ATV's are not permitted. Night driving is generally allowed from November 16 through April See current access ramps and beach closings by visiting this page and clicking on the "daily beach access map". Obey all posted signs. To acquire a permit, a prospective beach driver must watch a 10 minute video regarding beach driving rules and regulations, and pay a weekly or annual fee, depending on the beach driver's preference. Once a beach driving permit is secured, drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to the NPS rules and regulations which are posted at the entrance point of every beach ramp on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The rules are easy to follow, and include such guidelines such as maintaining or not exceeding a certain speed, keeping pets on a leash, tire pressure recommendations, or other general NPS rules.
The reward for jumping through the local hoops is access to some of the islands' best beaches, which are sparsely travelled and offer unparalleled shelling, fishing, and gorgeous oceanfront, sound, or inlet views. Starting in , parking permits are required on the Friday before Memorial Day until pm on Labor Day. Even the most seasoned local beach driver can get stuck on the sand from time to time, and with a few extra precautions and measures ahead of time, getting stuck on the beach can easily turn into a funny vacation story, instead of a frustrating vacation headache.
Before you hit the sand, make sure you have a shovel, two 2' x 4's about ' ft. While driving along the beach, if you feel yourself getting stuck in the sand, the most important thing is to not try to force your way out.
Spinning your tires will only drag you deeper down into the soft sandy ruts. Instead, hop out of the vehicle, and start digging behind or in front of your tires, depending on where your tires are lodged the deepest, and where the easiest route off the patch of sand is.
Once an uphill path is created, you can try to move the vehicle again, or you can lay down the 2' x 4's, giving your vehicle some stable ground to drive on.
Still stuck? Many new beach drivers are surprised and delighted to find how many of their beach driving neighbors are willing to help. Chances are, if there is a vehicle passing by or parked up the beach, they will probably pause and assist you in getting out of the sand. This is where the town rope comes in handy. Just be sure that the vehicle that is pulling you out is an equal size and weight or more, or else you very well might both get stuck in the process.
As a last resort, the Outer Banks is also home to a number of towing companies that are stationed throughout the beaches, and are particularly concentrated around areas that are popular with beach driving, specifically, Carova and Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Always on call, a local towing company can assist you year-round, and can have your vehicle out of the sand in no time.
Yes, getting stuck is always a risk when it comes to beach driving, but sandy drivers on the Outer Banks find the risk is most certainly worth the reward. As one of the few coastal destinations where vacationers can jump in their truck and head to the ocean, beach driving is a decades-old way of life that has been maintained and celebrated on the Outer Banks, and is as old as tourism on the OBX itself. By taking a drive along the beach, vacationers will find they can easily pack all the gear they desire, discover new and inviting locations, and basically tour huge parcels of the Outer Banks shoreline without even stepping out of their vehicle.
For a different perspective on the standard beach day, load up the truck, the family, and even the pets, and drive out onto the sand for a fantastic, uniquely Outer Banks adventure.
Chances are that after a leisurely spin along the shoreline, like generations of vacationers, you'll be simply hooked. Beach driving is allowed on multiple shorelines from Carova to Ocracoke Island. The most popular destinations for year-round beach driving is the 4WD accessible beaches north of Corolla, Hatteras Island , and Ocracoke Island.
Beach driving is not allowed year-round in the towns of Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk. They are allowed in isolated Portsmouth Island , which is located just south of Ocracoke Inlet, and which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. In remote areas like Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore , beach driving is allowed year round. Beach driving is also allowed year-round on the isolated 4WD beaches north of Corolla.
In central towns like Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills , beach driving is only allowed in the off season months, or roughly October until April. Beach driving is allowed north of the paved NC Highway 12 in the Carova area year round.
Beach driving may also be allowed south of the ramp in the northern Corolla beaches from October through April. Beach driving is allowed in Duck from October through April, however there are no public 4WD beach ramps within the town limits. Vehicles can utilize private 4WD access ramps only.
Driving on the beach is allowed in Nags Head from October 1 until April A beach driving permit is required, and can be picked up at the Town of Nags Head or Town of Kill Devil Hills town halls, or at area tackle shops. Hatteras Island has a total of 11 ORV ramps. A beach driving permit must be obtained first, and can be picked up at the local ranger stations by Oregon Inlet and in Buxton , or online at the National Park Service website.
Driving on the beach is permitted at a number of beaches on Ocracoke Island , year round. Beach drivers must obtain a beach driving permit first from the National Park Service website, or in person at the ranger station near the Ocracoke Campground. A beach driving permit is required for driving on all Outer Banks beaches, except the northern 4WD beaches of Carova.
Parking permit information for Corolla beaches can be found here. Visitors most definitely need a 4WD vehicle to drive on the Outer Banks beaches to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand. A 4WD vehicle is needed to navigate the soft sand. It is recommended that all 4WD vehicles air their tires down to psi before driving on the beach to avoid getting stuck. The majority of gas stations and convenience stores close to ORV ramps on the Outer Banks have air available for vehicles to refill their tires.
Air is often free for customers, particularly on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Make sure to have the recommended equipment before dricing on the beach. Visitors that get stuck on the beach can try removing excess sand from their tires and creating a clear path, or track , to get out of the soft sand. Wooden boards or traction mats can also come in handy, as they can provide a solid surface to drive on when trying to get out of the sand.
Skip to content Menu. Pull over to air down tires at the Corolla Village Road public access facility, located on the east side of N. Enter at main park entrance and turn right into parking lot. Air stations are located at the end of the lot near the picnic pavilion. Beach Driving Pattern Summer Change Vehicles are required to use driving lanes adjacent to the dune line between Milepost Labor Day. Driving is not permitted at the shore line within this area during this time of day and time of year.
Remember to keep the permit in the glove box of your permitted vehicle and the proof-of-permit sticker clearly visible on your windshield. Yes, getting stuck is always a risk when it comes to beach driving, but drivers on the Outer Banks find the risk is most certainly worth the reward. Even the most seasoned local beach driver can get stuck on the sand from time to time, and with a few extra precautions ahead of time, getting stuck on the beach can easily turn into a funny vacation story, instead of a frustrating vacation headache.
Off Road…On the Beach Whether you are looking for solitude and exploration on a remote section of beach, creating family memories with beach day trips, or fishing in world renowned waters, Outer Banks beach driving is a way to have a unique recreational experience on your next vacation.
Get permit information here. During other times of the year, there is no charge to park on the beach. Exceptions include county residents as well as non-resident property owners, who will be issued a free permit for each owned vehicle.
Property owners in Carova will be issued two additional permits and rental home property owners are also eligible for free two permits per house. Permits can be purchased online or at the Currituck County Visitors Center, located at the Currituck mainland and Corolla. Two types of permits are available for purchase:.
Getting towed off the beach is extremely expensive. Drive slowly and be alert for people lying, standing or walking on the beach. Proceed with due caution and consideration for other beach users. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Please be especially cautious of children and pets who may dart into traffic. Watch for fishing lines. Tire Pressure — Lower the pressure on all tires. The softer the sand the lower the pressure needed. Generally drive with lbs. When you return to paved roads, inflate the tires to normal as soon as possible.
Driving — When possible, drive on the portion of the beach located just below the high tide mark. Avoid getting too close to the water. Before driving through any water, determine the depth and firmness of the underlying surface. Drive at a slow and steady speed. Speed limited on park beaches is 15 mph, unless otherwise posted.
If the tires start to spin, back up in your tire tracks for several car lengths. Accelerate slowly as you move forward. Additional tire deflation may be necessary. When parked on the beach, leave room for two-way traffic to pass safely. Park along the shoreline in a single row of vehicles no more than one vehicle deep. It is recommended that you wash the vehicle after each outing, both sheet metal and undercarriage.
If You Get Stuck — Park Rangers may assist you, but they are not permitted to pull or tow other vehicles. Commercial towing services are available. Do not litter — Please deposit all trash in trash containers wherever available or by bagging and removing it from the beach. Please avoid littering the beach with dead bait, carcasses or other dead fish of any kind. Avoid overcrowding any one area and displacing others from their previously chosen spots.
Sand Holes — Refill holes and remove any boards or other aids after being stuck, leaving the beach passable for others. Equipment - Required Required Equipment A small shovel Tire jack and jack support Low pressure tire gauge Vechicle must be registered, licensed and insured for highway use.
0コメント