Among the most popular weekend adventures near Swansboro, NC, is kayaking from Hammocks Beach State Park to Bear Island or Huggins Island for a picnic or a night of primitive camping. 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. I saw some people with rolling suitcases which was a very smart way to bring everything without carrying it! The rest of the park includes the 892-acre Bear Island and three smaller barrier islands Dudley, Huggins, and Jones. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one . Campnab scans parks for cancelations. Current camp permit with an attached receipt for ferry tickets must be presented at the visitor center to receive ferry tickets at no charge. Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Apart from the spectacular nature the area offers, it is also rich in history. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. A private concessionaire in the park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours. Except for 33 acres on the mainland, Hammocks Beach State Park is located on Bear Island and Huggins Island. The campground is located out on Bear Island and is only accessible by ferry or boat (kayak, canoe, and paddle board). Visitors can swim in the calm ocean waves or venture further up the estuary creeks filled with exciting wildlife. Camp Ocean Forest Campground 100 Fairview Drive Emerald Isle, NC 252-354-3454. Campers must register at the visitor center on the mainland before going to Bear Island. Swansboro, NC 28584, An official website of the State of North Carolina, View the dates and times the ferry departs for Bear Island and back. Use landmarks to navigate fresh content. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. The calm, crystal-clear water of Hammocks Beach allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful and serene day out on the water on rented gear or a private boat. Otherwise, the site will be marked as a no-show and will be made available to other campers. With trails to hike inland and an educational visitor's center with interactive children's exhibits like a digital microscope, you can enjoy the park while on land. This time is considered sea turtle nesting season. Campers responsible for knowing weather forecast prior to arriving on Bear Island. Try Cornwall, Norfolk, France. Amenities include showers and pit toilets, and drinking water is available on the island from mid-March through mid-November. Hotels near Riverfront Park, Swansboro, NC, Hotels near New Hanover County Airport (ILM), Hotels near Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), Motels near Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), Motels near New Hanover County Airport (ILM), Things to do near Hammocks Beach State Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Swansboro, Buzios Tour from Rio with Boat Ride and Lunch, Bali Snorkeling Tour at Blue Lagoon Beach: Private Transfer All-Inclusive, Bali Beach Hopping - Uluwatu Sunset Tours, Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro Near Camp Lejeune, View all hotels near Hammocks Beach State Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hammocks Beach State Park on Tripadvisor. Campers are advised to seek shelter in tents or the bathhouse. The only downside is a 1/2 mile walk fom the ferry dock to the beach (it can be very hot and there isnt any shade). Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. I dont know, but cant believe it would a problem; this is a pretty relaxed place. All Rights Reserved. Once you arrive, youll be treated to one of the most beautiful beach areas in North Carolina. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Hammocks Beach State Park. Stroll . Campers must vacate campsite by 12:00 noon on departure date. You can cancel reservations online by logging into your account onReserveAmerica. Check the ferry schedule for current sailing times. Matheson Hammock Park is South Miami's well-hidden secret. Please use a JavaScript enabled browser in order to access the full functionality of this site. My family enjoyed walking the trails and spending some time reading on one of the piers. Once you get there, you might not want to leave. Hammocks Beach State Park, NC 110 Ratings See or Upload Photos Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. So glad we had the chance to visit! Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Bring breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ferry vessels do not operate during periods of high winds or lightening storms. The beach was larger/longer than expected, & absolutely beautiful. There are no fees required to access Hammocks Beach State Park for day use, except for boat launches and ferry passes. Hammocks Beach State Park is an enjoyable location with features that can accommodate various recreational plans. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded - the list of things to do. Learn all about Hammocks Beach State Park, right here. Follow the Hickory Bluff, Evergreen, Queens Creek and Coastal Fringe Trails over boardwalks and sandy marshlands as you make your way through the forested park. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page. From Fri Mar 03 2023 to Sat Mar 04 2023. Unfortunately low tide arrived and we had to walk/drag kayak on the way back quite a few times, but sandy bottom it was an easy drag, but still took us about 90 minutes for return trip. Filters. Both the island and mainland areas have plenty of opportunities for primitive and group camping. Sells drinks and snacks only, no hot foods, no ice. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. We are not familiar with any of the beaches in the area. Camping Near Me: Hoffmaster State Park ehrlif/stock.adobe.com Hammocks Beach State Park is home to land and water attractions. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Canoeing Facilities Hot showers Restroom Nearby Attractions Search nearby Save to calendar Vehicles left overnight must have a camping tag. The ferry also offers a regular schedule of nature cruises, showcasing some of the most diverse ecosystems in the region. This state park is located just off the mainland and is accessible by land or by water. koala tree. This trip was so worth it. Hammock Beach on Bear Island is stress-free bliss. Dont forget a stop at the Park Office visitor center to pick up some information and get oriented. There will be no exiting or entering the gates at the mainland after the posted closing time. Light and simple is the way to travel, as campers must carry all provisions to the campsites from the beach or ferry dock. Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina - Camping & Campgrounds. Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. more. The group campsites have only one picnic table and are very primitive. Hammocks Beach State Park is currently accepting applications for all temporary and seasonal positions. Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all. We knew there was a half mile walk to get there, but it was well worth it. Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. The Bear Island concession stand is open for the 2021 season (woohoo!). Fortunately, the answer is: plenty! Once on the island you have to walk a half mile to the beach, but it is worth every step! 12/11/2022. Jul 10, 2015 - Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. At first glance, Hammocks Beach State Park doesn't look like much. Last-minute getaway? Hammock Beach on Bear Island is stress-free bliss. I have a house in nearby Swansboro and when time allows take a trip across to Bear Island (part of Hammocks Beach State Park). Check the weather at Hammocks Beach State Park. We are working hard on restoring the content as quickly as possible. (800) 526-6432, Carolina & Kure Beach Located in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. All Fees this park. Grills are permitted. Join, volunteer or donate! Is there just Bear Island Beach area at this state park or another Beach area as well? However, if you are adventuresome you could always kayak out on a Monday or Tuesday! All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the park office or they are subject to towing. Positions range from 3 to 6 months and up to 11 months. We were told that all 14 camp sites were full for the night, but we scarcely saw another person once we reached our campsite. Camping near Hammocks Beach State Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Check with the park during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number. Bathhouse CLOSED with facilities and all water winterized Mid November through Mid March. Hammocks Beach State Park has three miles of protected beaches, making it an ideal spot for year-round swimming. The park's 33-acre, wel-lappointed mainland site is a boat ride away from the main attraction Bear Island, an 892-acre, undeveloped barrier island. People come to Hammocks Beach State Park for one thingthe beach. They are not permitted inside buildings, on the ferry, or in the swimming area. From there, follow the NC-24 north to Swansboro and take its continuation as NC-24 N. From Topsail Island, youll go through Surf City to join NC-24 N and follow along until you reach the Hammocks Beach State Park entrance. Fourteen family campsites accommodate six people each. The park is also home to various wildlife and vegetation, so nature lovers can explore the area to their hearts content. Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Our app alerts you when campsites come available . I'm heading back to Bear Island tomorrow! This is a hidden treasure - only accessible by ferry at limited times of the year. It is a simple, scenic drive that is definitely worth the trip! Bear Island has often played a role in the protection of the mainland. What restaurants are near Hammocks Beach State Park? I would suggest packing light though! Campsites 12 to 14 are accessible by private boat or paddling only and are not hikeable. Camping Camping at Hammocks Beach State Park Make a Camping Reservation Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/habe/reservations or call 1-877-722-6762 Available Camping Facilities Tent Camping - Primitive Backpack or Paddle-In Campsites Group Camping - Primitive Backpack Tent Campsites Forms and Maps 2. Now, note the ends. Read More Details Water and other facilities are available on the island, except from mid-November through mid-March when the facilities are winterized. Before you go, review the Bear Island ferry schedule (the schedule may be published as a link to a PDF). The calm, protected waters make it a great spot for the whole family to take a dip and cool off. Swansboro, NC 28584, An official website of the State of North Carolina, Find and book a campsite online at ncparks.gov/habe/reservations or call 1-877-722-6762. Or, travel by boat or ferry to Bear Island and see what this park's water attraction has to offer. All campsites located on Bear Island with no vehicle access, (*Rate may vary across dates; displayed rates do not reflect discounts, fees or taxes). Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations. This 40 covered boat is handicap accessible, has a full shade top, padded seats and a bathroom on board. Also be on the lookout for flounder, striped bass, speckled trout, skipjack and sheepshead. An excellent experience! Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded - the list of things to do. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 am through 5:00 pm daily as staffing allows. The beach is also a nesting place for loggerhead sea turtles. Can you camp right on the beach? The island, 3.5 miles long and less than a mile wide, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and by salt marshes, estuarine creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north. For hammocking, find a set of palm trees or post up near the picturesque live oaks that provide not just a great photo op but vital shade for the hiking and . With its access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Hammocks Beach State Park has a few good kayak launch spots for boaters to set out on a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or small motorized private boat. Huggins Island, located in Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Charlotte, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state and a popular destination for visitors from around the world. They actually welcomed it at Shinleaf. Your browser does not support JavaScript! From there, you can access the beach by hopping on the Bear Island ferry or by launching your own kayak, canoe or paddle board. In the spring and fall, it runs less frequently, and does not run during the winter. Located at the foot of Bear Island - one of the major attractions of the State Parks for kayakers and canoeists from across the state - Hammocks Beach State Park offers four miles of unspoiled shoreline accessible by ferry or private vehicle. For product related questions please contact: Catry International Group, Inc. at (626) 968-1516 or customerservice@catrygroup.com. Comes in a matching bag for easy mocking on the go. bluewater@carolinaretreats.com There is no water at Bear Island when the facilities are winterized. Official website (910) 326-4881 Park hours: Mon to Sun: 8:00am - 7:00pm Camping types: Reservable campsites. According to the rangers at Falls Lake SRC there's no regulation prohibiting hammock camping. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects. Bear Island is an 892-acre barrier island. All vehicles left in the parking lot overnight must be registered at the visitor office or be subject to towing. This is an especially interesting destination for history buffs. Here is your guide on how to get there, where to explore, and what activities await! No flashlights or white lights permitted on the beach front mid May through mid September, use a red lens, or cover flashlights with something red. Camping at Hammocks Beach The park offers year-round camping for those more adventurous souls on 14 family campsites and three group campsites, all of which are located on Bear Island's coastline near the ferry dock. First time. Bird lovers will enjoy watching pelicans dive for fish in these crystal waters. The 20-minute roundtrip passenger ferry ride takes passengers to the parks main attractions, including the iconic Bear Island, where visitors can get an up-close view of the wild horses, as well as enjoy the pristine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. 1572 Hammock Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584-9523, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Mediterranean Greek, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Seafood Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options. We took a day trip to this island and had a great time. You can stroll along the shore, cast a line in the water and look for marine life in tide pools and mudflats. A few years ago there was a great beach house which was destroyed by hurricanes. It is round trip, they take your ticket at the dock. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act made the park open to all people. 43. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Campers will be considered a no show and charged 1 night camping regardless of occupying site if last ferry missed and camper unable to make alternate arrangements to Bear Island. There are 11 sites available right on the sandy beach. Tourists who prefer to avoid the loud crowds, as witnessed in places like South Beach, will come to Matheson Hammock Park.. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. 6 FUN THINGS TO TRY OUT IN THE GREAT STATE OF TENNESSEE. One of the most peaceful and pure places I've ever been. Instead, youll find peaceful solitude under the sun. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamps most important value: leave it better.. The earthen embankment from the earthwork fort on Huggins Island still remains and is the only unspoiled example of Confederate fortifications on the North Carolina coast. Sharpe intended to will the property to John Hurst, his longtime hunting guide and friend, but Hurst persuaded him to donate it to the North Carolina Teachers Association, an organization of AfricanAmerican teachers. The sunrise turns the sky from peach to yellow as you stretch your paddle overhead. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Can't imagine camping without even a small contained fire. Snuggle up like a koala in this cute hammock from Coalatree. The nature is everywhere, its so quiet, and there is NOTHING else like waking up to the sound of the ocean less than 100ish feet away. Our family/group consisted of 2 adults, 3 teens, & a 7-year-old. 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