Can you drive to cape hatteras

Click here for the latest in North Carolina's reopening guidelines. Hatteras Island has changed a lot in the four decades since the Bonner Bridge was built over Oregon Inlet to connect the island with the northern Outer Banks. In that time, visitation has steadily increased so that the island economy is now almost entirely centered on tourism dollars. But the most dramatic changes on Cape Hatteras have really occurred in the last eight or so years, as developers and stock-market-burnouts-turned-real-estate-investors have scooped up the last remaining island properties and built thousands of new, luxury rental homes, luring more tourists who in turn require more amenities like shopping centers, restaurants and things to do.

Some of the island natives and longtime residents and visitors are upset about the rapid changes on Cape Hatteras, but many locals welcome progress and the increased opportunity it brings.

After all, tourism allows many people to live and work in this place that they love. Many of the current Hatteras Island residents vacationed here first then fulfilled a dream to move to the island when work became available. This was easier to do 10 years ago, however. Since then, real estate prices have skyrocketed.

And the development on Hatteras Island can only go so far. Sixty-three percent of the island is federal park that will never be developed, while another 14 percent belongs to the state and another 11 percent is wetlands. This leaves only 12 percent of the island open to private ownership and development. The permanent, year-round population of Hatteras Island is around 4, The island residents are independent yet tight-knit, eager to help each out in the face of hurricanes and other hardships.

There are two schools on the island — Cape Hatteras Elementary and Cape Hatteras Secondary middle and high school combined. Both schools are in Buxton and draw students from all seven of the island villages.

For outsiders and visitors, Hatteras Island will always be a heavenly retreat far removed from the rest of the world. Filming activities that do not meet the description of low-impact filming require at least ten days advance notice to the National Park Service by contacting the park directly in writing.

Based on the information provided, a permit may be required to:. Examples of requests that may require a permit include, but are not limited to: entering a sensitive resource area, filming in areas that require tickets to enter, or filming in visitor centers, campgrounds, or other visitor areas.

The decision to require a permit rests with the park superintendent based on potential impacts to park resources or the visitor experience. Contact the park directly if unsure whether or not a filming activity is considered low-impact or may require a permit. As of January 22, , the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming.

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:. The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit.

This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:.

Additional fees for costs incurred by the National Park Service, such as event monitoring, will apply. If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. Please visit our Commercial Use Authorizations Page for more information. A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:.

A group of 25 people or fewer is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if you do not meet the criteria above, but you may choose to obtain a permit to prevent another group from reserving your requested area.

Alternative locations may be requested and will be accommodated as feasible. If your activity meets the criteria above or you wish to obtain a permit for your First Amendment activity, complete the First Amendment application and e-mail it to e-mail us.

We request that applications are submitted no later than 15 days prior to the activity to allow time for processing. No application fee is required for First Amendment activities. Questions and Additional Information For questions or information about Special Use Permits and types of uses, or if you have any questions about the process or your permit, please contact our Special Park Uses Coordinator at or e-mail us.

Explore This Park. Info Alerts Maps Calendar Reserve. Alerts In Effect Dismiss. Dismiss View all alerts. Beach fire permits Off-road vehicle use permits , and Special use permits. No matter what your visit to Cape Hatteras entails, Learn the simple steps you can take to improve your safety.

Lighthouse Climbs. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climbing will not be possible in There are three historic lighthouses located in the park. The third lighthouse, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, is not open for climbing. Safety and Rules Please do your part to have a safe, enjoyable experience and follow these safety rules while visiting either lighthouse. Any visit to Cape Hatteras comes with potential hazards.

Learn the simple steps you can take to improve your safety. For lighthouse climbs:. Each climber must be at least 42" cm tall and capable of climbing all steps on his or her own. Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older.

No person may be lifted or carried. Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is prohibited. Do not eat, drink except water , smoke or chew tobacco.

No pets allowed. Leave umbrellas, backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, surfboards, fishing poles, and the like in your car. Throwing of any object off the lighthouse is unsafe and may get you in big trouble!

Either lighthouse may close at any time if weather conditions are unsafe. Bodie Island Lighthouse climbers need to be aware of these additional safety rules:.

Each climber must weight less than lbs. Only one person at a time is allowed on each flight of stairs—no climbing in pairs or groups. You MUST be at the lighthouse at least 5 minutes prior to your tour time. This ferry connects Hatteras Village, located on the southwestern end of Hatteras Island, with the northeastern end of Ocracoke Island. This ferry connects Sea Level, on the mainland, with Ocracoke Village, located on the southwestern part of Ocracoke Island.

Once in Ocracoke, follow NC to the park entrance. This ferry connects Swan Quarter, on the mainland, with Ocracoke Village, located on the southwestern part of Ocracoke Island. Planes at one of the park's airstrips National Park Service Air.

Commercial flights are available into both of these airports, with rental cars available for driving the rest of the distance to the seashore.