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Hammocks Beach State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules

Places › Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park is a North Carolina state park in Swansboro, Onslow County, in our Coast region. Day-use admission is free. The gate closes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the month. It is closed on Christmas Day. Facts read from the official page on October 27, 2026.

  • AdmissionFree day usesome services cost extra
  • HoursCloses 6 to 9 p.m.Opens 8 a.m., by month
  • ClosedChristmas Dayother holidays: open
  • DogsOn a 6 ft leashmore rules below

About Hammocks Beach State Park

A mainland area and three barrier islands make up this Onslow County park, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. A passenger ferry reaches the beach, where oceanside camping is offered, and kayaks and canoes explore the surrounding marsh.

Plan It in Three Lines

  1. Getting In

    Day-use admission is free.

    Closes 6 to 9 p.m.

  2. Bring the Dog?

    Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limits indoors and in some areas.

    Full rules below

  3. Make It a Trip

    Fort Macon State Park is about 26 miles away (straight line).

    1 units within 30 miles

Hammocks Beach State Park Hours

The gate closes between 6 p.m. (Nov to Feb) and 9 p.m. (Jun to Aug). It opens 8 a.m. Month by month, as the park prints it:

Closing Time by Month Park Hours, p.m.

Bars show the hour the gate closes, drawn from the month table below it. Taller means later.

Park Hours
MonthHours
January8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Visitor Center: 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.
  • The park is closed on Christmas Day.
  • The park is open during all other holidays.

Admission and 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.

Planning several parks? Our State Parks Passport guide sets every park’s fees and dog rules side by side.

Dogs and Strollers

  • Dogs: 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.
  • Strollers: Not published. The park page does not say whether strollers are allowed; call the park office (910-326-4881) before you go.

Directions and Contact

State Parks Near Hammocks Beach State Park

Around Hammocks Beach State Park within 60 miles
20 mi40 mi60 miNSEW123
  1. 1Fort Macon State ParkState Parkabout 26 mi
  2. 2Goose Creek State ParkState Parkabout 58 mi
  3. 3Cliffs of the Neuse State ParkState Parkabout 58 mi

Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Hammocks Beach State Park?

Day-use admission is free, per the park page. Camping, boat rentals, swim passes, event permits and reservations can cost extra where the park offers them.

Are dogs allowed at Hammocks Beach State Park?

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.

What time does Hammocks Beach State Park close?

It depends on the month: the gate closes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the first table the park prints. See the month table above for your date.

Is Hammocks Beach State Park open on Christmas?

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

Are strollers allowed at Hammocks Beach State Park?

Not published. The park page does not mention strollers, so call the park office before you go.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Hours and closures change at short notice for weather and staffing; check the official page the day you go.
  • Stroller rules are not stated on the official page.

Sources

  1. Hammocks Beach State Park on NC State Parks (read 2026-10-27)
  2. NC State Parks: park list and fees (read 2026-10-27)
  3. OpenStreetMap (map point check)

Last checked October 27, 2026 by the It’s North Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Hammocks Beach State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules”, itsnorthcarolina.com/places/hammocks-beach-state-park/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.