Ramp 72 is the farthest south off-road vehicle ramp in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing year-round ORV access to the southern tip of Ocracoke Island — known locally as South Point. It is a priority ramp, meaning it opens 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 | South Ocracoke (South Point) |
| Access Type | ORV + pedestrian |
| Priority Ramp | Yes |
| Parking | No formal parking at the ramp; long pedestrian walk to beach (~2 miles) |
| ORV Permit | Required — Cape Hatteras ORV Permit (annual $120, 10-day $50) |
| Open Year-Round | Yes |
Location & Aerial View
Get driving directions to Ramp 72 →
What to Expect at Ramp 72
South Point is one of the most remote and rewarding stretches of beach in the entire seashore. The ramp leads onto the sand with vehicle access to both the Pamlico Sound side (about 1 mile in) and the Atlantic beach (almost 2 miles in). Pedestrians may also use the ramp, but the distances make foot travel impractical for most visitors.
Access Summary
Priority year-round ORV ramp. Long distances to beach and sound make this an ORV-focused access. ORV permit required.
Hours of Operation
Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV ramps follow a seasonal schedule. As a priority ramp, Ramp 72 opens earlier in summer mornings than non-priority ramps during the night-driving wildlife protection period.
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 1 – July 31 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| August 1 – September 30 | 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| October 1 – November 15 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| 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 — Ocracoke village is the closest, about 4 miles north. The Cedar Island ferry terminal is in Ocracoke village.
Beach Driving Tips for Ramp 72
South Point is one of the best beach drives on the Outer Banks but also one of the most remote. Bring full recovery gear, extra water, a tide chart, and tell someone your plan. Cell service is patchy.
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.
Ramp 72 is also the way to South Point, which is the best shelling ground on Ocracoke — and the tide chart most people load for the island is the harbor gauge, not the ocean. OBXmaps explains which chart to use and where to walk.
Surf Fishing at Ramp 72
South Point is famous among Carolina anglers for drum, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. The intersection of Ocracoke Inlet currents creates productive structure offshore. Pamlico Sound access on the back side is excellent for flounder and speckled trout.
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 72 from spring through late summer. Always check the live ramp status at go.nps.gov/beachaccess before driving out.
Adjacent Ramps
North: Ramp 70
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramp 72 located?
Ramp 72 is on Ocracoke Island near South Ocracoke (South Point), off NC-12 within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do I need a permit to drive on the beach at Ramp 72?
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. You watch a short safety video, enter your driver’s license and vehicle registration details, and print the permit at home.
Is Ramp 72 open year-round?
Yes, Ramp 72 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?
The Park Service does not prohibit it, but it is usually a mistake. Most AWD crossovers have no low-range gearing and not much ground clearance, so they dig in above the tide line instead of climbing out. See our guide to AWD vs 4WD for OBX beach driving. If your own vehicle is not a true 4x4, Beach 4x4 rents beach-legal 4WDs with both beach permits and recovery gear included. Either way, air down to 18–20 PSI before you drive on sand. When you leave the beach, air back up to 38 PSI at an air-up station or with a portable pump (every Beach 4x4 rental includes one).
Source: National Park Service — Beach Access Ramp 72. Live ramp status: go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
← Back to OBX Off-Road Beach Access: Complete Ramp Guide
Where to Camp Near Ramp 72 Ocracoke
Closest RV parks and campgrounds are covered at Hatteras Island Camping on OBX RV. Fishing here? See the Ramp 72 Ocracoke surf-fishing guide on OBX Surf Fishing.