Once on bear island, it is about a half-mile walk from the ferry dock to the bath house and beach access so only bring what you must because you'll have to carry it a ways. Except for 33 acres on the mainland, Hammocks Beach State Park is located on Bear Island and Huggins Island. A local naturalist will guide passengers on a two-hour interpretive tour through Bear Island, Huggins Island, and Swansboro. There will be no exiting or entering the gates at the mainland after the posted closing time. Heading to this beautiful sprawling park is a convenient day trip that will be a hit with the whole family! If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please. I would suggest packing light though! Then camping at Hammocks Beach State Park might be for you. Hammocks Beach State Park Photos (33) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.7 miElevation gain 6 ftRoute type Out & back Discover this 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Hubert, North Carolina. You can also recline under the sun and work on your tan with the rotisserie technique. Concession stand is available Memorial Day through Labor Day as staffing permits. Check in required at mainland visitor center during visitor center hours. If you're headed here today, be sure to check out travel times and driving directions before you go. This time is considered sea turtle nesting season. 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. State Government websites value user privacy. Check the weather at Hammocks Beach State Park. No flashlights or white lights permitted on the beach front mid May through mid September, use a red lens, or cover flashlights with something red. koala tree. Our family/group consisted of 2 adults, 3 teens, & a 7-year-old. Or, take the ferry service to Bear Island and walk 3-4 miles of shoreline. Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. To get to Hammocks Beach you have to take a ferry, which costs $5 for adults and kids ride free. Hi It takes approximately an hour to drive from Topsail Island or two hours from Pleasure Island to reach the park. Campsites 1 to 11 are accessible via ferry, private boat or paddling only. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Just 33 acres of park territory lies on the mainland, with the remainder of its 1,500-odd acres found offshore on the three-mile-long Bear Island. The crystal clear water is filled with marine life, and the suns warmth is hard to beat. Tourists who prefer to avoid the loud crowds, as witnessed in places like South Beach, will come to Matheson Hammock Park.. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. From daily beachgoers to tourists, the park continues to be a popular spot of recreation for locals and visitors alike. For product related questions please contact: Catry International Group, Inc. at (626) 968-1516 or customerservice@catrygroup.com. Seasoned spotters will be impressed by less common coastal birds, such as the black-bellied whistling-duck, cinnamon teal, common goldeneye, black rail, white-winged dove, avocet, godwit and much more. What rhymes with "hammock" and is a must-have while camping? No refunds are issued for "no-shows," early departures, or cancellations made after the arrival date. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Three group campsites, available to affiliated groups only, accommodate up to 12 persons each. Once you get there, you might not want to leave. The Grandview Hammock comes in two fun summer patterns and has a 450 lb load capacity. Do the lifeguards offer umbrella rentals on Bear Island? About Hammocks Beach State Park Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammock Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You have no ticket for return, but there is only the one ferry service. Please input the date in MM dash DD dash YYYY format. 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 park also offers several boat launches and kayak rentals so you can fish on the water along the paddle trails. Read More Details Dont forget a stop at the Park Office visitor center to pick up some information and get oriented. 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. Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Visitors with limited mobility or disabilities, Tent sites (backpacking via ferry or paddle-in), Group tent sites (for organized groups only, backpacking via ferry), Hiking (2.3 miles of trails at the mainland; 4 miles of beach). To protect themselves, the colonists built forts, one of which was near Bear Inlet in 1749, but it has since disappeared. Unaware where deepest part of channel was. Kayaked out in about 50 minutes, white/orange markers along the 2.5 mile waterway will direct you. 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. Later, pirates and Spanish privateers frequented the area and attacked merchant ships, with Blackbeard being one of the most notorious pirates. But there are maps at intersections and the trails are well blazed. You will need to hire a private boat service to take you over. Camping Camping at Hammocks Beach State Park Make a Camping Reservation Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/habe/reservations or call 1-877-722-6762 Available Camping Facilities Tent Camping - Primitive Backpack or Paddle-In Campsites Group Camping - Primitive Backpack Tent Campsites Forms and Maps You must take an umbrella if you need shade, because you won't find any on the island! Access to Bear Island by Seasonal Ferry Service, Kayak, Canoe, Private Boat, Private Water Taxi. At first glance, Hammocks Beach State Park doesn't look like much. Positions range from 3 to 6 months and up to 11 months. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. Our app alerts you when campsites come available . Hammocks Beach State Park is home to land and water attractions. May and September - Wednesday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Along the way, youll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. 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 With the purchase of initial ferry tickets and multiple nights of camping, campers are permitted one free round-trip ferry ride per day. We were told that all 14 camp sites were full for the night, but we scarcely saw another person once we reached our campsite. Hammocks Beach is known for its rich history, wonderful wildlife, and of course, its natural beauty. Can Dogs Go On The Beach In Emerald Isle Nc? The island again assumed military importance nearly a century later when, during World War II, the Coast Guard used it to secure the coast and monitor German U-boat activity. Now, note the ends. Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs, Hammocks Beach State Park: A Visitors Guide, A Hikers Guide to the Mountains to Sea Trail in Topsail Island. 43. Holiday Trav-L-Park . When they do, parks re-release these campsites. Recreational fishing license required to fish. 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584 PHONE: 910-326-4881 WEBSITE The park's crown jewel, Bear Island, is one of Travel + Leisure's Top Ten NC Beaches, and just a passenger ferry ride or private boat ride away. Site A accommodates up to 26 people (14 tents), and site B and C can accommodate up to 16 people (10 tents). Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. CAMPSITE INFORMATION: Is the cost for the farry round trip or is it$5 each way? All campers must occupy campsite. Hammocks Beach State Park is currently accepting applications for all temporary and seasonal positions. Jacksonville Beach, FL. Take off those oppressive shoes and socks and stroll the sandy beaches barefoot just as Moth. Just tell us when you'd like to camp at Hammocks Beach State Park, and how long you want to camp for. Sea turtles nest on these barrier islands. Native Americans living in the coastal region of North Carolina historically used the waterways to travel by dugout canoes. The biodiversity of the newly acquired Huggins Island is well-documented. Hammocks Beach State Park is an enjoyable location with features that can accommodate various recreational plans. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. 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. NC State Parks Weekend. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. His love of the island prompted him to acquire it for his retirement. Only show listings you can book instantly with no waiting for a Host's confirmation. This hammock from Kammok. Always double check the North Carolina State Park Services websitefor up-to-date information about hours and COVID-19 restrictions. I booked on the website 3 weeks out, & everything went smoothly. From I-95, take I-40 east to NC 24. The restrooms on Bear Island are open and drinking water is available at the bathhouse. There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized. But firewood may be hard to come by on the island. You can cancel reservations online by logging into your account onReserveAmerica. Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. However, if you are adventuresome you could always kayak out on a Monday or Tuesday! Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. The calm, protected waters make it a great spot for the whole family to take a dip and cool off. They actually welcomed it at Shinleaf. The park is also home to various wildlife and vegetation, so nature lovers can explore the area to their hearts content. Sites 1 to 11 have a picnic table, while sites 12 to 14 do not. Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Water and a bathhouse with hot showers is located at Bear Island, but is available from only mid-March through mid-November. Note: the campsites on this pristine island are closed during king tides. Bear Island is an 892-acre barrier island. Unfortunately low tide arrived and we had to walk/drag kayak on the way back quite a few times, but sandy bottom it was an easy drag, but still took us about 90 minutes for return trip. Best beach in NC! Sharpe intended to will the property to John Hurst, his longtime hunting guide and friend, but Hurst persuaded him to donate it to the North Carolina Teachers Association, an organization of AfricanAmerican teachers. 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. . We had plans to go Monday - Tuesday but ferries only operate on Wednesdays? 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. He intended to will it to his friend, John Hurst, but Hurst convinced him to donate it to the North Carolina Teachers Association. Keep your camera handy! Hammocks Beach State Park has three miles of protected beaches, making it an ideal spot for year-round swimming. The short hike from the ferry to the beach is not too arduous - rewarding the hiker with the most incredible pristine beach imaginable. Hammocks Beach State Park. For a fun family adventure, rent a boat or kayak and go explore the parks three secluded islands. Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet. How strict is the park about campfires? What hotels are near Hammocks Beach State Park? Check out all pet friendly campgrounds and RV resorts in Sebring if you are in the mood for some RVs. A quiet, and surprisingly green, escape from the otherwise bustling beach, the park provides educational opportunities, a nature trail and some of the best surf fishing South Carolina has to offer as well as stunning ocean views and another great fishing spot on . You can get to Bear Island on the Hammocks Beach State Park ferry. Fires are not permitted at Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves. Indoor showers available after 6:00 pm and before 9:00 am daily. Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro North Carolina is an undeveloped barrier island, dunes up to 60 feet, 3.5 miles of ocean beach, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal creeks, endangered sea turtles. Upon reaching that limit, a camper must vacate the park for 16 nights before returning. Campers must register in the park office on the mainland before going to Bear Island. We knew there was a half mile walk to get there, but it was well worth it. Small campfires are permitted. You can see a list of closure dates on the reservations page (link above). Hammocks Beach State ParkSwansboro, North Carolina Overview We travel to North Carolina and visit the crown jewel of the North Carolina Coast. The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. 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. Theres plenty of room to spread out on the beach at Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, near Jacksonville, NC. Grills are permitted. Bring breakfast, lunch and dinner. Location: 357 Main Park Road. Fishing is also a popular activity at Hammocks Beach State Park, with species such as flounder, red drum, sea trout, and bluefish all available in local waters. The stand operates between 10 am and 5 pm, and closes Sept. 6. Open fires of any kind are not allowed on Bear Island nor anywhere in the park. State Government websites value user privacy. If you're bringing your kids and loved ones along, this area tops the list of best family-friendly locations in Miami. During the summer months, the ferry runs on the hour and half-hour to and from the island. Page content has changed. 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