Ramp 34 provides year-round pedestrian access to the beaches just north of and in front of the village of Avon. From October 15 through April 14, the ramp opens to off-road vehicles as well, giving fall and winter anglers direct beach access to the productive Avon village beachfront.
Seasonal ORV ramp — open to vehicles October 15 – April 14; pedestrian access year-round.
Quick Facts
| Island | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | North Avon |
| Access Type | Year-round pedestrian; seasonal ORV |
| Priority Ramp | No |
| Parking | Nineteen-vehicle lot |
| 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 34 →
What to Expect at Ramp 34
During the summer (April 15 – October 14) Ramp 34 is closed to ORV traffic to keep village beaches family-friendly. The pedestrian boardwalk remains open year-round. With nineteen parking spaces and both a vehicle ramp and a boardwalk, Ramp 34 is one of the most-used village ramps in the off-season.
Access Summary
Seasonal ORV ramp (October 15 – April 14). Year-round pedestrian access via boardwalk.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a non-priority ramp, Ramp 34 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
Village of Avon is immediately south — full services including grocery, gas, restaurants, tackle shops, and lodging. The Avon Pier is about 1.5 miles south.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 34
If you are planning a fall fishing trip to Avon, Ramp 34 is your most direct vehicle access to the village beach. Outside the October-to-April window, use Ramp 38 for the closest year-round ORV access.
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 34
The Avon beachfront and surrounding waters are a perennial fall hotspot for puppy drum, mullet, and bluefish. The “second slough” just off the boardwalk produces year-round.
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 34 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 32 | South: Ramp 38
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 34 located?
Ramp 34 is on Hatteras Island near North Avon, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 34?
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 34 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 34. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.