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. They actually welcomed it at Shinleaf. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. With the nearby boat rentals and nature trails, everyone can enjoy something here. Hammocks Beach State Park. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. Lured by the variety of fishing opportunities, anglers can find plentiful red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounder. Same-day cancellations can be made only by calling the reservations number at1-877-722-6762. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. . Campnab scans parks for cancelations. The park is open during all other holidays. Campsites are open year round. Campers are responsible for transportation to Bear Island. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. I went to Bear island once before in June 2020, the experience was so amazing that I still haven't stopped thinking about it almost a year later. With more than 10 miles of pristine beach and secluded islands, this is the perfect place to leave the mainland and enjoy the great outdoors. Note: The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. 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. Is Hammocks Beach State Park sold out? Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date. Can you purchase ferry tickets in advance? You can stroll along the shore, cast a line in the water and look for marine life in tide pools and mudflats. It is round trip, they take your ticket at the dock. You can get to Bear Island on the Hammocks Beach State Park ferry. There are three group campsites at Bear Island. Water and a bathhouse with hot showers is located at Bear Island, but is available from only mid-March through mid-November. Boaters can enjoy paddling around the shoreline and exploring the ecology of the nearby barrier islands or maybe even catching a glimpse of the parks resident bottlenose dolphins. There is a ferry system that connects Hammock Beach State Park on the mainland to one of its barrier islands famous for camping and hiking. I booked on the website 3 weeks out, & everything went smoothly. You can stroll along the shore, cast a line in the water and look for marine life in tide pools and mudflats. 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. Was a perfect place to camp for our Spartan race! Before you go, review the Bear Island ferry schedule (the schedule may be published as a link to a PDF). What a gorgeous spot, incredibly tranquil and the picnic spots were wonderful. The beach was beautifu and not crowded at all. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 am through 5:00 pm daily as staffing allows. Those of you interested in a leisurely boat ride can get tickets for the Lady Swan Boat Tour. From endangered sea turtles to nesting shorebirds, theres always something to explore. Is there just Bear Island Beach area at this state park or another Beach area as well? Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Fires are not permitted on Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves. 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. 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. The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City. Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. They fought against colonists in the Tuscarora wars. 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. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! 1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584. 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). Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. See the park's website for ferry schedule. Not all campsites have identical amenities. Also be on the lookout for flounder, striped bass, speckled trout, skipjack and sheepshead. During the Civil War, Confederate troops on the island defended it against Union forces occupying Bogue Banks. Learn all about Hammocks Beach State Park, right here. Huggins Island, located in Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Charlotte, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state and a popular destination for visitors from around the world. You will receive a full refund for cancellations due to park closures. Campers must register in the park office on the mainland before going to Bear Island. Do not feed the wildlife, including birds. Indoor showers available after 6:00 pm and before 9:00 am daily. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. From biking and walking trails to swimming, kayaking, and more, theres something for everyone at Hammocks Beach State Park. Kayaking, hiking, and swimming are just a few of the popular pastimes. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. Check with the park during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number. Hammocks Beach State ParkSwansboro, North Carolina Overview We travel to North Carolina and visit the crown jewel of the North Carolina Coast. All visitors who are not spending the night need to be out by closing time. Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. 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. Holiday Trav-L-Park . Open fires of any kind are not allowed on Bear Island nor anywhere in the park. Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island. I dont know, but cant believe it would a problem; this is a pretty relaxed place. A single campsite can be reserved for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period. 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. Fires are not permitted at Bear Island, but campers may bring propane or backpack camp stoves. 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. Campers are advised to seek shelter in tents or the bathhouse. Pets are permitted in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Visitors can swim in the calm ocean waves or venture further up the estuary creeks filled with exciting wildlife. Has anyone made a fire and had an issue or made one and not had an issue? Filters. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Instead, youll find peaceful solitude under the sun. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Local weather information available at visitors center when checking in. 1572 Hammock Beach Rd Swansboro, NC 28584 View Phone View Website $ $$$ Average Rate 16 Sites Hookups 100 m 500 ft + - Leaflet | OpenStreetMap Add Photos Login for Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation Info - Click Here Features & Amenities Pets Allowed Tent Camping Connectivity Wifi ATT Sprint Starlink T-Mobile Verizon Submit a Speed Test This design will appeal to people who have fond memories of camping trips and the sense of community that can develop among campers. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. The short hike from the ferry to the beach is not too arduous - rewarding the hiker with the most incredible pristine beach imaginable. Recreational fishing license required to fish. 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. All equipment must be carried in to the campsites at Bear Island, either by backpacking through the ferry, by paddling, or by boat. 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 . Along the way, youll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The island, 3.5 miles long and less than a mile wide, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and by salt marshes, estuarine creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north. Look just a little farther out at the ocean, however, and you are looking at Hammocks Beach State Park. On the hour is the large boat, on the half hour is the small boat during the week. We are not familiar with any of the beaches in the area. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. 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. Bring breakfast, lunch and dinner. I understand there is a good walk to the beach so Id like to pack lightly and with three kids in tow, Id love shade during our trip, No, there is no services on the island other than a snack bar and restrooms. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. Hammock Beach on Bear Island is stress-free bliss. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. Park Ecology. Best beach in NC! These campsites are available to organized or affiliated groups only. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. Three group campsites, available to affiliated groups only, accommodate up to 12 persons each. Three group campsites, available to affiliated groups only, accommodate up to 12 persons each. You can cancel reservations online by logging into your account onReserveAmerica. Once you get there, you might not want to leave. Ferry tickets purchased at mainland visitor center for $4 to $6 per person. Youll be greeted by marshlands, maritime swamp forests, tree-lined hiking trails, and of course, windswept beaches lined with pillowy dunes. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at [email protected] for assistance. No camping allowed on beach front. Round trip rides cost $6 and under in 2020. From mid-November to mid-March, there is no water at Bear Island, including at the bathhouse. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. I would suggest packing light though! The stand operates between 10 am and 5 pm, and closes Sept. 6. 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 Last-minute getaway? In the spring and fall, it runs less frequently, and does not run during the winter. Fires are not permitted, and campers must remove all trash. Amenities include showers and pit toilets, and drinking water is available on the island from mid-March through mid-November. We can help! Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Hammocks Beach State Park Parks Directory of the United States / State Parks / North Carolina Location:Bear Island; 4.5 miles west of Swansboro off NC 24 on State Road 1511. Yeah I'd call or email for sure before I head up. If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459. Basically if you are on the island then you are allowed on the ferry. Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina - Camping & Campgrounds. About Hammocks Beach State Park Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammock Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Hammocks Beach State Park is a treasure trove of fish, with the estuarine waters home to a wide variety of species. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. :). Can't imagine camping without even a small contained fire. Positions range from 3 to 6 months and up to 11 months. They can be contacted via phone at (910) 326-4881 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Then camping at Hammocks Beach State Park might be for you. Create Campsite Availability Alert Swansboro, NC 28584, An official website of the State of North Carolina, View the dates and times the ferry departs for Bear Island and back. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There is no ferry service in November, December, January, February, or March. You can also recline under the sun and work on your tan with the rotisserie technique. 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. Do not enter marked nesting bird areas. Follow the Hickory Bluff, Evergreen, Queens Creek and Coastal Fringe Trails over boardwalks and sandy marshlands as you make your way through the forested park. 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. Later, pirates and Spanish privateers frequented the area and attacked merchant ships, with Blackbeard being one of the most notorious pirates. The beach is wide & clean with white powdery sand. My family enjoyed walking the trails and spending some time reading on one of the piers. Fortunately, the answer is: plenty! There are 11 sites available right on the sandy beach. 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. Except for 33 acres on the mainland, Hammocks Beach State Park is located on Bear Island and Huggins Island. If you're bringing your kids and loved ones along, this area tops the list of best family-friendly locations in Miami. We had plans to go Monday - Tuesday but ferries only operate on Wednesdays? ARE Hammocks Beach State Park campsites SOLD OUT? From boating to picnics, this park is ready to host your family's trip. When they do, parks re-release these campsites. 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. 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. 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