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. From mid-November to mid-March, there is no water at Bear Island, including at the bathhouse. The stand operates between 10 am and 5 pm, and closes Sept. 6. Keep your camera handy! Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Guests . Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. In general, backpacking at Hammocks Beach State Park and the outer islands is a great way to experience North Carolinas maritime beauty. Pets, Carts, Wagons, Kayaks, and Canoes not permitted on ferry vessels. They can be contacted via phone at (910) 326-4881 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. koala tree. Ferry service will resume April 7, 2023. Concession stand is available Memorial Day through Labor Day as staffing permits. Top 6 Qualities that Make a Great Vacation Rental. Do not set up camp in or around the bathhouse or on the beach. 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. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Has anyone made a fire and had an issue or made one and not had an issue? The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. Fourteen family campsites accommodate six people each. Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries, Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise, Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Wilmington by Operation City Quest, 2-Hour Wilmington Guided Tour on Electric Bikes, Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood, Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers, 1-Hour Wilmington Guided Tour on Electric Bikes. Easy hike of about 2 miles through the maritime forest on several loops and a nice way to experience the park without going to Bear Island. Restaurants near Hammocks Beach State Park: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. 1572 Hammocks Beach Road Swansboro, NC28584 910-326-4881 Website A crown jewel of the North Carolina coast and Hammocks Beach State Park is Bear Islanda 3-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island accessible by the park's passenger ferry or private ferry, or by paddling a canoe or kayak. 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. The park is located in Onslow Country, about 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville, on the southernmost tip of Onslow Bay. The calm, protected waters make it a great spot for the whole family to take a dip and cool off. Fires are not permitted at Bear Island. 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 Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Hammocks Beach State Park. Just tell us when you'd like to camp at Hammocks Beach State Park, and how long you want to camp for. Do not enter marked nesting bird areas. Campnab scans parks for cancelations. The beach was larger/longer than expected, & absolutely beautiful. People come to Hammocks Beach State Park for one thingthe beach. The campground is located out on Bear Island and is only accessible by ferry or boat (kayak, canoe, and paddle board). If you have multiple properties with different mailing addresses, you can create a new property for each here. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. 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. The ferry also offers a regular schedule of nature cruises, showcasing some of the most diverse ecosystems in the region. Bear Islands only permanent fixture is a small picnic area and concessions stand (with bathrooms see Know before you go, below). We'll text you when a suitable spot opens up! 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. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamps most important value: leave it better.. Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. You will receive a full refund for cancellations due to park closures. From daily beachgoers to tourists, the park continues to be a popular spot of recreation for locals and visitors alike. Cash only. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at [email protected] for assistance. Instead, youll find peaceful solitude under the sun. This time is considered sea turtle nesting season. The park is home to 84 protected species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe and the American crocodile. Those of you interested in a leisurely boat ride can get tickets for the Lady Swan Boat Tour. All had a great time. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! The trails are very new, so they're not on the printed map and don't yet have names. Before you go, review the Bear Island ferry schedule (the schedule may be published as a link to a PDF). Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach may not be for everyone, but the island is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky. Located near Swansboro, North Carolina, Hammocks Beach State Park is a pristine park that offers wonderful natural scenery and access to a whole host of recreational activities. Bear Island is an undeveloped barrier island a the southern end of the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. 910-278-5644 ext 500. 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. But there are maps at intersections and the trails are well blazed. 2. Kayaking Hammocks Beach State Park: Kayaking to Bear Island NC Among the most popular weekend adventures near Swansboro, NC, is kayaking from Hammocks Beach State Park to Bear Island or Huggins Island for a picnic or a night of primitive camping. Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. 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 is an amazing place to go for a hike, and you can easily mix and match some aquatic fun with some trailside adventure. Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging Find First Available Date Facility Details Business rules for Holiday Weekends Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times. Hammocks Beach State Park 4.5 243 #1 of 5 things to do in Swansboro State Parks Beaches Visit website Call Email Write a review About Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach. 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. . Located at the foot of Bear Island - one of the major attractions of the State Parks for kayakers and canoeists from across the state - Hammocks Beach State Park offers four miles of unspoiled shoreline accessible by ferry or private vehicle. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. The biodiversity of the newly acquired Huggins Island is well-documented. Must have prior to arriving at the park. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. 6 FUN THINGS TO TRY OUT IN THE GREAT STATE OF TENNESSEE. There are no fees required to access Hammocks Beach State Park for day use, except for boat launches and ferry passes. No refunds are issued for "no-shows," early departures, or cancellations made after the arrival date. From boating to picnics, this park is ready to host your family's trip. As always, anglers should pay close attention to local regulations when fishing in any of the parks waters! How strict is the park about campfires? 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. You'll find Hammocks Beach State Park nestled into the Topsail area, with local attractions like the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Later, pirates and Spanish privateers frequented the area and attacked merchant ships, with Blackbeard being one of the most notorious pirates. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Black History at North Carolina State Parks, Group Campsite Registration Form (Fillable PDF), cannot be reached by hiking; paddle-in or private boat only, Group primitive tent camping, up to 26 people, Group primitive tent camping, up to 16 people. Prices subject to change without notice. No facilities in the winter. Located in Onslow County 19 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Hammocks Beach State Park comprises a mainland area and three barrier islands, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. 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