Ramp 2 sits at the southern end of the Coquina Beach parking area on Bodie Island, just south of the Bodie Island Lighthouse turnoff and across NC-12 from the western edge of Bodie Island marsh. Ramp 2 is one of the ten priority off-road vehicle ramps in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which means it opens earlier than the other ramps during the summer restricted season. A seashore ORV permit is required to drive here.
Open to off-road vehicles — Ramp 2 is one of the ten priority ORV ramps in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A seashore ORV permit is required. Ramp 1, just to the north, is the walk-in one.
Quick Facts
| Island | Bodie Island |
| Nearest Village | Coquina Beach |
| Access Type | ORV and pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | Large Coquina Beach day-use parking area (shared with Ramp 1) |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV permit |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 2 →
What to Expect at Ramp 2
The ramp leads from the Coquina Beach Day Use Area parking lot over the dunes to one of the widest, flattest beach sections in the northern seashore. Two interpretive exhibits at the ramp — “Know Before You Go” and a Coquina Beach history panel — make this a popular orientation stop for visitors new to the area. Anglers, swimmers, and beachgoers walk over here from the main lot.
Access Summary
Open to off-road vehicles, with the driveable beach running south from the ramp. The stretch of beach north of the ramp is walk-in only, and Ramp 1 at the north end of the Coquina Beach lot is not a vehicle ramp at all. Ramp 4 is 1.5 miles south, near Oregon Inlet. Resource closures shift through the season, so check the live status before you go.
As a priority ramp, Ramp 2 opens at 6:00 a.m. from May 1 to July 31 and 6:30 a.m. from August 1 to September 30, closing at 9:00 p.m. From October 1 to November 15 it runs 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and from November 16 to April 30 it is open 24 hours.
Nearby Amenities
Restrooms and trash/recycling at the Coquina Beach parking area, plus a seasonal lifeguard stand in summer. The Bodie Island Lighthouse complex is about a mile north on NC-12. The Oregon Inlet Campground sits about a mile south.
Surf Fishing at Ramp 2
The beach in front of Ramp 2 is reliable for puppy drum, sea mullet, and bluefish during the fall run. Walk south along the wrack line to find sloughs near the inlet shoulder.
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 2 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
South: Ramp 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 2 located?
Ramp 2 is on Bodie Island near Coquina Beach, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 2?
Yes. Ramp 2 is an off-road vehicle ramp, so a Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit is required — $120 for an annual permit or $50 for 10 days.
Is Ramp 2 open year-round?
Yes, the ramp is open year-round, though its hours change by season and resource closures can restrict the beach beyond it.
Where can I park near Ramp 2?
Parking is available at the Large Coquina Beach day-use parking area (shared with Ramp 1).
Source: National Park Service — Beach Access Ramp 2. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.