Beach Protection
The majority of Ocracoke Island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which means most of our shoreline is federally protected. That’s why Ocracoke can proudly offer miles of undeveloped, pristine beaches. But keeping them that way takes work.
Barrier islands are constantly shifting. Ocracoke loses an average of several feet of shoreline each year due to erosion, and storms regularly reshape the landscape. The dunes you see along Highway 12 aren’t natural—they were built in the late 1950s and early 1960s after the road was completed, to protect it from overwash.
Today, the National Park Service’s Sediment Management Framework provides a plan for beach nourishment, dune and habitat restoration, and emergency repairs—allowing for faster response after major storms. When Hurricane Dorian breached Highway 12 in 2019, or when Hurricane Teddy’s swells overwashed the road in 2020, this framework helped reopen access much more quickly than in the past.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If driving on the beach, get an ORV permit and stay in designated areas.
Never climb or damage the dunes—they’re our first line of defense against storms.
Respect seasonal closures for sea turtle and shorebird nesting. These measures protect species that have called this island home for centuries.
Leave metal detectors at home—they’re not permitted on National Park Service land
Ocracoke isn’t a manicured resort beach—it’s a living, working barrier island where nature still calls the shots. By respecting these protections, visitors help keep Ocracoke wild, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come.