National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Southeast

About Cape Lookout

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 Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southeast
State: North Carolina
Designation: National Seashore
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Cape Lookout.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Open 24 hours a day, every day.

Cape Lookout National Seashore has 3 offshore barrier islands that are open 24 hours and 365 days a year (weather permitting). Operating hours for visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year.

Weather and when to go

Spring: Temperatures generally range from 50 F to 70+ F. Rain & wind are common Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F with high humidity (80-90%). Average wind speed is 10-15 mph. Be prepared with plenty of water. With little shade on the islands, an umbrella to provide shade from the sun is a good idea. Fall: Temperatures usually range from the high 70 F to the upper 40 F. Winter: Temperatures usually range from 50 F - 32 F. Winds can be strong. Dress in layers.

Getting there

Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531
Phone: (252) 728-2250
Email: CALO_VC@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/calo

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Cape Lookout

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Cape Lookout

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Kayak or Canoe Core Sound and Back Sound

Kayaking · about 45 min

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…
Night Skies at Cape Lookout

Stargazing · about 45 min

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 m…

Campgrounds in Cape Lookout

Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.

South Core Banks -- Beach camping

Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean b…
Great Island Cabin Camp

23 reservable sites

Great Island Cabin Camp offers 23 rustic, wooden beachfront cabins with porches for individuals and families or small groups of up to 12 people. Cabins range i…

Reserve on Recreation.gov
North Core Banks - Beach Camping

Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20- barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, the…