Ramp 55 provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the southern stretch of Hatteras Island beach near Hatteras Village, plus seasonal (October 15 – April 14) ORV access to the beachfront directly in front of the village. Pedestrians have access in both directions year-round via a dedicated boardwalk.
Year-round non-priority ORV ramp — open to vehicles every day of the year, subject to resource closures. Opens later in summer mornings than priority ramps.
Quick Facts
| Island | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | Hatteras Village |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | No |
| Parking | Seventeen standard plus one ADA space; boardwalk and ramp side-by-side |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 55 →
What to Expect at Ramp 55
Ramp 55 is the southernmost vehicle ramp on Hatteras Island — the next access south requires taking the free Hatteras Inlet Ferry to Ocracoke. The seventeen-space parking lot fills during peak fishing seasons. Both a vehicle ramp and a separate pedestrian boardwalk and sand path lead to the beach, keeping foot and vehicle traffic safely separated.
Access Summary
Year-round ORV ramp south of the village. Seasonal ORV access (October 15 – April 14) for the Hatteras Village beachfront. Year-round pedestrian access.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a non-priority ramp, Ramp 55 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
Hatteras Village has the full range of services — gas, groceries, restaurants, charter docks, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and the Hatteras Inlet Ferry terminal (free ferry to Ocracoke). The Hatteras Landing marina complex is right next to the ferry.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 55
Ramp 55 is the last stop before the Ocracoke ferry. If you are planning to drive on to Ocracoke beaches, time the ferry schedule (ferries run roughly hourly in season). Air down at the parking lot — there is room.
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 55
The Hatteras Inlet shoulder and the beach south of Ramp 55 are reliable for drum, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. Boats running out of Hatteras Village fish the same waters from offshore.
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 55 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 49 | South: Ramp 59
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 55 located?
Ramp 55 is on Hatteras Island near Hatteras Village, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 55?
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 55 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 55 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 55. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.