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Cape Hatteras National Seashore Experiencing Record Visitation

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By NPT Staff - June 13th, 2018
Surf fishing at Cape Hatteras National Seashore/Kurt Repanshek file

Surf fishing is just one of the attractions of Cape Hatteras National Seashore/Kurt Repanshek file

Summer hasn't even officially arrived, but the crowds have been flocking to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which has seen a 13 percent increase in recreation visits this year.

The estimated 248,423 people who visited the seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks last month were the most for the month of May since 2003, according to park staff. So far in 2018, the seashore has hosted 740,751 recreational visits, up approximately 13 percent from the same period last year.

Year-To-Date Recreational Visits (through May)

* 2018 - 740,751

* 2017 - 652,437

* 2016 - 623,641

* 2015 - 563,663

* 2014 - 547,647

Visitation estimates are collected by counting southbound vehicles just north of the Bonner Bridge and using a multiplier to estimate the total number of passengers heading south. Those estimates are added to the number of passengers going to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.

The seashore offers a variety of recreational activities, including beach recreation (swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, etc.); off-road vehicle use; fishing from the surf, boats, and piers; waterfowl hunting; lighthouse climbing; interpretive programs with a park ranger; camping; hiking; kayaking; watersports (surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, etc.); and wildlife viewing.

Swimmers are encouraged to take advantage of the park’s three beach locations staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Lifeguard beach locations:

* Coquina Beach, located near Bodie Island Lighthouse in South Nags Head

* Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach, located near the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site in Buxton

* Ocracoke Day Use Beach, located on Ocracoke Island

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