Ive been to many NC beaches but Bear Island has got to be the most beautiful. Native Americans living in the coastal region of North Carolina historically used the waterways to travel by dugout canoes. Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date. Whether youre looking for a day of fun in the sun or a unique history lesson, this secluded and peaceful park is sure to please. Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Hammocks Beach State Park! Site A accommodates up to 26 people (14 tents), and site B and C can accommodate up to 16 people (10 tents). Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Super Versatile Inflatable hammock is durable and waterproof, easy to clean, can be used on grass, sand, rocks and other surfaces, suitable for indoor, park, beach, pool party, barbecue, hiking, travel, concert, picnic, camping and other activities. For nature lovers, the park is home to a 5-mile hiking trail system open year-round that leads through maritime forests, between marshes, and along beaches. Educational materials about Hammocks Beach State Park have been developed for grades 6-8 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. What restaurants are near Hammocks Beach State Park? I would certainly suggest you do just that - short answer YES. There are no bears on Bear Island, but its the most beautiful beach in NC. Sells drinks and snacks only, no hot foods, no ice. You can stroll along the shore, cast a line in the water and look for marine life in tide pools and mudflats. Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Group Campsite Registration Form (Fillable PDF), cannot be reached by hiking; paddle-in or private boat only, Group primitive tent camping, up to 26 people, Group primitive tent camping, up to 16 people. I'm heading back to Bear Island tomorrow! All campers must occupy campsite. Description. The Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island promotes, supports, and advocates for Hammocks Beach State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising. Hammock Beach on Bear Island is stress-free bliss. Open fires of any kind are not allowed in the park. Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries, Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise, Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Wilmington by Operation City Quest, 2-Hour Wilmington Guided Tour on Electric Bikes, Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood, Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers, 1-Hour Wilmington Guided Tour on Electric Bikes. Campers arriving after final ferry departure must make alternate arrangements to Bear Island or you will NOT be able to Check-In. This is a hidden treasure - only accessible by ferry at limited times of the year. Hammocks Beach is known for its rich history, wonderful wildlife, and of course, its natural beauty. April and October - Friday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. A passenger ferry transports visitors to the pristine beach that provides an opportunity to camp oceanside an experience unique amongst North Carolina's state parks. Ferry tickets purchased at mainland visitor center for $4 to $6 per person. Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island. In general, backpacking at Hammocks Beach State Park and the outer islands is a great way to experience North Carolinas maritime beauty. State Government websites value user privacy. Read More Details People come to Hammocks Beach State Park for one thingthe beach. Check the ferry schedule for current sailing times. 1572 Hammocks Beach Road Swansboro, NC28584 910-326-4881 Website A crown jewel of the North Carolina coast and Hammocks Beach State Park is Bear Islanda 3-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island accessible by the park's passenger ferry or private ferry, or by paddling a canoe or kayak. The 20-minute roundtrip passenger ferry ride takes passengers to the parks main attractions, including the iconic Bear Island, where visitors can get an up-close view of the wild horses, as well as enjoy the pristine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. koala tree. Because the park is set up to accommodate camping, there are plenty of picnic tables and various grills and fire pits to use; you can cook up a delicious meal in the great outdoors. Campsites are open year round. No facilities in the winter. How do you get there in September? Adults Ages 16 or above-+ Children Ages 3-15-+ For more information on the positions and how to apply, please visit our Jobs page. Look just a little farther out at the ocean, however, and you are looking at Hammocks Beach State Park. We are not familiar with any of the beaches in the area. Water and other facilities are available on the island, except from mid-November through mid-March when the facilities are winterized. From mid-November to mid-March, there is no water at Bear Island, including at the bathhouse. The earthen embankment from the earthwork fort on Huggins Island still remains and is the only unspoiled example of Confederate fortifications on the North Carolina coast. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Alternatively, visitors can rent or bring their own kayak or canoe for a closer exploration of the marshlands and maritime swamp forests that surround the park's island areas. 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. State Government websites value user privacy. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Camp within 15 to 20 feet of the interior campsite maker. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. On the hour is the large boat, on the half hour is the small boat during the week. From wooden bridges to sandy paths, you can take your pick of different trails to explore. You must take an umbrella if you need shade, because you won't find any on the island! Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! You can see a list of closure dates on the reservations page (link above). Here are some of the top things to do on a day trip to Hammocks Beach State Park. For more information on the positions and how to apply, please visit our Jobs page. Fortunately, the answer is: plenty! 1572 Hammock Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584-9523, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Mediterranean Greek, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Seafood Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options. Yeah I'd call or email for sure before I head up. CAMPSITE INFORMATION: Is Hammocks Beach State Park sold out? Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. Round trip rides cost $6 and under in 2020. Look for a hammock at least 8.5 feet long and between 4 and 5 feet wide for a single, or greater than 6 feet wide for a double. Read the campsite information on ReserveAmerica to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathhouses or pit toilets, or has RV hookups; and learn other important information. Paddleboard in the Bay. Or, take the ferry service to Bear Island and walk 3-4 miles of shoreline. Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet. Please do not approach or disturb sea turtles or their nests. If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please. Light and simple is the way to travel, as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. Along the way, youll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Located in Onslow County 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Hammocks Beach State Park comprises a mainland area and three barrier islands, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. 1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584. Once slated to become a condominium development, this park contains one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Page content has changed. This is a wonderful park. I would suggest packing light though! Camping Near Me: Hoffmaster State Park ehrlif/stock.adobe.com Double Hammock: 9.5' length with 400 lb capacity; ideal camping accessories for women and men ; Simple Setup: Relax in your hammock anywhere; compatible with all ENO hammock straps and accessories ; Outdoor-Ready Camping Gear: Durable hammocks built with a triple-stitched seam and breathable nylon The beach is also a nesting place for loggerhead sea turtles. Bathhouse CLOSED with facilities and all water winterized Mid November through Mid March. They can be contacted via phone at (910) 326-4881 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. For a fun family adventure, rent a boat or kayak and go explore the parks three secluded islands. It is round trip, they take your ticket at the dock. The Bear Island concession stand is open for the 2021 season (woohoo!). To get to Hammocks Beach you have to take a ferry, which costs $5 for adults and kids ride free. Hammocks Beach State Park is home to land and water attractions. Pogies Charters and Rentals is one option to get you around the islands privately. Park Ecology. Also be on the lookout for flounder, striped bass, speckled trout, skipjack and sheepshead. If you have multiple properties with different mailing addresses, you can create a new property for each here. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Access to Bear Island by Seasonal Ferry Service, Kayak, Canoe, Private Boat, Private Water Taxi. You can stroll along the shore, cast a line in the water and look for marine life in tide pools and mudflats. Check the weather at Hammocks Beach State Park. Or, travel by boat or ferry to Bear Island and see what this park's water attraction has to offer. Matheson Hammock Park is South Miami's well-hidden secret. Bear Island is an undeveloped barrier island a the southern end of the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast. 12/11/2022. The intercoastal waterway provides a scenic boat trip as an alternative route, so be sure to check out local charter services for your trip. During the Civil War, Confederate troops used Bear Island to defend it against Union soldiers and built an earthwork fortification on Huggins Island to protect Bogue Inlet. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Along the far-reaching stretch of Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach State Park sits nestled among oceanfront maritime forest. Don't sweat it! Fires are not permitted at Bear Island. 72 reviews of Highlands Hammock State Park "One of the best campgrounds for familes and groups. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. About People come to Hammocks Beach State Park for one thingthe beach. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Hammocks Beach State Park is the perfect destination for a memorable outdoor picnic! About the Park. During the Civil War, Confederate troops on the island defended it against Union forces occupying Bogue Banks. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. 43. The beach was larger/longer than expected, & absolutely beautiful. There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized. Check in required at mainland visitor center during visitor center hours. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamps most important value: leave it better., Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Do the lifeguards offer umbrella rentals on Bear Island? The Park occupies 630 acres, which is more than enough space for you all to explore during . The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. We review cost. The crystal clear water is filled with marine life, and the suns warmth is hard to beat. It takes approximately an hour to drive from Topsail Island or two hours from Pleasure Island to reach the park. Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. bluewater@carolinaretreats.com Filters. Is there just Bear Island Beach area at this state park or another Beach area as well? The only downside is a 1/2 mile walk fom the ferry dock to the beach (it can be very hot and there isnt any shade). Camp Ocean Forest Campground 100 Fairview Drive Emerald Isle, NC 252-354-3454. We'll text you when a suitable spot opens up! This is largely due to the fact that you can only get here by ferry or private boat, so youll never have to crowd in with a thousand other people lathered in banana boat. If you want to stretch your back and relax, check out this chair. 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. (866) 458-3001, Oak Island Tons of big shells and sand dollars. When camping in North Carolina make sure you visit and leave a review on MobileRving.com your premier rv travel search engine. On MobileRving.com your premier rv travel search engine outer islands is a great way to experience North Carolinas beauty... Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general and. Located near the Beach or ferry dock east coast in the area, check this! 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