Alerts and Important Information
Site
CAMPSITE INFORMATION:
All campsites located on Bear Island with no vehicle access
Access to Bear Island by Seasonal Ferry Service, Kayak, Canoe, Private Boat, Private Water Taxi.
Campers are responsible for transportation to Bear Island. Additional fees for transportation may apply.
Campers are required to walk/hike a 1/2 mile to 1 1/4 miles to reach campsite with all camping gear and supplies.
CHECK-IN, CHECK OUT and OFFICE HOURS:
Check in required at mainland visitor center during visitor center hours.
Early check-in permitted on day of arrival at visitor center to allow for travel to Bear Island. Occupation of campsite not allowed until after check in time.
No late arrivals.
Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date.
Park Gate Hours:
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Year Round
8:00 am till 7:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day
Visitor Center Hours:
8:00 am till 5:00 pm Year Round
8:00 am till 6:00 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day
FERRY:
Ferry tickets purchased at mainland visitor center for $3 to $5 per person. Prices subject to change without notice.
Ferry Schedule:
Memorial Day through Labor Day - Daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm;
May and September - Wednesday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
April and October - Friday through Sunday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
No Ferry Service November through March.
Pets, Carts, Wagons, Kayaks, and Canoes not permitted on ferry vessels.
FIRES:
Open fires of any kind are not allowed on Bear Island nor anywhere in the park
PETS:
Pets are NOT permitted on the ferry.
Pets are permitted in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
BATHOUSE:
Open Mid March through Mid November.
Indoor showers available after 6:00 pm and before 9:00 am daily.
Restroom facilities and outdoor showers available 24 hours per day.
Bathhouse CLOSED with facilities and all water winterized Mid November through Mid March.
WEATHER:
Local weather information available at visitors center when checking in.
Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
No camping allowed on beach front. All campers must occupy campsite.
No flashlights or white lights permitted on the beach front mid May through mid September, use a red lens, or cover flashlights with something red. This time is considered sea turtle nesting season.
Ferry vessels do not operate during periods of high winds or lightening storms. Campers are advised to seek shelter in tents or the bathhouse.
Concession stand is available Memorial Day through Labor Day as staffing permits. Sells drinks and snacks only, no hot foods, no ice. Cash only.
Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 am through 5:00 pm daily as staffing allows.
VEHICLE PARKING:
All vehicle parking is at mainland visitor center parking lot.
A description of your vehicle including license plate number will be required to issue a parking pass.
Vehicles without a pass at closing may be towed.
FISHING:
Recreational fishing license required to fish. Must have prior to arriving at the park. 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.
Legend
A : Available for online reservation (click to book arrival date)
C : Available for
Call Center reservationW : Available for Walk-up visitors (at facility, first-come-first-served)
R : Reserved
X : Not Available
** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
