National Park Service - Visit Ocracoke NC

The majority of Ocracoke Island is designated as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is federally protected, which is why the island can boast miles of undeveloped, protected beaches in a pristine environment. Ocracoke is proud to have some of the best wildlife habitats, natural ecosystems and night skies on the east coast.

The National Park Service (NPS) offers a wide variety of free educational programs for adults and children—a great way to explore the island. Turtle talks, Seashore Arts and Evening Campfire are some of the most popular kids’ programs. The Visitor Center at Silver Lake is a great place to learn about the island ponies and the history of our seashore.

As part of ensuring our beaches remain pristine, the NPS manages off-road vehicle permits for beach driving, beach fire permits, and reservations for the beachfront campground (located approximately 3 miles from the village.) Apply for an off-road vehicle permit here, a free beach fire permit here, or reserve a spot at the NPS beachfront campground here.

Ocracoke Banker Ponies

On a 188-acre plot of land, behind a wooden fence, lives the herd of Ocracoke Banker Ponies, descendants of Spanish mustangs that survived a nearby shipwreck hundreds of years ago live contentedly in a 188-acre enclosure.

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Ocracoke Lighthouse

The oldest lighthouse still in operation in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. Hand-built in 1823, the lighthouse is a piece of history that is cherished by locals, Outer Bankers, North Carolinians, and lighthouse enthusiasts everywhere.

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Springer’s Point Nature Preserve

A tranquil maritime forest with abundant wildlife, centuries-old live oaks, and traces of historic structures. It’s also the beach where Blackbeard and his crew met their fate at the hands of the British Navy.

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