Ramp 25 is the southernmost vehicle access point near the village of Salvo and one of the busiest priority ORV ramps on northern Hatteras Island. It offers year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches south of Salvo, with a dedicated ORV lane and an ADA-compliant pedestrian boardwalk side-by-side at the dune crossing.
Priority ORV ramp — opens earlier in summer mornings during night-driving restrictions, providing extended morning access for surf anglers.
Quick Facts
| Island | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | Salvo |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | Ten standard plus one ADA space at the boardwalk lot; six additional spaces at the ramp head for carpooling/airing down |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 25 →
What to Expect at Ramp 25
The split design — separate ramp for vehicles, boardwalk for pedestrians — makes Ramp 25 one of the safest crossings on Hatteras. A small six-space “tire pressure” lot at the entry lets you air down without blocking the ramp. From the bottom you can drive south along the open beach toward Ramp 27 (the next access about 4 miles down).
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp with pedestrian boardwalk. Opens earlier in summer than non-priority ramps under night-driving rules. Subject to resource closures for nesting birds and sea turtles.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 25 opens earlier in summer mornings than non-priority ramps during the night-driving wildlife protection period.
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 1 – September 14 | 6:00 AM – midnight |
| 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
Village of Salvo amenities to the north (gas, food, tackle). The Salvo Day Use Area sits just north of the ramp. To the south, the next access of any kind is roughly 4 miles down at Ramp 27.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 25
Use the airing-down lot at the ramp entry — it is one of the few designated tire-pressure stations on the seashore. Mid-summer mornings see lines forming before the priority-ramp opening hour.
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 25
The beach south of Ramp 25 is open and uncrowded compared to village beaches. Look for sloughs and cuts a half-mile to a mile south of the ramp for drum and bluefish.
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 25 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 23 | South: Ramp 27
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 25 located?
Ramp 25 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 25?
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 25 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 25 is open to ORVs year-round, subject to weather closures and seasonal wildlife resource closures.
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 25. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.