Ramp 23 provides year-round pedestrian access and seasonal off-road vehicle access to the beaches in front of and immediately south of the village of Salvo on the northern end of Hatteras Island. From October 15 through April 14, this ramp opens to ORVs, giving fall surf anglers and off-season visitors direct vehicle access to the Salvo village beachfront.
Seasonal ORV ramp — open to vehicles October 15 – April 14; pedestrian access year-round.
Quick Facts
| Island | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | Salvo |
| Access Type | Year-round pedestrian; seasonal ORV |
| Priority Ramp | No |
| Parking | Fourteen normal-sized spaces at the ramp |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Pedestrian: yes; ORV: October 15 – April 14 |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 23 →
What to Expect at Ramp 23
During the summer months (April 15 – October 14) Ramp 23 is closed to ORV traffic to protect bathers and nesting wildlife along the village beach. Pedestrian access remains open year-round. The fourteen-space parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends and during the fall mullet and drum runs.
Access Summary
Seasonal ORV ramp. Year-round pedestrian access. ORV access from October 15 to April 14 only, subject to resource closures.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a non-priority ramp, Ramp 23 opens later in summer mornings than priority ramps during the night-driving wildlife protection period.
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 1 – September 14 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| September 15 – November 15 | 6:00 AM – midnight |
| November 16 – April 30 | Open 24 hours |
Hours can change — always confirm at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving.
Nearby Amenities
The villages of Salvo, Waves, and Rodanthe are immediately adjacent, with restaurants, gas stations, tackle shops, and the historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Museum about 3 miles north in Rodanthe.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 23
Plan your trip for the October-to-April window if you want vehicle access. From mid-October on, expect to share the beach with serious surf anglers chasing red drum and bluefish during the fall run.
Before you drive on: see our guides to airing down your tires, reading the tide chart, and packing the right recovery gear. New to ORV permits? Start with our Cape Hatteras ORV permit guide.
Surf Fishing at Ramp 23
The Salvo beachfront is a fall classic — red drum, big bluefish, and sea mullet move through October and November. The “S-curves” stretch a mile south of the ramp is well known among locals.
Seasonal Wildlife Closures
Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects nesting piping plover, American oystercatcher, least tern, colonial waterbirds, and sea turtles. Resource closures around active nests can shift overnight and may restrict or eliminate access through Ramp 23 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 4 | South: Ramp 25
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 23 located?
Ramp 23 is on Hatteras Island near Salvo, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 23?
Yes. You need a valid Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit ($120 annual or $50 for 10 days). Permits are sold online at Recreation.gov and you must show your driver’s license and vehicle registration to pick one up.
Is Ramp 23 open year-round?
Pedestrian access is year-round. Vehicle access is seasonal — October 15 – April 14 only.
Can I drive on the beach with AWD instead of 4WD?
It depends on the vehicle. See our guide to AWD vs 4WD for OBX beach driving for details. Either way you must air down to 18-20 psi and carry recovery gear.
Source: National Park Service — Beach Access Ramp 23. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.