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

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

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.

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