Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Youll be greeted by marshlands, maritime swamp forests, tree-lined hiking trails, and of course, windswept beaches lined with pillowy dunes. They fought against colonists in the Tuscarora wars. Canoeing Facilities Hot showers Restroom Nearby Attractions Search nearby Save to calendar Campers must carry all equipment to and from the campsites without assistance from park staff. Hammocks Beach State Park is a treasure trove of fish, with the estuarine waters home to a wide variety of species. Address: Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 State Rd 1511, Swansboro, NC 28584, USA North Carolina In Your Inbox Holiday Trav-L-Park . We apologize for the missing information on some of our website pages. 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. Check in required at mainland visitor center during visitor center hours. 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584 PHONE: 910-326-4881 WEBSITE The park's crown jewel, Bear Island, is one of Travel + Leisure's Top Ten NC Beaches, and just a passenger ferry ride or private boat ride away. 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. Your family will gain a better appreciation for the fragile yet robust ecology of the North Carolina coastline. Campers must register at the visitor center on the mainland before going to Bear Island. To protect themselves, the colonists built forts, one of which was near Bear Inlet in 1749, but it has since disappeared. Check the weather at Hammocks Beach State Park. In the spring and fall, it runs less frequently, and does not run during the winter. be aware also it may be a bit of a walk so a rolling cooler is a great idea. However, if you are adventuresome you could always kayak out on a Monday or Tuesday! Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one . In the event of a closure for a campsite, campground, or the entire park, you will be contacted automatically by ReserveAmerica to cancel or change your reservation. Bring breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hammocks Beach State ParkSwansboro, North Carolina Overview We travel to North Carolina and visit the crown jewel of the North Carolina Coast. Visitors can also take self-guided tours of the old campground and the ruins of an old hotel dating back to the early 1900s. Campers are responsible for transportation to Bear Island. Hammocks Beach recently opened several nature trails on the mainland section of the park. 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. The beach was beautifu and not crowded at all. As always, anglers should pay close attention to local regulations when fishing in any of the parks waters! This time is considered sea turtle nesting season. Description. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. From biking and walking trails to swimming, kayaking, and more, theres something for everyone at Hammocks Beach State Park. Primitive campsites are located near the beach and the inlet. When you say get there early to buy tickets but the first boat doesn't leave until 9:30, how early do you mean? From September to May, open daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. From June to August, open daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Top:Marsh at Hammocks Beach State Park, Visit NC, Gallery:Paddlefest, M. Kane | Great egret, S. McElhone | Dolphins seen from the park ferry, S. Bland | Beach camping at Bear Island, C. Peek | Marsh reflection, R. Evans, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road The calm, protected waters make it a great spot for the whole family to take a dip and cool off. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. At first glance, Hammocks Beach State Park doesn't look like much. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. If you have multiple properties with different mailing addresses, you can create a new property for each here. Can you purchase ferry tickets in advance? Light and simple is the way to travel, as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. 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 biodiversity of the newly acquired Huggins Island is well-documented. I have a house in nearby Swansboro and when time allows take a trip across to Bear Island (part of Hammocks Beach State Park). Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island. Top 6 Qualities that Make a Great Vacation Rental. Official website (910) 326-4881 Park hours: Mon to Sun: 8:00am - 7:00pm Camping types: Reservable campsites. Camping near Hammocks Beach State Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. You cannot cancel a one-night reservation on the same day. Best beach in NC! The nature is everywhere, its so quiet, and there is NOTHING else like waking up to the sound of the ocean less than 100ish feet away. The group campsites have only one picnic table and are very primitive. There will be no exiting or entering the gates at the mainland after the posted closing time. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. People come to Hammocks Beach State Park for one thingthe beach. 160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842, Phone: 603-926-8990 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, Boise, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville, Steamboat Springs, NH, East Coast, DE, GA, Little Rock 9. Super Versatile Inflatable hammock is durable and waterproof, easy to clean, can be used on grass, sand, rocks and other surfaces, suitable for indoor, park, beach, pool party, barbecue, hiking, travel, concert, picnic, camping and other activities. And youll notice where people have camped in the past. 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 The ferry runs from March through October (check the website for the schedule). Tourists who prefer to avoid the loud crowds, as witnessed in places like South Beach, will come to Matheson Hammock Park.. 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. Three group campsites, available to affiliated groups only, accommodate up to 12 persons each. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. Early check-in permitted on day of arrival at visitor center to allow for travel to Bear Island. Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. The park is also home to various wildlife and vegetation, so nature lovers can explore the area to their hearts content. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. So the nature trails were great to take Alex for a hike. Both the island and mainland areas have plenty of opportunities for primitive and group camping. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all. You take a deep, relaxing breath. Do not set up camp in or around the bathhouse or on the beach. The wide-open sandy beaches here might just be the best on the whole east coast. NC State Parks Weekend. Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. From daily beachgoers to tourists, the park continues to be a popular spot of recreation for locals and visitors alike. Small campfires are permitted. All North Carolina state park campgrounds are designated for recreation only. Those of you interested in a leisurely boat ride can get tickets for the Lady Swan Boat Tour. The trails are very new, so they're not on the printed map and don't yet have names. 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. Camping is available on Bear Island through Hammocks Beach State Park. The fees will be deducted from your refund. Wayfair. All had a great time. No facilities in the winter. Hammocks Beach State Park is currently accepting applications for all temporary and seasonal positions. The large parking lot and visitor center looks like it is set up for nothing more than a grassy field and some trees near a residential area. 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 If youre into surf fishing, youll marvel at the hungry redfish that flood the waterways off Bear Island every fall. Water and a bathhouse with hot showers is located at Bear Island, but is available from only mid-March through mid-November. Camp within 15 to 20 feet of the interior campsite maker. The beach was larger/longer than expected, & absolutely beautiful. Fourteen family campsites accommodate six people each. Otherwise, the site will be marked as a no-show and will be made available to other campers. With the purchase of initial ferry tickets and multiple nights of camping, campers are permitted one free round-trip ferry ride per day per person. Phone: 850-267-8300. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Visitors can swim in the calm ocean waves or venture further up the estuary creeks filled with exciting wildlife. The bath house has drinking water, cold-water showers, and a concession stand selling light snacks and soft drinks. yes that's plenty of time ..They go to Bear Island .On island there is camping places where you can stay the night in your tent but there is no stores or anything like that it's empty island. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Can you camp right on the beach? Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Lifeguards are on duty Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as staff is available. ARE Hammocks Beach State Park campsites SOLD OUT? Grills are permitted. For more information on the positions and how to apply, please visit our Jobs page. From boating to picnics, this park is ready to host your family's trip. 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. Four mile long island and we were only visitors. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Snuggle up like a koala in this cute hammock from Coalatree. I think weekends had slightly different times. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! Light and simple is the way to travel as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowdedthe list of things to do. Can Dogs Go On The Beach In Emerald Isle Nc? A few years ago there was a great beach house which was destroyed by hurricanes. 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. But if you arent a paddler, what is there to do at Hammocks Beach and Bear Island? I would certainly suggest you do just that - short answer YES. Ferry vessels do not operate during periods of high winds or lightening storms. Filters. Ferry tickets purchased at mainland visitor center for $4 to $6 per person. The calm, crystal-clear water of Hammocks Beach allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful and serene day out on the water on rented gear or a private boat. The association tried, unsuccessfully, to develop the island, so they donated it in 1961 to the state of North Carolina to turn it into a park. Last-minute getaway? About Hammocks Beach State Park Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammock Beach Road Swansboro, NC 28584. Of its 1,500-acres, only 33 are on the mainland. We review cost. 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. Hotels near Riverfront Park, Swansboro, NC, Hotels near New Hanover County Airport (ILM), Hotels near Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), Motels near Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), Motels near New Hanover County Airport (ILM), Things to do near Hammocks Beach State Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Swansboro, Buzios Tour from Rio with Boat Ride and Lunch, Bali Snorkeling Tour at Blue Lagoon Beach: Private Transfer All-Inclusive, Bali Beach Hopping - Uluwatu Sunset Tours, Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro Near Camp Lejeune, View all hotels near Hammocks Beach State Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hammocks Beach State Park on Tripadvisor. 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