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Events and things to do in North Carolina, with dates, prices and drive times checked at the source.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse is a national seashore with lighthouse in Nags Head / Manteo (headquarters), Dare County, in North Carolina's Coast. Admission: from $10. Hours: Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing 2026: late April to early November; October through early November climbs only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; Daily climb hours not listed; tickets are tied to specific ticket times; Outdoor areas near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse open 24/7; that lighthouse is closed for climbing in 2026 for restoration. Facts read from the official site on October 27, 2026.

  • HoursSee hoursofficial hours below
  • AdmissionFrom $10
  • WhereNags Head / Manteo (Headquarters)Dare County, Coast
  • DogsNot allowed
Good to know (read October 27, 2026): ORV permits: $50 for 10 days, $120 annual. Campgrounds: $28 per night without hookups, $35 with hookups (Oregon Inlet).

About Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse

A federal seashore protecting parts of three barrier islands on the Outer Banks, with historic lighthouses including the climbable Bodie Island Lighthouse.

  • Protects parts of Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke islands
  • Over 600 ships wrecked offshore ("Graveyard of the Atlantic")
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse is the only lighthouse open for climbing in 2026
  • Double Keepers' Quarters closed through mid-summer 2027 after a January 2025 fire

Plan It in Three Lines

  1. Getting In

    Admission: from $10.

    See hours

  2. Bring The Dog?

    Seashore-wide: pets welcome on a leash no longer than 6 feet; barred from closed resource areas, designated swim beaches and buildings. No pets on the lighthouse

    Full rule below

Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse Hours

  • Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing 2026: late April to early November; October through early November climbs only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
  • Daily climb hours not listed; tickets are tied to specific ticket times.
  • Outdoor areas near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse open 24/7; that lighthouse is closed for climbing in 2026 for restoration.

Hours source: official site, read October 27, 2026.

Admission and Parking

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: no entrance fee.
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse climb: $10 adults; $5 seniors (62+), children 11 and under, people with disabilities.
  • Climb tickets sold only at recreation.gov, first come first served, on sale 7am for that day only; account required.
  • Climbers must be at least 42 inches tall and under 260 lbs; children 11 and under need an adult 16+.
  • No educational fee waiver for Bodie Island climbs.

Directions and Contact

  • Address: Bodie Island Lighthouse: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head; park mailing address: 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo
  • Phone: 252 473-2111
  • Official site: nps.gov/caha

Dogs and Accessibility

  • Dogs: Seashore-wide: pets welcome on a leash no longer than 6 feet; barred from closed resource areas, designated swim beaches and buildings. No pets on the lighthouse climb.
  • Accessibility: Not stated for the Bodie Island Light Station; NPS accessibility page linked.

Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse cost?

From $10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore: no entrance fee.; Bodie Island Lighthouse climb: $10 adults; $5 seniors (62+), children 11 and under, people with disabilities.; Climb tickets sold only at recreation.gov, first come first served, on sale 7am for that day only; account required.

What are the hours at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse?

Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing 2026: late April to early November; October through early November climbs only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.; Daily climb hours not listed; tickets are tied to specific ticket times..

Can I bring a dog to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse?

Seashore-wide: pets welcome on a leash no longer than 6 feet; barred from closed resource areas, designated swim beaches and buildings. No pets on the lighthouse climb.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Seashore operating hours page and visitor-facing parking info not stated on pages read.
  • Seashore length, tower height and step count not stated.
  • Accessibility specifics for the lighthouse not stated.
  • Hours and prices change; check the official site the day you go.

Sources

  1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse: hours (read 2026-10-27)
  2. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse: admission (read 2026-10-27)
  3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse: official site (read 2026-10-27)
  4. OpenStreetMap (map point)

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, “Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bodie Island Lighthouse”, itsnorthcarolina.com/places-to-go-in-north-carolina/cape-hatteras-national-seashore-bodie-island-lighthouse/ (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.