how to get to hammocks beach state park

1572 Hammocks Beach Road 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584 PHONE: 910-326-4881 WEBSITE Dont forget a stop at the Park Office visitor center to pick up some information and get oriented. Along the way, youll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Hammocks Beach State Park is unique among state parks in that most of its activities are on the water. In the spring and fall, it runs less frequently, and does not run during the winter. Early in the 20th century, Dr. William Sharpe, a neurosurgeon of New York, came to Bear Island to hunt. Escape the crowds for a few hours, or camp on the beach and escape for a few days. Bear Island Water Trail | Outdoor Project Hammocks Beach State Park, NC September 20011.2 Introduction to Hammocks Beach State Park Bear Island is three and one-half miles long and less than a mile wide, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and by salt marshes, estuarine creeks and the In-tracoastal Waterway to the north. So beautiful and isolated from everything else! There are outlets at the bathhouse to recharge your stuff. While vacationing on Bear Island, a 4-mile-long shoreline around Swansboro, North Carolina, south of Emerald Isle, north of North Topsail, hammocks lie on its east side. Swansboro, NC 28584, An official website of the State of North Carolina, Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Schedule, $10for adult passengers (13 years old to 61 years old), $5for child passengers (3 years old to 12 years old), $5for all seniors 62 years old and older, Free for children 2 years old and younger. Hammocks Beach State Park | Swansboro NC - Facebook Charlotte to Hammocks Beach State Park - 3 ways to travel - Rome2rio 2 swimsuits and a light longsleeve (chilly nights) with shorts + your gear and food is plenty. The lower numbers (1, 2) are closer than the higher numbers (10, 11), so keep that in mind. Pinnacle Peak Park features a moderate out-and-back trail with a total distance of 3.5 miles through 150-acres of pristine Sonoran Desert environment. Kayaking, hiking, and swimming are just a few of the popular pastimes. 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. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. The Park office was updated about 11 years ago and is very modern. 67% 6 Reviews. Bear Island and Huggins Island also have a long military history. State Government websites value user privacy. Camping in Arizona | Arizona State Parks 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! Located in Onslow County, Hammocks Beach State Park consists of three areas: approximately 33 acres located on the mainland at Swansboro; the barrier island Bear Island; and Huggins Island. Escape the crowds for a few hours, or camp on the beach and escape for a few days. The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act made the park open to all people. The number of routes one can take to kayak to Hammocks Beach State Park are endless. There is a marked water trail around a calm cove on a tidal creek on a beach. Best Hikes and Trails in Hammocks Beach State Park | AllTrails Visitor's center very special too! 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 number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From the North Carolina State Parks Collection, NC Digital Collections. Approximately two kilometers are the trail. Hammocks Beach State Park includes five paddle trails covering more than eight miles. 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. Travel within United States is: Unrestricted . It is hard to find a stretch of sand without lots of development. Fees. Of its 1,500-acres, only 33 are on the mainland. Hammocks Beach State Park - visitswansboro.org Campsites 12 to 14 are accessible by private boat or paddling only and, Hammocks Beach State Park is located in North Carolina. Raleigh, NC 27699-1615, An official website of the State of North Carolina, Black History at North Carolina State Parks, List of park phone numbers and email addresses. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Pogies Charters and Rentals is one option to get you around the islands privately. The island consists of 115 acres of upland area surrounded by 96 acres of lowland marsh. Bear Islands seclusion and minimalist amenities are what make this place a hidden gem. Pack light. Additionally, the Friends of Hammock and Bear Island (FHBI) runs Marsh Cruises from September to November each year. How Long Does It Take To Kayak To Bear Island? Once to Bear Island, our guide let us explore on our own for about an hour before we headed back to Hammocks Beach SP. Phone +1 480-312-0990. 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. 910-278-5644 ext 500. We chose campsite #11 for privacy, but honestly, the beach itself was pretty secluded with not a lot of visitors during the day. Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach. of Natural and Cultural Resources. Along the trail, you'll seemany differentbird species and fauna. From biking and walking trails to swimming, kayaking, and more, theres something for everyone at Hammocks Beach State Park. This is a lovely state park, accessible by the $5 ferry or by private boat or kayak/canoe. The park was later integrated with passage of the federal Civil Rights Act in 1964. There is a small ferry that takes you over or you can canoe or kayak. Topsail Island 5 Amazing Summer Events On Pleasure Island. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. So glad we had the chance to visit! In general, backpacking at Hammocks Beach State Park and the outer islands is a great way to experience North Carolinas maritime beauty. We both had LTE service on our cells (Verizon and AT&T) throughout the island, including the campsite. Online options include $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Campsites are open year round. Top 5 Family Activities on Carolina Beach! Website Design by InterCoastal Net Designs. The beach was beautifu and not crowded at all. Approximately 15 minutes. Camping is available on Bear Island through Hammocks Beach State Park. Hammocks Beach State Park is an amazing place to go for a hike, and you can easily mix and match some aquatic fun with some trailside adventure. 1950s. This is a don't miss place for beach fun. 13,011 were here. you are at risk of rip currents and strong currents any time. Although the beach is flat, walking on sand can be tough. We knew there was a half mile walk to get there, but it was well worth it. The park is located in Onslow Country, about 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville, on the southernmost tip of Onslow Bay. The crystal clear water is filled with marine life, and the suns warmth is hard to beat. Please note that ferry prices are subject to change without notice. I have a house in nearby Swansboro and when time allows take a trip across to Bear Island (part of Hammocks Beach State Park). Explore different ways to experience this place. This is a hidden treasure - only accessible by ferry at limited times of the year. We took a private ferry (Pogies in Swansboro 5/5 stars) so we could bring what we wanted. Visit Website All of this made for a fun and exciting experience. Print the map and directions for the route to get to Hammocks Beach State Park, NC. 121 W. Jones St. 1572 Hammocks Beach RdSwansboro, NC 28584. See the park's website for ferry schedule. With its access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Hammocks Beach State Park has a few good kayak launch spots for boaters to set out on a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or small motorized private boat. Join us at Hammocks Beach State Park for a guided tour of the marsh on a kayak. There are plenty of great photo opportunities with very nice displays and good views of the ocean especially if you head out along the nature trail loop. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Nature Research Center, 2nd floor In the late summer, if you're very lucky, you might just see some hatchlings making their way to the sea.Primitive camping is available at Bear Island and is a great way to fall asleep on the sand to soothing sound of crashing waves. From the ferry dock, it's 0.5 miles to the beach and another 0.25 to 1.5 miles down the beach to the campsites. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Explore! 15 Jul July 15, 2023 . Large dunes and sand ridges dominate the landscape. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. https://www.ncparks.gov/newsroom/media-releases/acquisition-completed-ex https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p16062coll27/id/143, NC Division of Parks and Recreation, NC Dept. Raleigh, NC 27601, 1615 Mail Service Center Explore the maritime swamp forest of Huggins Island to the east or the salt marshes, wild dunes, and unspoiled beaches of Bear Island to the south. Roundtrip tickets for the ferry is: We accept Discover, Visa, and MasterCard debit or credit cards, with proper identification, for the amount of purchase only. beachhouse@carolinaretreats.com The walk from the ferry to the bathhouse was about 0.4 miles. Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It takes approximately an hour to drive from Topsail Island or two hours from Pleasure Island to reach the park. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Efforts to provide access to the Bear Island beaches proved unsuccessful with prohibitive costs for building a bridge. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Is there just Bear Island Beach area at this state park or another Beach area as well? Join us at Hammocks Beach State Park for an evening exploration of Bear Island for registered campers. Fourteen family campsites accommodate up to six people and two tents each. Due to its location, Bear Island has often played a role in the protection of the mainland. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Hammocks Beach State Park is Track, Blue, and Red Trails Loop, which has a 4.5 star rating from 260 reviews. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Hammocks Beach State Park is the perfect destination for a memorable outdoor picnic! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Hammocks Beach State Park - BringFido Apart from the spectacular nature the area offers, it is also rich in history. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Primitive Group Camping Thu Jul 13 2023 - Fri Jan 12 2024 Reservations must be made 1 Day (s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 Month (s) in advance. adventures and follow local regulations. Hammocks Beach State Park | NC State Parks - North Carolina State Parks Visiting this restored fort and the museum makes for a great day and family visit. Four mile long island and we were only visitors. PARK MAP PARK WEBSITE. Barrier Island Beach Hike Join us at Hammocks Beach State Park for a guided hike on the pristine beach of Bear Island. 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. During World War II, the Coast Guard used Bear Island to monitor German U-boat activity. Don't expect an amusement park atmosphere, this is pure sand, beach, water and sun. Unaware where deepest part of channel was. Hammocks Beach State Park is home to land and water attractions. With trails to hike inland and an educational visitor's center with interactive children's exhibits like a digital microscope, you can enjoy the park while on land. The most well-known park, Lake Havasu State Park, boasts a white-sand beach, five boat ramps, and plenty of electric hook-up sites for your tent or RV, including beach-front sites. I've been visiting this island retreat (Bear Island fronts on the Atlantic Ocean with Bogue Sound on its western side) for over 25 years and never tire of going to it. Outside of the swimming area, dogs are allowed in the water but must remain on their leash at all times. Reserve campsites through the state park and check in at the visitor center on the mainland. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Once you arrive, youll be treated to one of the most beautiful beach areas in North Carolina. We recommend booking Hammocks Beach State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The center is open from 8 am 5 pm, and the gate is open from 8 am 6 pm. Gift cards can be purchased at the main office . New York physician John Sharpe purchased the Bear Island land as a vacation refuge in 1914 and donated it to the states black educator organization, the North Carolina Teachers Association (NCTA), in 1950. Hammocks Beach State Park. His love of the island prompted him to acquire it for his retirement. 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). that shouldn't affect you much. What a gorgeous spot, incredibly tranquil and the picnic spots were wonderful. Launch from the Hammocks Beach kayak launch at low tide. To protect themselves, the colonists built forts, one of which was near Bear Inlet in 1749, but it has since disappeared. Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 6 Month(s) in advance. You will need to hire a private boat service to take you over. Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds. You have no ticket for return, but there is only the one ferry service. 14 Jul July 14, 2023 Swansboro, NC. Displaying 1 - 12 of 12. 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. All had a great time. Best Experiences At Hammocks Beach State Park | TravelAwaits Once on the island, it is a good walk to the campsites, so keep this in mind and don't overpack. Its commanding view of Bogue Inlet and the town of Swansboro was an obvious strategic value. https://archive.org/details/hammocksbeachsta97unse/page/n1/mode/2up?view https://www.ncparks.gov/hammocks-beach-state-park/home. Explore. 128 128 Bear Island - ferry and beach Review of Hammocks Beach State Park Reviewed January 7, 2013 This is a hidden treasure - only accessible by ferry at limited times of the year. With so much nature and history all around and miles of sandy beachfront to enjoy, Hammocks Beach State Park is one of the few places that remains untouched by development and is ready to be explored. The shower at the bathhouse has hot water if you give it some time. From April 11 through 12, 2022, ferry service will resume for Bear Island. Fires are not permitted, and campers must remove all trash. Hammocks Beach State Park: A Visitor's Guide - Carolina Retreats 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Skip the sleeping bags and clothes. During the Civil War, Confederate troops on the island defended it against Union forces occupying Bogue Banks. The loggerhead sea turtle is found on the island. This state park is located just off the mainland and is accessible by land or by water. If you are staying at a vacation rental around Topsail Island or Pleasure Island, taking a day trip to Hammocks Beach State Park is easy and fun. I booked on the website 3 weeks out, & everything went smoothly. Customize the way to calculate the road route by changing the travel options. Cape Lookout is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Gloucester, North Carolina. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. For general information, please call 919-707-9300 or email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov. Campsites 1 to 11 are accessible via ferry, private boat or paddling only. Association members contributed more than $146,000 to build cabins, a bathhouse, and other recreational amenities. During the Civil War, Confederate troops on the island defended it against Union forces occupying Bogue Banks. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. 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Hammocks Beach State Park: Home | NC State Parks The beach is also a nesting place for loggerhead sea turtles. Getting to Hammocks Beach State Park from Topsail and Pleasure Island is an easy and enjoyable cruise along the road to Swansboro. Variety of routes can accommodates beginner and intermediate kayakers. The ferry also offers a regular schedule of nature cruises, showcasing some of the most diverse ecosystems in the region. We experience rain, sunshine and lots of wind. Official MapQuest - Maps, Driving Directions, Live Traffic how long does it take to kayak to bear island? This park has 61 campsites, including boat-in campsites, for you to . Let high tide take you home. Night Sky Over Bear Island. Park home page /state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-park Contacts Visitor Center (910) 326-4881 hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov Address Hammocks Beach State Park 1572 Hammocks Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584 United States 100% 17 Reviews. Kayaking routes can vary but on average expect about 5-7 miles for a roundtrip lasting around 5 hours. Would camp there again. During Hammocks Beach State Parks ferry ride over to Bear Island, you can go via Hammocks Beach Harbor. 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. Goose Creek State Park. I felt so at peace there, I applied to be a park ranger here just so I could be here more and protect this hidden gem which has come to mean so much to me. The route was difficult for me, the tide was coming in plus a strong wind, it took us about an hour to get to the island. During the summer months, the ferry runs on the hour and half-hour to and from the island. Wed Jul 12 2023 - Fri Jan 12 2024 Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 6 Month (s) in advance. Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise, Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach, E-Bike Beach Bum Tour Downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach, Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries, Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Wilmington by Operation City Quest, One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. So if you're looking for a great beach day without tripping over crowds of other people, Bear Island is the destination of choice. Water and other facilities are available on the island, except from mid-November through mid-March when the facilities are winterized. Carolina Beach State Park. North Carolina to Hammocks Beach State Park - Rome2rio There is a concession stand open in the summer that sells chips, soda, and ice cream if you like that sort of thing. PDF Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Schedule - NC Everything must be paddled in. Hammocks Beach: About the Park | NC State Parks The total walk from the ferry drop off to campsite 11 was approximately 1.4 miles. The beach lies along the southern end of the island and stretches for about 3.5 miles. Depending on the current, wind, and tide, it can take up to 31 minutes or one and a half hours to get to the island (in a high-powered inflatable kayak). Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. The intercoastal waterway provides a scenic boat trip as an alternative route, so be sure to check out local charter services for your trip. Seawater has not washed over the island in recent years. Despite its islands size (about 4 miles), this small beach in Hammocks State Park is one of its most sought after islands, requiring you to travel by boat however, it still can be enjoyed. North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. Read our, Ways to Experience Hammocks Beach State Park. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. The cheapest way to get from Virginia Beach to Hammocks Beach State Park costs only $44, and the quickest way takes just 7 hours. Visiting the park can be an unforgettable experience for all who explore its many offerings. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. I have a house in nearby Swansboro and when time allows take a trip across to Bear Island (part of Hammocks Beach State Park). Hourly ferry service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, Hourly ferry service on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, Hourly ferry service on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Ferry service every 30 minutes on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Cape Lookout National Seashore. The park also offers several boat launches and kayak rentals so you can fish on the water along the paddle trails. On Monday through Memorial Day, only the concession stands are open and lifeguards will keep the beach open. There are 7 ways to get from Atlanta to Hammocks Beach State Park by plane, bus or train. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the park office or they are subject to towing. The only place that I can think of that was comparable for white sands was in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. We took a day trip to this island and had a great time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. John Hurst and his wife, a teacher. After the last ferry leaves, and it's just the campers, it's almost desolate. The beach lies along the southern end of the island and stretches for about 3.5 miles. We chose campsite #11, the furthest away from the bathhouse. How to get to Hammocks Beach State Park Onslow, North Carolina - RoadOnMap Join us at Hammocks Beach State Park for a program about some slithering species! Is The Hammocks Beach Ferry Running? Event Type: Event Terms: 13 Jul July 13, 2023 Swansboro, NC. I think weekends had slightly different times. We knew there was a half mile walk to get there, but it was well worth it. Later, pirates and Spanish privateers frequented the area and attacked merchant ships, with Blackbeard being one of the most notorious pirates. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. In the late summer, if you're very lucky, you might just see some hatchlings making their way to the sea. Durham to Hammocks Beach State Park - Rome2rio Reed Kastner/Getty Images. The ferry only runs during the day between 9ish-6pm. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! About the Park Natural Resource Inventory Checklists Get a list of plants and animals that have been found in the park Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles Fish Plants More checklists on the NRID Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all. All campers will also need to pay for one set of roundtrip tickets to use the ferry. From daily beachgoers to tourists, the park continues to be a popular spot of recreation for locals and visitors alike. Later on, Dr. William Sharpe of New York acquired Bear Island in the early 20th century. Hammocks Beach State Park | VisitNC.com - Visit North Carolina You can find the ferry docks on the eastern edge or campsites on the islands mainland only about five miles from the mainland. Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet at Bear Island. By canoe, kayak or ferry, it is possible to walk or canoe the 4-mile-long Bear Island off Hammocks Beach State Park, which is a crown jewel of the park. Stroll. Bear Island has often played a role in the protection of the mainland. Flanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near New Bern, North Carolina. Fourth of July Festivities on the North Carolina Coast!
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