Ramp 48 provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the heart of the southern, Gulf Stream-influenced beaches of Hatteras Island — known locally as South Beach — near the village of Frisco. Unlike most ramps, Ramp 48 is most commonly reached not directly from NC-12 but via the Inside Road, a 4-mile sand track that branches off Ramp 49 near the Frisco Campground.
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 | Frisco |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | Reached primarily via Inside Road from Ramp 49 |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 48 →
What to Expect at Ramp 48
The South Beach stretch from Ramp 48 down toward Ramp 49 and the Hatteras Inlet shoulder is some of the most rewarding driving in the seashore — wide, flat, and with consistently warm Gulf Stream-influenced surf in summer. As a priority ramp, Ramp 48 opens earlier in summer mornings during night-driving restrictions.
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp. Accessed via Inside Road from Ramp 49.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 48 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
Frisco Campground is the closest facility (showers, dump station, group sites). Village of Frisco has groceries, restaurants, and the Native American Museum. Hatteras Village (ferry to Ocracoke) is about 3 miles southwest.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 48
The Inside Road can get washboarded after busy weekends — drive slowly. The South Beach sand is generally firm but has soft spots near the dune line. Air down before leaving NC-12.
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 48
South Beach is a sleeper. The Gulf Stream pulls warm water close inshore, holding pompano, flounder, and Spanish mackerel into late season. Good drum and bluefish in fall.
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 48 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 44 | South: Ramp 49
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 48 located?
Ramp 48 is on Hatteras Island near Frisco, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 48?
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 48 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 48 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 48. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.