Ramp 70 is located near the Ocracoke Airstrip on the southern end of the island. It provides year-round off-road vehicle and pedestrian access to the beaches on both sides of the ramp and is one of the two priority ORV ramps on Ocracoke Island, opening 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 | Ocracoke (Airstrip area) |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | On-ramp parking |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 70 →
What to Expect at Ramp 70
Both north and south of Ramp 70 the beach is open to vehicles, giving drivers a long, uninterrupted stretch of southern Ocracoke coastline to explore. The proximity to the airstrip means light air traffic occasionally overhead, but the beach itself feels remote.
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp. Vehicles and pedestrians both directions.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 70 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
Ocracoke village (full services, ferry to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter) is about 2 miles south. The Ocracoke Airstrip is right next to the ramp.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 70
As a priority ramp, Ramp 70 opens earlier in summer than non-priority Ocracoke ramps — good for early-morning fishing trips. Air down and check tire pressure at the ramp entry.
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 70
Southern Ocracoke is excellent for puppy drum, sea mullet, and pompano. The water is generally calmer here than the northern stretch.
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 70 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 68 | South: Ramp 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 70 located?
Ramp 70 is on Ocracoke Island near Ocracoke (Airstrip area), off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 70?
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 70 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 70 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 70. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.