Seashore Update

Friday, June 26, 2020 - 20:50 Press Release

What's happening on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

To recreate responsibly, Cape Hatteras National Seashore encourages its visitors to follow CDC and state and local health guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Know before you go. Visit nps.gov/caha for park alerts and conditions. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others.
Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Three out of four Seashore campgrounds are open. (Ocracoke is open!) Due to significant rainfall over the last two months, Cape Point Campground is closed. Campers must use www.recreation.gov for making campground reservations and payments.
Lighthouse climbing operations will remain closed this season. The lighthouse grounds are open 24/7.
In-person off-road vehicle (ORV) permit sales offices are currently closed. Permits are available 24/7 at www.recreation.gov.

As of this morning, there are over 24 miles of oceanside beach routes available for ORV travel, and another 32 miles open for non-motorized use. For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.

84 sea turtles have nested on seashore beaches this season, so far. Be on the lookout for nesting female sea turtles and report any sightings to our hotline at 252-216-6892. To learn about upcoming sea turtle nest excavations, call 252- 475-9629.

All shorebird and sea turtle nesting activities are listed at http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary.

Visitors should practice the Three W’s – Wear. Wait. Wash. Wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wait 6 feet apart. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

It is important for all beach visitors to check the rip current forecast before heading to the beach. Go to: www.weather.gov/beach/mhx.

Visitors can also sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting ‘Join OBXBeachConditions’ to 30890

Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Coquina Beach, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach, Frisco Beach, and Ocracoke Beach.