Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Costly Outcome: Shark Island
Located near the Point of Cape Lookout, a sandbar has begun to connect, known as Shark Island, which lies outside of Cape Lookout's jurisdiction. The sand in this region is soft, making it difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of becoming stuck.
Prospectus for Passenger Ferry Service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and Land Transp
Find more information for concession business opportunity to provide passenger ferry service to the South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks and land transportation on the South Core Banks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cc-calo001-26.htm
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape...
Reservations may be made as early as January in the year of your visit. Reservations are highly recommended and made online through recreation.gov or by phone. Cabins open from mid-March through late November.
23 cabins are spread over a quarter mile, just behind the dunes along the beach. This area is minimally developed without paved roads, hard surfaced parking areas, or street lighting. Without bright lights, the night sky is dark enough for not only some excellent stargazing but also viewing of the Milky Way. The ocean is nearby for surf fishing, swimming, and shelling.
Keepers lived on-site near the lighthouse to always be available to tend the light at night. This quarters was built in 1873 to house all three keepers. This lighthouse was a bachelor area -- no families -- until after 1900. To accommodate families, this building was divided so the 1st Assistant's family lived on the first floor and the 2nd Assistant's family lived on the second floor. A new quarters was built for the principal keeper's family.
A two story brick house with wooden porches at both entry doors. There is a short step over a raised door sill to enter the building. A central hallway with doors at both ends allows the wind to cool the building down. On hot days, the coolest part of the building is in this hall. Large windows, open during the summer months, in each room allow for views of the inlet and the lighthouse. The house has 4 rooms on the ground floor matching the original floor plan. These rooms hold exhibits and a small theater showing the park movie on a wall mounted TV screen.
Located at Great Island on South Core Banks, this area is only reached by either the park ferry or your personal boat. The vehicle ferry coming from Davis, NC lands here, dropping off 4-wheel drive vehicles and passengers. The Office is open seasonally from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily. Available facilities: First Aid, park passport stamp, free Jr Ranger booklet, beach wheelchair (free rental), recreation permits
Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, ferry ticket booth, picnic area, and a kayak launch site. Programs and Amenities: Exhibits on island history and ecology including the Shackleford Banks horses; interactive map of the park; Discovery Room with sounds of the seashore game, a touch table and other kid friendly activities; the park film is shown upon request; book store; Ranger programs and free Junior Ranger and Junior Ranger Adventures activity guides
Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, shade shelter, water fountain. Purchase tickets for climbing the lighthouse at the ticket window. Also available: park passport stamp station, free Jr Ranger & Jr Ranger Activity guides, bookstore, beach wheelchair (free rental) Located on South Core Banks near the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this visitor center is reached only by the park ferry or private boat. Open from mid-March through October, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily.
Located in the historic Theodore & Annie Salter House (The first house on the right of the path from Haulover Dock) in Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks. Available Facilities: Restrooms, first aid, park passport stamp; Exhibits on maritime history and village life
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a sanctuary for natural darkness on the East coast of the United States. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
Kayak or Canoe Core Sound and Back Sound
The islands of this North Carolina park lie between two and three miles from the mainland. At this distance, even novice paddlers can cross the open waters of Core Sound and Back Sound under good conditions. While everyone can enjoy exploring the marshes and shallow waters of the sounds, the more ambitious kayakers can continue out from the inlets into the surf.
