Ramp 32 sits just north of the historic Little Kinnakeet U.S. Life-Saving Service station, between the village of Avon and the open beach to the north. It provides year-round off-road vehicle access to a quiet stretch of Hatteras coastline that sees less foot traffic than the village ramps.
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 | Hatteras Island |
| Nearest Village | Little Kinnakeet (north of Avon) |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | No |
| Parking | Six-space lot at the ramp entry for carpooling and airing down |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 32 →
What to Expect at Ramp 32
The ramp has a small six-vehicle parking area at the entrance for visitors to carpool or air down before heading onto the sand. There is no dedicated pedestrian boardwalk here — this is a vehicle-focused access point. The Little Kinnakeet historic station, one of the original 1874 lifesaving stations, sits a short walk south of the ramp.
Access Summary
Non-priority year-round ORV ramp. Primarily a vehicle access.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a non-priority ramp, Ramp 32 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
Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station historical site, accessible by short walk. Village of Avon (gas, food, tackle, lodging) is about 2 miles south.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 32
Ramp 32 is a good “quiet alternative” to busier Avon ramps. Use the six-space lot to air down before the dune cut — it gets rutty after storms.
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 32
The beach near Little Kinnakeet is a sleeper spot for drum and sea mullet in fall. Quiet weekdays here are exceptional.
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 32 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 30 | South: Ramp 34
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 32 located?
Ramp 32 is on Hatteras Island near Little Kinnakeet (north of Avon), off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 32?
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 32 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 32 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 32. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.