Ramp 27 provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches roughly 4 miles south of Salvo. The location is historically significant — this stretch of beach is where the U.S. Life-Saving Service rescued the crew of the Italian bark Priscilla during a fierce storm in 1899, one of the most celebrated rescues in OBX history.
Priority ORV ramp — opens earlier in summer mornings during night-driving restrictions, providing extended morning access for surf anglers.
Quick Facts
| Island | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | Salvo |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | Seventeen standard plus one ADA space |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 27 →
What to Expect at Ramp 27
A separate ORV ramp and pedestrian boardwalk crossing keep traffic safe at the dune line. ORV access is allowed north of the ramp (back toward Salvo); the stretch south of the ramp is reserved for pedestrians only. Interpretive signage at the parking lot describes the Priscilla rescue and the Life-Saving Service history of the Pea Island and Chicamacomico stations.
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp. Vehicles north of ramp, pedestrians both directions but south is pedestrian-only.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 27 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 itself — Salvo is 4 miles north, Avon is about 8 miles south. Bring water, snacks, and tools.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 27
Drive north from Ramp 27 toward Ramp 25; the stretch between them is one of the most scenic and least developed beach drives on Hatteras. Watch for resource closures pushing you back during peak nesting season.
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 27
The pedestrian-only beach south of the ramp is a quiet wading spot. Vehicles fishing the open beach north of the ramp do well in fall.
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 27 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 25 | South: Ramp 30
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 27 located?
Ramp 27 is on Hatteras Island near Salvo, off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 27?
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 27 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 27 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 27. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.