Hammocks Beach State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NC

Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park, located on the southern coast of North Carolina, offers visitors the chance to explore undisturbed maritime forests and pristine beaches accessible primarily by boat.

State Park1,6112+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,611
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park, located on the southern coast of North Carolina, offers visitors the chance to explore undisturbed maritime forests and pristine beaches accessible primarily by boat.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hammocks Beach State Park is a coastal gem situated in North Carolina, famous for its serene shores and intriguing ecosystems. Primarily accessible by boat, the park's main feature is Bear Island, an unspoiled barrier island boasting a four-mile-long beach. The park encompasses diverse landscapes including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and lush maritime forests. Established initially as a segregated beach for African-Americans in the 1950s, it now serves as a welcoming retreat for all who seek a touch of nature with a sense of solitude. Key recreational opportunities include kayaking through serene waters, camping on Bear Island, and enjoying leisurely walks amidst beautiful coastal settings. Turtle nesting sites make the area especially notable for wildlife enthusiasts. Hammocks Beach State Park's appeal lies not just in its seclusion but in the opportunity it provides to encounter unique coastal wildlife and enjoy water-based recreation against a tranquil backdrop.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hammocks Beach State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The stunning and isolated Bear Island with its pristine beaches.✦ Unique maritime forests and vibrant salt marsh ecosystems.✦ Opportunities to see loggerhead sea turtles nesting in season.✦ Access to waterways perfect for kayaking and canoeing adventures.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hammocks Beach State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hammocks Beach State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees; ferry fees apply for transportation to Bear Island.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Hammocks Beach State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Bear Island Campsites

Located on Bear Island, these sites are suitable for beach camping with nearby sea access; note the lack of facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hammocks Beach State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Swansboro, North Carolina
⌖ 1.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Swansboro, North Carolina

Swansboro, the 'Friendly City by the Sea,' offers adventurous travelers kayaking, fishing, and bird watching in an idyllic coastal setting. This charming town is your gateway to Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Cedar Point, North Carolina
⌖ 4.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cedar Point, North Carolina

Cedar Point, NC, is a tranquil coastal town perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bird watching along the Intracoastal Waterway. With peaceful waterways, scenic biking routes, and nearby forests, it’s a serene outdoor escape.

Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
⌖ 6.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Emerald Isle offers 12 miles of sandy beaches, calm sound paddling, and family-friendly fishing spots. Enjoy biking, birdwatching, and camping along North Carolina’s scenic Crystal Coast.

Late spring to early fall
Explore Town
Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
⌖ 16.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

Sneads Ferry is a quiet coastal town ideal for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. With calm marshes, scenic bike routes, and rich birdlife, it’s a perfect spot for relaxed water-based outdoor fun.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Jacksonville, North Carolina
⌖ 17.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Jacksonville, NC offers a blend of easy hiking, kayaking along the New River, and fishing in coastal waters. Set near forests and rivers, it’s a relaxed destination for outdoor lovers seeking water-based activities and gentle trails.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Newport, North Carolina
⌖ 18.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newport, North Carolina

Newport, North Carolina offers a saltwater adventure playground with kayaking through marshes, rich fishing grounds, scenic hikes, and abundant wildlife close to the coast. Perfect for visitors craving an authentic coastal escape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hammocks Beach State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Lady Swan Full Moon Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Swansboro, North Carolina
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Lady Swan Full Moon Cruise

Witness breathtaking sunset and full moon views on a guided cruise along North Carolina's Crystal Coast with Lady Swan Boat Tours. Perfect for a memorable evening under the stars!

Sightseeing TourEnjoy a sunset and full moon on the same cruise!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
SOS After Dark 21+ (Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl)
ADVEXPEDITION
Swansboro, North Carolina
Guided TourADV Bookable

SOS After Dark 21+ (Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl)

Join the adults-only Haunted Pub Crawl in Swansboro and uncover the town's ghostly secrets. Guided by storytellers, sip cocktails and hear eerie tales in historic pubs—an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Guided Tour2.5 Hours • Ages 21+ • Join Us! If You Dare...Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full Day Rentals - 24 Hours Self Carry
ADVEXPEDITION
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Self-Guided TourADV Bookable

Full Day Rentals - 24 Hours Self Carry

Maximize your surf time on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast with Hot Wax Surf’s 24-hour self-carry rentals in Emerald Isle. Grab a board early and ride the waves all day long with full flexibility and local flair.

Self-Guided TourStarting at $35 | Self Carry/Same Day PickupCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Half Day Rentals - 5 Hours Self Carry
ADVEXPEDITION
Vero Beach, Florida
Self-Guided TourADV Bookable

Half Day Rentals - 5 Hours Self Carry

Looking to make the most of your coastal getaway? Hot Wax Surf and Paddle Sports offers flexible self-carry rentals crafted for water lovers eager to chart their own course. Discover the waves, glide across calm waters, and immerse yourself in the vibrant marine environment with ease.

Self-Guided TourStarting at $30 | Self Carry/Same Day Pickup and ReturnCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pontoon Boat Rentals
ADVEXPEDITION
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Set sail on Emerald Isle's Intracoastal Waterway with Pontoon Boat Rentals, your ticket to dolphin watching, island hopping, and a day of relaxing coastal exploration. Discover why this hands-on boating experience is a standout on North Carolina’s coast.

Boat RentalHalf days • Full daysCertified Outfitter
From$450
Book Trip