Outer Banks Beach Driving Map: Every Access Point from Carova to Ocracoke

The Outer Banks has more than 50 official beach access points where you can drive on the sand, stretching from the Virginia border at Carova all the way south to Ocracoke Inlet. They’re split across three jurisdictions with very different rules. This page maps every official access point and links you to a dedicated guide for each one — with aerial views, hours, permit requirements, and tips.

Master Map: All OBX Beach Access Points

Use the satellite view above to see the full Outer Banks. The driveable beach areas are described by region below.

The Three Jurisdictions

Outer Banks beach driving falls under three different authorities, each with its own rules, permits, and seasons — plus a few towns where beach driving is not allowed at all:

Currituck County (4x4 Area): Year-round driving. A Currituck County beach parking permit is required to stop or park on the 4WD beach during the seasonal permit window. From the end of NC-12 in Corolla to the Virginia line.
Towns of Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head: Seasonal beach driving with a paid town permit, typically Oct 1 – Apr 30 (summer driving prohibited). Town-managed ramps.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NPS): Paid ORV permit required year-round. The largest stretch, from Oregon Inlet through Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
No-driving towns: Kitty Hawk, Duck, and Southern Shores prohibit beach driving year-round — no permits are issued.

Northern OBX — Currituck 4x4 Area

The northernmost 11 miles of OBX beach, accessible only by driving on the sand, open year-round. A Currituck County beach parking permit is required to stop or park on the 4WD beach during the seasonal permit window. Home to the wild Corolla mustangs and Penny’s Hill.

Currituck 4x4 Beach Access Hub — overview of the entire 4x4 zone
Corolla NC-12 4x4 Beach Access — main entry point at end of pavement
Swan Beach — first community north of pavement
Penny’s Hill (Lewark’s Hill) — 70+ ft active dune
North Swan Beach — between Swan Beach and Carova
Carova Beach — northernmost community on OBX
Corolla Beach Parking Permit — required to stop or park on the 4WD beach

Northern Beach Towns — KDH, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head

These towns allow seasonal beach driving with a paid permit. Permits are typically valid October through April, with summer driving prohibited. Each town has its own rules and ramps.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore — Bodie Island & Pea Island

The northern section of the National Seashore, from Oregon Inlet south to Rodanthe. Requires an NPS ORV permit (10-day or annual).

Cape Hatteras National Seashore — Hatteras Island

The longest stretch of driveable beach on the East Coast. Ramps 23 through 55 cover Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village.