Topics Related to Hammocks Beach State Park

First Day Hike

January 1, 2026, 8am - 9am
Join us at Hammocks Beach State Park for a guided hike to celebrate the first day of 2026!

Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Service to Bear Island to Resume May 14

The seasonal ferry service to Bear Island from the mainland access of Hammocks Beach State Park will begin May 14, 2025.

Status of Facilities as of December 15, 2025

Ferry service is closed for the 2025 season; Bear Island camping is open however the bathhouse is closed and winterized. The mainland areas and trails are open. The boat ramp is open, and the Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.

New State Law Provides Free State Parks Annual Passes for Veterans with Disabilities

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.

North Carolina State Parks to Offer 'Kayaking 101' Classes with American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.

Office of State Archaeology to Hold Rescheduled Town Hall Meeting in Swansboro Sept. 14

The Office of State Archaeology is holding a town hall meeting to discuss a federally funded project that will conduct survey and research at Hammocks Beach State Park.

Ranger Jake Vitak Recognized by DPR Interpretation and Education Council

Ranger Jake Vitak at Hammocks Beach State Park was recognized by the Division for his exemplary efforts in providing a kayak safety course as part of a partnership with the American Canoe Association and several other agencies.

‘Kayaking 101’ Instruction to be Offered by North Carolina State Parks, American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Several North Carolina state parks, in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, will offer low-cost kayaking instruction at state parks statewide Saturday, May 20. The event is in celebration of National Safe Boating Week, which begins the same day. The event follows a collaboration between the ACA and the state of Tennessee in 2022, which hosted more than 170 participants and earned a Four-Star Award for an innovative program from the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association. 

N.C. Parks and Recreation Authority Approves $13.7 Million for State Parks Capital Improvement Projects Across North Carolina

The $13.7 million will fund capital improvements projects at 11 state parks.