Hammocks Beach State Park

Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded - the list of things to do.

Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all.

Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach may not be for everyone, but the island is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky.

See our factsheet.pdf.

Open fires of any kind are not allowed in the park.
All campsites located on Bear Island with no vehicle access.
Check in required at mainland visitor center one hour prior to visitor center closing, no late arrivals. .
Access to Bear Island by Seasonal Ferry Service, Kayak, Canoe, Private Boat, Private Water Taxi.
With the purchase of initial ferry tickets and multiple nights camping, campers are permitted one free round trip ferry ride per day. Current camp permit with attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the park office to receive ferry tickets at no charge.

Ferry Schedule:
Memorial Day through Labor Day - Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm;
May and September - Wednesday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
April and October - Friday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Park Gate Hours:
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Year Round;
8:00 am till 7:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day

Visitor Center Hours:
8:00 am till 5:00 pm Year Round,
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day

Campers are required to walk / hike a 1/2 mile to 1 1/4 miles to reach campsite.
Bathhouse facilities and all water winterized Mid November through Mid March.
Pets, Carts, Wagons, Kayaks, and Canoes not permitted on ferry vessels.

Nearest city with an airport Jacksonville, NC; park adjacent to NC Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The front gate is closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gate after this time and the combination will NOT be given out. All visitors not spending the night will need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. If you have an emergency, see camp host. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.