramp is open daily.
Ferry Service
Ferry service is closed for the 2026 season.
Camping Information
Simmons Mainland Campground
The Simmons Mainland Campground is open, and reservations can be made within the 6-month booking window. There are 12 full hook-up sites, 7 non-electric sites, 2 primitive campsites, a group campsite and 4 camper cabins. The camper cabins have a 2-day minimum year-round and a 3-day minimum for holidays. Check-in at the visitor center after 3:00p.m. The campground is located outside the main gate at 100 FFA Camp Road, Swansboro, NC 28584.
Bear Island
Bear Island camping is open, and the bathhouse will be open through Nov. 15, 2026, with restrooms, showers and potable water. Beach front campsites should be accessed by the path behind the campsites during high tides due to beach erosion. The concession stand is closed for the season and there are no lifeguards on duty. Please use caution while in the water.
Bear Island campsites are accessed only by seasonal passenger ferry service when operating, canoe, kayak, or private boat. Sound side campsites 012-014 can only be accessed by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Campers must check in at the visitor center prior to 5:00 p.m. before going to Bear Island to obtain a parking permit for overnight parking. There is no late check-in for Bear Island campsites and campers are responsible for getting to Bear Island.
Open fires are not permitted anywhere on Bear Island. There are no white lights (flashlights) permitted on Bear Island at night during turtle nesting season approximately May through October. Use a red lens only on the beachfront at night.
Paddling and Boating Information
The five paddle trails are all marked:
- Huggins Island Loop Trail: 6 miles round trip (difficult)
- Bear Inlet Trail: 5.6 miles one way (difficult)
- Bear Island Trail: 2.7 miles one way (moderate)
- Queen's Creek Trail: 0.7 miles one way (easy)
- Trout Channel Spur: 0.4 miles, one way (moderate)
Please see the paddle trail map for additional information.
The boat ramp in the maintenance area is open. There are eight parking spaces allocated for boat trailer parking. You must obtain a permit to utilize the boat ramp — present your Annual Pass at the visitor center or pay the boat ramp fee ($7). All boaters must check in at the visitor center.
Please note that park, emergency, and construction vessels have priority use of the boat ramp.
Contact Information
Questions can be directed to the park at hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov or 910-326-4881.