Ramp 59 is the northernmost beach access on Ocracoke Island, providing year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the North Point beaches at the top of the island. Drivers arriving by the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry pass right by this ramp as NC-12 starts down the island.
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 | Ocracoke Island |
| Nearest Village | North Ocracoke (North Point) |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | No |
| Parking | Eighteen standard plus two large vehicle spaces, south of the ramp |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 59 →
What to Expect at Ramp 59
Year-round ORV and pedestrian access is provided west of the ramp, while east of the ramp is pedestrian-only and covers the northeastern point of Ocracoke. The parking lot just south of the ramp holds eighteen normal-sized vehicles plus two large-vehicle spaces, making this one of the friendlier ramps for trucks with trailers or RV-style ORVs.
Access Summary
Year-round non-priority ORV ramp. Vehicles west of ramp, pedestrians both directions but east is pedestrian-only.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a non-priority ramp, Ramp 59 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 Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry terminal is about a mile northwest. Ocracoke village (the only village on the island) is roughly 12 miles south.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 59
Ramp 59 is the first ORV access after stepping off the ferry — convenient for anglers arriving from Hatteras. Watch for fast-moving traffic on NC-12 from the ferry queue.
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 59
North Point at the top of Ocracoke is a fall classic for big red drum and bluefish. The pedestrian-only beach east of the ramp is quiet wading water for early-morning casts.
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 59 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 55 | South: Ramp 63
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 59 located?
Ramp 59 is on Ocracoke Island near North Ocracoke (North Point), off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 59?
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 59 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 59 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 59. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.