Location: 357 Main Park Road. We knew there was a half mile walk to get there, but it was well worth it. So if you're looking for a great beach day without tripping over crowds of other people, Bear Island is the destination of choice. The ferries doe operation on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Camping Camping is available on Bear Island through Hammocks Beach State Park. Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina - Camping & Campgrounds. Catch hourly rides Monday Wednesday, and rides every 30 minutes Thursday-Sunday, beginning at 9:30 am with the last ferry off Bear Island at 6 pm. You can find information about pet restrictions, located at (863) 386-6094. Join, volunteer or donate! 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Do not enter marked nesting bird areas. You'll find Hammocks Beach State Park nestled into the Topsail area, with local attractions like the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Try Cornwall, Norfolk, France. Hammocks Beach State Park This camping area features 14 first come first serve campsites perched at an elevation of 12ft in the state of North-Carolina. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. This diverse state park offers a few easy to moderate miles of trails through sandy beaches and maritime forests. No refunds are issued after the 14-day mark, but campers may reschedule to another date and will be charged only the cancellation fees. 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. Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island. Lifeguards are on duty Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as staff is available. Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date. Once you get to Hammocks Beach State park, youll find plenty of activities for the whole family. Please bring potable water with you and take all containers off the island when you leave. Indoor showers available after 6:00 pm and before 9:00 am daily. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act made the park open to all people. For a fun family adventure, rent a boat or kayak and go explore the parks three secluded islands. 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). Dont forget a stop at the Park Office visitor center to pick up some information and get oriented. Learn all about Hammocks Beach State Park, right here. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. This park is a great introduction to the slow-paced charm of Swansboro, NC. One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Bear Island never gets the heavy traffic and crowds that many other beaches in North Carolina receive. This state park is located just off the mainland and is accessible by land or by water. Also be on the lookout for flounder, striped bass, speckled trout, skipjack and sheepshead. Kayaking, hiking, and swimming are just a few of the popular pastimes. Hi Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459. Positions range from 3 to 6 months and up to 11 months. I dont know, but cant believe it would a problem; this is a pretty relaxed place. Restaurants near Hammocks Beach State Park: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. Is Fort Desoto Open For Camping? The intercoastal waterway provides a scenic boat trip as an alternative route, so be sure to check out local charter services for your trip. Memorial Day through Labor Day - Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm; topsail@carolinaretreats.com Visiting the park can be an unforgettable experience for all who explore its many offerings. The group campsites have only one picnic table and are very primitive. Hammocks Beach State Park is a beautiful and serene outdoor paradise just north of North Carolina's Topsail and Pleasure Island coast, near Emerald Isle. You have no ticket for return, but there is only the one ferry service. I would suggest packing light though! Ive been to many NC beaches but Bear Island has got to be the most beautiful. Located at the foot of Bear Island - one of the major attractions of the State Parks for kayakers and canoeists from across the state - Hammocks Beach State Park offers four miles of unspoiled shoreline accessible by ferry or private vehicle. Campers are advised to seek shelter in tents or the bathhouse. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. Additional fees for transportation may apply. Hammocks Beach State Park, NC 110 Ratings See or Upload Photos Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Heading to this beautiful sprawling park is a convenient day trip that will be a hit with the whole family! The park also offers several boat launches and kayak rentals so you can fish on the water along the paddle trails. 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. Does camping on a remote sandy beach sound appealing? You'll find all the local beach camping sites on the 4-mile long Bear Island (access by ferry, private boat or paddling only). The rest of the park includes the 892-acre Bear Island and three smaller barrier islands Dudley, Huggins, and Jones. Fortunately, the answer is: plenty! Jacksonville Beach, FL. Recreational fishing license required to fish. From wooden bridges to sandy paths, you can take your pick of different trails to explore. Same-day cancellations will incur an additional charge of one night's camping. Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. Has anyone made a fire and had an issue or made one and not had an issue? Hammocks Beach State Park is home to land and water attractions. What a gorgeous spot, incredibly tranquil and the picnic spots were wonderful. We were told that all 14 camp sites were full for the night, but we scarcely saw another person once we reached our campsite. 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 We review cost. How strict is the park about campfires? Restroom facilities and outdoor showers available 24 hours per day. Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Theres plenty of room to spread out on the beach at Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, near Jacksonville, NC. There is a small ferry that takes you over or you can canoe or kayak. yes that's plenty of time ..They go to Bear Island .On island there is camping places where you can stay the night in your tent but there is no stores or anything like that it's empty island. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. If youre into surf fishing, youll marvel at the hungry redfish that flood the waterways off Bear Island every fall. So glad we had the chance to visit! Now, note the ends. Group campers must register at the visitor center on the mainland before going to Bear Island. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. We apologize for the missing information on some of our website pages. Round trip rides cost $6 and under in 2020. About Hammocks Beach State Park Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammock Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584. Prices subject to change without notice. Campers are required to walk/hike a 1/2 mile to 1 1/4 miles to reach campsite with all camping gear and supplies. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. 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. Campsites 12 to 14 are accessible by private boat or paddling only and are not hikeable. Read More Details Ferry service will resume April 7, 2023. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. During World War II, the Coast Guard used Bear Island to monitor German U-boat activity. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. Fires are not permitted on Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves. "What happens at camp, stays at camp" has a playful and lighthearted tone and suggests that the experiences and memories made while camping are special and should be kept private . As always, anglers should pay close attention to local regulations when fishing in any of the parks waters! Facilities:14 primitive campsites, 3 primitive group camps, picnic area, trails, canoe . All campers must occupy campsite. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Campers must register in the park office on the mainland before going to Bear Island. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! Getting to Hammocks Beach State Park from Topsail and Pleasure Island is an easy and enjoyable cruise along the road to Swansboro. Swansboro, NC 28584, An official website of the State of North Carolina, Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/habe/reservations or call 1-877-722-6762. Is 9 am, 9 15 ok? We can help! Only show listings you can book instantly with no waiting for a Host's confirmation. Yes the schedule changes in September so you can't get there via the ferry on Monday and Tuesdays. There are fishing piers on both the Bogue Sound side and the Onslow Bay side of the park, so anglers can cast a wide net and try to snag the big one! Check-in at Hammocks Beach State Park is at 3 p.m. and check out is at 12 p.m. Campers can check in at any time, but please do not occupy your campsite until after 3 p.m. A single campsite can be reserved for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period. They are not permitted inside buildings, on the ferry, or in the swimming area. It is a simple, scenic drive that is definitely worth the trip! Bathhouse CLOSED with facilities and all water winterized Mid November through Mid March. Snuggle up like a koala in this cute hammock from Coalatree. Hammocks Beach recently opened several nature trails on the mainland section of the park. The ferry to Bear Island runs daily through Sept. 6, 2021 (the daily schedule changes after Sept. 6 and service for the season ends on Oct. 31). Hammocks Beach State Park is a beautiful and serene outdoor paradise just north of North Carolinas Topsail and Pleasure Island coast, near Emerald Isle. Yeah I'd call or email for sure before I head up. Ferry tickets purchased at mainland visitor center for $4 to $6 per person. 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach. 2. You cannot switch dates, campsites, or parks using your account online you will be charged the cancellation fees, even if you book a new site. Is the cost for the farry round trip or is it$5 each way? The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. A few years ago there was a great beach house which was destroyed by hurricanes. State Government websites value user privacy. The calm, protected waters make it a great spot for the whole family to take a dip and cool off. Paddleboard in the Bay. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration. From there, follow the NC-24 north to Swansboro and take its continuation as NC-24 N. From Topsail Island, youll go through Surf City to join NC-24 N and follow along until you reach the Hammocks Beach State Park entrance. Day-use admission: $5 per vehicle (2-8 people); $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Camping near Hammocks Beach State Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. You feel refreshed after a night of listening to the waves crash gently on the beach. The only place that I can think of that was comparable for white sands was in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Open fires of any kind are not allowed on Bear Island nor anywhere in the park. 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. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. It is round trip, they take your ticket at the dock. Unaware where deepest part of channel was. From Fri Mar 03 2023 to Sat Mar 04 2023. Once you get there, you might not want to leave. Filters. The park is open during all other holidays. The parks mainland outpost consists of a full-service visitor center. 910-278-5644 ext 500. 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hammocks beach state park camping
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