Ramp 72 is the farthest south off-road vehicle ramp in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing year-round ORV access to the southern tip of Ocracoke Island — known locally as South Point. It is a priority ramp, meaning it opens earlier in summer mornings during night-driving restrictions.
Priority ORV ramp — opens earlier in summer mornings during night-driving restrictions, providing extended morning access for surf anglers.
Quick Facts
| Island | Ocracoke Island |
| Nearest Village | South Ocracoke (South Point) |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | No formal parking at the ramp; long pedestrian walk to beach (~2 miles) |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 72 →
What to Expect at Ramp 72
South Point is one of the most remote and rewarding stretches of beach in the entire seashore. The ramp leads onto the sand with vehicle access to both the Pamlico Sound side (about 1 mile in) and the Atlantic beach (almost 2 miles in). Pedestrians may also use the ramp, but the distances make foot travel impractical for most visitors.
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp. Long distances to beach and sound make this an ORV-focused access. ORV permit required.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 72 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
No services at the ramp — Ocracoke village is the closest, about 4 miles north. The Cedar Island ferry terminal is in Ocracoke village.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 72
South Point is one of the best beach drives on the Outer Banks but also one of the most remote. Bring full recovery gear, extra water, a tide chart, and tell someone your plan. Cell service is patchy.
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 72
South Point is famous among Carolina anglers for drum, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. The intersection of Ocracoke Inlet currents creates productive structure offshore. Pamlico Sound access on the back side is excellent for flounder and speckled trout.
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 72 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 70
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 72 located?
Ramp 72 is on Ocracoke Island near South Ocracoke (South Point), off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 72?
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 72 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 72 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 72. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.