Keep your camera handy! 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. Once you get to Hammocks Beach State park, youll find plenty of activities for the whole family. Look just a little farther out at the ocean, however, and you are looking at Hammocks Beach State Park. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. more. Theres plenty of room to spread out on the beach at Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, near Jacksonville, NC. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. We had plans to go Monday - Tuesday but ferries only operate on Wednesdays? For hammocking, find a set of palm trees or post up near the picturesque live oaks that provide not just a great photo op but vital shade for the hiking and . Check in required at mainland visitor center during visitor center hours. Camping at Hammocks Beach The park offers year-round camping for those more adventurous souls on 14 family campsites and three group campsites, all of which are located on Bear Island's coastline near the ferry dock. The beach was beautifu and not crowded at all. Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet. Hammocks Beach State Park is a located in Swansboro, North Carolina. It takes approximately an hour to drive from Topsail Island or two hours from Pleasure Island to reach the park. Can Dogs Go On The Beach In Emerald Isle Nc? 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). You will need to hire a private boat service to take you over. Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. Does camping on a remote sandy beach sound appealing? His love of the island prompted him to acquire it for his retirement. Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date. Prices subject to change without notice. Hammocks Beach State Park Where: 1572 Hammocks Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584 Phone: (910) 326-4881 Email: hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-park Hours: September to May: daily, 8am to 5pm June to August: daily, 8am to 6pm Closed Christmas Day Business Description You can cancel reservations online by logging into your account onReserveAmerica. You can also recline under the sun and work on your tan with the rotisserie technique. Round trip rides cost $6 and under in 2020. Yes the schedule changes in September so you can't get there via the ferry on Monday and Tuesdays. The Park occupies 630 acres, which is more than enough space for you all to explore during . Is there just Bear Island Beach area at this state park or another Beach area as well? Along the far-reaching stretch of Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach State Park sits nestled among oceanfront maritime forest. All Fees this park. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please. The short hike from the ferry to the beach is not too arduous - rewarding the hiker with the most incredible pristine beach imaginable. 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. Hammocks Beach State Park. The park also offers several boat launches and kayak rentals so you can fish on the water along the paddle trails. Then camping at Hammocks Beach State Park might be for you. What hotels are near Hammocks Beach State Park? Site A accommodates up to 26 people (14 tents), and site B and C can accommodate up to 16 people (10 tents). All vehicle parking is at mainland visitor center parking lot. From Pleasure Island simply take Highway 17 past Carolina State Beach Park and across the new high-rise bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. This gorgeous state park comprises several barrier islands (Bear Island, Huggins Island, Dudley Island, and Jones Island) off the coast of Swansboro, North Carolina, each with its own diverse ecosystem. 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). 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I have a house in nearby Swansboro and when time allows take a trip across to Bear Island (part of Hammocks Beach State Park). We are not familiar with any of the beaches in the area. 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 Campers will be considered a no show and charged 1 night camping regardless of occupying site if last ferry missed and camper unable to make alternate arrangements to Bear Island. 2019 Carolina Retreats. From daily beachgoers to tourists, the park continues to be a popular spot of recreation for locals and visitors alike. Best beach in NC! 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. ARE Hammocks Beach State Park campsites SOLD OUT? Once you arrive, youll be treated to one of the most beautiful beach areas in North Carolina. Early check-in permitted on day of arrival at visitor center to allow for travel to Bear Island. 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. The ferries doe operation on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Visiting the park can be an unforgettable experience for all who explore its many offerings. From wooden bridges to sandy paths, you can take your pick of different trails to explore. Note: The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. Campnab scans parks for cancelations. In this article youll learn how to get to Bear Island (spoiler alert: there is a ferry), so you can enjoy the beach, camping on Bear Island and Huggins Island, and area fishing and hiking activities. A local naturalist will guide passengers on a two-hour interpretive tour through Bear Island, Huggins Island, and Swansboro. Hammocks Beach State Park is a treasure trove of fish, with the estuarine waters home to a wide variety of species. If youre into surf fishing, youll marvel at the hungry redfish that flood the waterways off Bear Island every fall. Hours 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year Fees $6 per vehicle See all fees Location 5931 Hammock Road Sebring FL 33872 Get directions Contact Info 863-386-6094 Park Menu Hours & Fees Experiences & Amenities Events Make a Reservation Download Park Map Welcome to Highlands Hammock State Park There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized. Bear Island is an 892-acre barrier island. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Park Ecology. Campers must register in the park office on the mainland before going to Bear Island. 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. All campsites located on Bear Island with no vehicle access, (*Rate may vary across dates; displayed rates do not reflect discounts, fees or taxes). 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. Paddleboard in the Bay. You take a deep, relaxing breath. Bring your kids to the visitor center to engage in interpretive programs and see a wealth of exhibits about the land, waters and history. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 am through 5:00 pm daily as staffing allows. This is an especially interesting destination for history buffs. 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. All Rights Reserved. Ferry service will resume April 7, 2023. Lifeguards are on duty Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as staff is available. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Look for a hammock at least 8.5 feet long and between 4 and 5 feet wide for a single, or greater than 6 feet wide for a double. Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. Please see www.ncfisheries.net or call the Division of Marine Fisheries at 252.726.7021 or 800.682.2632 for information on how and where to obtain a license. Filters. The beach is wide & clean with white powdery sand. So if you're looking for a great beach day without tripping over crowds of other people, Bear Island is the destination of choice. 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584. 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. Vehicles without a pass at closing may be towed. Hammocks Beach State Park is located near Swansboro in Onslow County. 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 are some of the top things to do on a day trip to Hammocks Beach State Park. If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Can you camp right on the beach? Tons of big shells and sand dollars. Hammocks Beach State ParkSwansboro, North Carolina Overview We travel to North Carolina and visit the crown jewel of the North Carolina Coast. Once you get there, you might not want to leave. Has anyone made a fire and had an issue or made one and not had an issue? 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. Your tour guide will explain how the unspoiled beauty of Hammocks Beach State Park, Bear Island, Huggins Island, Jones Island and Swansboro came to be. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. No refunds are issued for "no-shows," early departures, or cancellations made after the arrival date. The sunrise turns the sky from peach to yellow as you stretch your paddle overhead. Native Americans living in the coastal region of North Carolina historically used the waterways to travel by dugout canoes. Campers are required to walk/hike a 1/2 mile to 1 1/4 miles to reach campsite with all camping gear and supplies. From mid-November to mid-March, there is no water at Bear Island, including at the bathhouse. A rope and clip are also included. Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach. 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. Please bring propane or backpack camp stoves with you to Bear Island. One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. 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. 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. NC State Parks Weekend. The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City. Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine) A popular beach campground just south of historic St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park spans 1,600 acres and has tons of activities on- and off-shore. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The bath house has drinking water, cold-water showers, and a concession stand selling light snacks and soft drinks. Youll be greeted by marshlands, maritime swamp forests, tree-lined hiking trails, and of course, windswept beaches lined with pillowy dunes. Same-day cancellations will incur an additional charge of one night's camping. Try Cornwall, Norfolk, France. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one . Fires are not permitted at Bear Island. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. 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. 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