![]() ![]() Your vehicle must be legally registered and have a license plate.You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.The rules to beach driving at Cape Lookout National Seashore are fairly simply. When in soft sand, drive on the tire tracks of previous vehicles, as this sand will be packed down.In fact, try not to stop at all on the soft sand. If you are in soft sand don’t slam on your brakes this will cause the wheels to dig into the sand.The ferry stations have free air so you can pump up your tires when you return. Be sure to bring a tire pressure gauge with you. However, my worries were all for naught, for with a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle and some common sense you can pretty much make your way through any type of sand.īased on my two days of beach driving, here are a few tips: I had done quite a lot of “4-Wheelin’” on rocky roads, but prior to this the only beach I had driven on was Daytona Beach in Florida, and that’s as hard as pavement. However, nobody checks to make sure you have any such equipment.Īt first I was very apprehensive about driving on the beach due to the possibility of getting stuck. To aid in case of getting stuck in the sand, the park service recommends carrying a tow rope, jack and stand, fire extinguisher, wood planks to put under the tires for traction, and a shovel. Even after you get your sticker, you must always have your printed permit in the vehicle. For complete details, visit Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Beach Driving Permit web page. At North Core Banks, a Ranger will provide a sticker when you arrive. On South Core Banks the stickers are available at the Great Island Cabin Camp Office. Once on the islands, you can get your permanent sticker. Permits are only available online at and must be purchased before arriving. Sugar sand on the back service roads of the Cape Lookout National Seashore islandsĪnnual Off Road Vehicle Permits are now required to drive on the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore. You can also drive ATVs and UTVs and tow trailers. Having beach drove many years in Coralla and Hatteras (and kayak camped on the Core Banks) I have to say then yes, most AWDs should not attempt (friend with a Honda got stuck in Coralla’s 4wd area), but no, not the case with Subaru Foresters- in fact one (you can’t choose your relatives) flew by me in my F150 once in reverse showing off! Think it’s about ground clearance, most AWD’s don’t have enough but a few do. Great article! But one comment-your advise for vehicles not to attempt with AWD, well yes and no. From a recent National Park Planner visitor: In regard to All-Wheel-Drive vehicles, I have received a few emails from people who argue that AWDs will suffice, but they do suggest the vehicles be high-clearance. A park Ranger at North Core Banks said the only vehicles she’s ever seen get stuck are the 2-Wheel Drives, and despite warning people not to bring them over, they still give it a try. While any street-legal vehicle is allowed to drive on the beaches if you think you can make it through the sand, I recommend nothing less than a high-clearance 4-Wheel Drive vehicle (as does the National Park Service). Concessionaires can change with each contract renewal, so check Cape Lookout National Seashore’s List of Authorized Ferry Services web page for the current list of ferry operators. A ferry leaves from Davis, North Carolina, to South Core Banks and from Atlantic, North Carolina, to North Core Banks. Since there are no bridges to any of the islands you must take a vehicle ferry, which is not cheap. No vehicles are allowed on Shackleford Banks. Driving on the beach at Cape Lookout National Seashoreĭriving on the beach is allowed on North Core Banks and South Core Banks at Cape Lookout National Seashore. ![]()
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