Off-road Beach Access

https://www.outerbanks.com/outer-banks-map.html

https://obxbeachaccess.com/

Here's a breakdown of the main Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) access points on Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. It's crucial to always check the National Park Service website for the most current beach access and closure conditions, as these can change quickly.

Important Notes:

• ORV Permits: A specific ORV permit is mandatory to drive on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. These can be obtained online (https://www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/249978) or at designated permit offices on the island.

• Closures: Beaches and ramps can temporarily close due to weather events, wildlife nesting, or other reasons.

• Beach Driving Tips: Lower your tire pressure, bring recovery gear, and avoid stopping in soft sand.

Main ORV Ramps on Cape Hatteras:

• Oregon Inlet Area

  • Ramp 4 - Located a short distance south of Oregon Inlet. Popular area.

  • Ramp 4 Cape Hatteras

• Hatteras Village Area

  • Ramp 44 – Located near the Hatteras Ferry terminal at the north end of Hatteras Village.

  • Ramp 49 (Frisco) - Access to Frisco Beach.

  • Ramp 49 (Frisco) Cape Hatteras

• Buxton Area

  • Ramp 34 – Near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

  • Ramp 38 – Slightly south of Ramp 34

  • Ramp 34 Cape Hatteras

• Ocracoke Island

  • Ramp 55 – Provides access to the south end of the National Seashore on Ocracoke Island

  • Ramp 70 – Near the north end of Ocracoke Village.

  • Ramp 72 – A bit further north from Ramp 70.

  • Ramp 55 Ocracoke Island

• N.C. Hwy.12 ends in a beach access ramp
  (N 36.39574 W 075.82954) just north of Corolla, providing access to Carova Beach and other communities north to the Virginia line. The first few miles have no ramps off the beach because of wildlife preserves which are closed to any vehicular traffic. North of the wildlife preserves numerous ramps provide access to homes in the Carova Beach area. A fence at the Virginia line prevents access north of Corolla/Carova Beach.

• From Corolla south to Nags Head, there are numerous beach access ramps, but some areas require permits, and seasonal restrictions may also apply. Check with individual townships before venturing onto the beaches.

• Within the National Seashore a permit is required for any vehicle access to the beach, including all numbered ramps below.

• Ramp #2- N 35.82930 W 075.49577, directly across from Bodie Island Lighthouse entrance at the Coquina Beach entrance

• Ramp #4- N 35.79605 W 075.54603, immediately across from Oregon Inlet Marina, next to Oregon Inlet Campground

• Ramp #23 - N 35.53232 W 075.47291, 4/10 mi. south of mile marker 43

• Ramp #27 - N 35.46973 W 075.48314, 4/10 mi. north of mile marker 48

• Ramp #30 - N 35.43861 W 075.48586, 7/10 mi. south of mile marker 49

• Ramp #32 - N 35.408001 W 75.488374

• Ramp #34 - N 35.37748 W 075.49577

• Ramp #38 - N 35.32081 W 075.50876, 6/10 mi. north of mile marker 58, immediately on south edge of Avon

• Ramp #43 - N 35.23550 W 075.52740, from NC 12 in Buxton, turn south at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse sign. Continue past the lighthouse entrance, past the Coast Guard Station until road ends near Cape Point.

• Ramp #44 - Same directions as Ramp #43, you will pass Ramp #44 as you near Ramp #43.

• Ramp #49 - N 35.23454 W 075.60893, from NC 12 in Frisco, north of the Frisco Pier, turn east onto Billy Mitchell Road. Follow road past the airfield until you reach Cape Hatteras Campground. Ramp #49 road begins at campground entrance.

• Ramp #55 & 57 - N 35.20596 W 075.70382, take NC 12 to south end of Hatteras Village just past the ferry dock. Both ramp entrances are across from the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

• Ramp #59 - Just south of the ferry dock, north end of Ocracoke Island. Access here is only to the north to reach Hatteras Inlet. Southward between Ramp #59 and #67 is closed year round.

• Ramp #67 - Just south of the Pony Pen. Access southward only from Ramp #67. May be closed in winter months.

• Ramp #68 - Next to Ocracoke Campground. May be closed in summer months.

• Ramp #70 - At airfield entrance, just north of Ocracoke Village.

• Ramp #72 - Take South Point Road (dirt) at edge of Ocracoke Village (across from Howard's Pub). Ramp is at end of road.