Beach Access Points
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE (ORV) ACCESS RAMPS
Ocracoke Island has four designated ORV access ramps along Highway 12: Ramps 67, 68, 70, and 72. All provide year-round off-road vehicle access to both ocean and sound sides of the island.
Ramp 67
Located along the middle of Ocracoke Island, this ramp provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the sandy beaches. Pedestrians can also use this access point, though no parking is available for vehicles.
Ramp 68
Positioned between the middle and southern sections of the island, this ramp offers access to some of Ocracoke’s more secluded beach areas.
Ramp 70
A seasonal kiosk near 4WD access ramp 70 offers horses or guided tours for summertime visitors, making this a popular access point for diverse beach activities.
Ramp 72
The farthest south ramp in the seashore, this ramp provides year-round off-road vehicle access to the southern end of Ocracoke Island. It’s roughly one mile to sound access and almost two miles to the beach from this point.
PEDESTRIAN BEACH ACCESS AREAS
In addition to the lifeguarded beach day use area, there are six parking areas north of the village on Highway 12. Each of these lots provides access to the beach via footpaths.
Lifeguarded Beach Access
Named Ocracoke’s #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach in both 2007 and 2022, this popular family destination features restrooms, changing rooms, shower facilities, and ample paved parking. Located on Highway 12 just outside the village, it’s the only lifeguarded beach on the island.
NPS Campground Access
Located near the National Park Service campground, this access point offers both parking and 4WD access, making it less crowded than the main lifeguarded beach.
Pony Pen Area
Positioned across from the famous Banker pony pens, this access features a wheelchair-friendly access ramp and limited parking.
Additional Northern Access Points
Several additional parking areas provide access to Ocracoke’s remote and secluded northern beaches, perfect for those seeking solitude.
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS & REGULATIONS
To drive on the beach, you will need to get either a 10-day permit ($50) or annual permit ($120) from recreation.gov.
Required Equipment:
- Low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support board
- Current driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance
- Vehicles must be registered, licensed, and insured for highway use
Important Rules:
- Speed limit on Ocracoke beaches is 15 mph
- Lower tire pressure to at least 20 psi before driving on sand
- Night driving prohibited May 1 – November 15 due to sea turtle nesting season
- Pets must be leashed (6-foot maximum)
SEASONAL CLOSURES & CURRENT CONDITIONS
There are seasonal closures along certain ORV routes that generally range from April 15 – October 14 to protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. For current ramp and beach access information go to http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess or sign up for text alerts by texting “CAHAORV” to 333111.
Areas may be temporarily closed when nesting birds or sea turtles are present. Always check current conditions before heading out, as violations for intrusions into protected areas are strictly enforced by park rangers.
SOUND SIDE ACCESS
Don’t forget Ocracoke’s sound side! Springer’s Point offers a nature trail that leads to a sandy beach overlooking Teach’s Hole on the Pamlico Sound, while Robbie’s Way provides 15-foot-wide access from Silver Lake Drive to the sound shores.
BEACH ACCESS MAP
For the most current beach access map showing all ramp locations and current closures, visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV map. The map is updated regularly to reflect seasonal wildlife closures and current beach conditions.
PRO TIPS:
- Restrooms are available only at the lifeguarded beach (in season) and north ferry terminal
- The Gas Station, Tradewinds Tackle, and Jimm’s garage all have pumps to refill your tires
- Water shoes are recommended for sound side beaches
- Always bring plenty of water and sun protection—Ocracoke’s beaches offer almost no natural shade