Hammocks Beach State Park

Facility Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Paddle Trails

Open

Ferry Service

Closed

Due to construction on Bear Island.

Bear Island Facilities

Closed

due to construction

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Hammocks Beach State Park

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. 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. Alternatively, visitors can rent or bring their own kayak or canoe for a closer exploration of the marshlands and maritime swamp forests that surround the park's island areas. 

Camping

  • Tent sites (backpacking via ferry or paddle-in)
  • Group tent sites (for organized groups only, backpacking via ferry)
  • Showers

Activities

  • Hiking (2.3 miles of trails at the mainland; 4 miles of beach)
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Boat ramp
  • Concession stand (seasonal)
  • Auditorium
  • Gazebo and picnic shelter
  • Visitor center and exhibits
  • Beach access (ocean)
  • Bathhouse
     

A private concessionaire in the park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours.

Plan Your Visit

Address

1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584

GPS: 34.6710, -77.1429

 

Current Weather

28584 Swansboro, NC

Maps

Ferry Service Closed

The ferry to Bear Island is closed due to a major construction project.

Fees

There are no fees required to access Hammocks Beach State Park for day use, except for boat launches and ferry passes. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings, on the ferry, or in the swimming area. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Hammocks Beach State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island

Join, volunteer or donate! The Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island promotes, supports, and advocates for Hammocks Beach State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery

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