Camping
Everything you need to know about Camping on Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks can be found on the National Park Service website.
Each passenger is allowed 2 free carry-ons, which can be a tote, backpack, small cooler, etc. There is a fee of $5.00 per item for any item over 2 or for oversized items. Beach wagons are $5.00.
Shackleford Banks
There are no concessions on the island.
Cape Lookout
There will be a concession trailer during the summer on Cape Lookout. The concession trailer will have snacks, drinks, bagged ice, beach goods such as towels, flip flops, beach toys, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, tanning lotion, all-natural insect repellent as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. The concession trailer will be operational during ferry business hours during the summer schedule.
Please check the weather before you depart.
It is imperative that you have a charged cellphone with you. In the event of ferry cancellation due to weather, we will contact you via cell phone to arrange an early pick-up. If you are unreachable, the ferry will not be able to pick you up until the bad weather passes and it is safe to resume service.
Fishing
Spring and Fall at Cape Lookout National Seashore offer some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Most of the beach and sounds are open to fishing, but there are no fishing piers. State fishing regulations regarding size and daily limits are enforced. Unwanted fish (sharks, rays, skates, etc) must be returned unharmed to the surf. You can find North Carolina State fishing regulations here.
You must possess a valid NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to fish on the National Seashore. These can be obtained from local bait and tackle shops as well as other retailers. They can also be purchased online through the license section on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Tides 4 Fishing has all of the up to date information on fishing and tides at Cape Lookout.
