Cape Hatteras ORV Permits

The National Park Service manages 67 miles of drivable beach from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke. This page covers permits, ramps, and requirements.

Permit Options

10-Day Permit

$50

Valid for 10 consecutive days from the start date you choose. Perfect for vacation trips and short visits. The most popular option for OBX visitors.

  • • Valid for 10 consecutive days
  • • Choose your start date at purchase
  • • Covers all 11 ORV ramps
  • • Non-transferable between vehicles
Buy on Recreation.gov →

Annual Permit

$120

Valid for the full calendar year (January 1 – December 31). Best for locals and frequent visitors who plan multiple trips to the seashore.

  • • Valid January 1 – December 31
  • • Unlimited trips all year
  • • Covers all 11 ORV ramps
  • • Non-transferable between vehicles
Buy on Recreation.gov →

The 11 ORV Ramps

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has 11 designated ORV ramps from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Island. Each ramp provides access to a different section of beach.

#RampNearest Town
1Ramp 1 — Oregon InletNags Head / Oregon Inlet
2Ramp 2 — Pea IslandPea Island NWR
3Ramp 4 — RodantheRodanthe
4Ramp 23 — SalvoSalvo
5Ramp 25 — AvonAvon
6Ramp 27 — Avon SouthAvon (south end)
7Ramp 34 — Hatteras VillageHatteras
8Ramp 38 — Hatteras InletHatteras Inlet
9Ramp 43 — FriscoFrisco
10Ramp 48 — Ocracoke NorthOcracoke
11Ramp 59 — Ocracoke SouthOcracoke (south end)

View interactive ramp map →

Vehicle Requirements

NPS requires specific safety equipment for all vehicles on the beach. You can be cited for missing items.

  • ✓ Tire pressure gauge (air down to 15–20 psi)
  • ✓ Shovel (full-size)
  • ✓ Jack and support board (for soft sand)
  • ✓ First aid kit
  • ✓ Trash bag
  • ✓ Spare tire (full-size, properly inflated)

Printing & Displaying Your Permit

  1. 1. Buy online: Purchase at Recreation.gov. You'll receive a PDF immediately.
  2. 2. Print it: Print the permit on standard letter-size paper. The permit must be legible — don't shrink it.
  3. 3. Display on dashboard: Place the printed permit face-up on your vehicle's dashboard, visible through the windshield. The permit number and dates must be readable from outside the vehicle.
  4. 4. Self-certification cards: If you don't have a printer, self-certification cards are available at most OBX tackle shops. Fill one out with your permit number and display it on your dashboard. This is a temporary solution — you still need to print the actual permit when you can.

Self-Certification Cards at Tackle Shops

Most tackle shops along Hatteras Island stock NPS self-certification cards. These are small paper cards you fill in with your permit number, vehicle info, and dates. Display the card on your dashboard if you bought your permit online but haven't printed it yet. The card is valid proof of purchase — just make sure your permit number is correct and legible.

Night Driving Season

November 16 – April 30

Night driving (defined as 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) is permitted on Cape Hatteras National Seashore from November 16 through April 30. Outside this window, vehicles must be off the beach by 10 PM. Night driving during turtle nesting season (May–November) is prohibited to protect nesting females and emerging hatchlings.

Even during night driving season, resource closures still apply. Check the NPS closure map for the day before heading out after dark. A flashlight or headlamp is required equipment.

Text CAHAORV to 333111

Get real-time closure and reopening alerts from the National Park Service. TextCAHAORV to 333111 to subscribe. You'll receive text messages when ramps open, close, or when wildlife closures change.

Text

CAHAORV

to 333111

Wildlife Closures

Cape Hatteras NS has resource closures throughout the year. These protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Closures can change daily — always check before you go.

Sea Turtle Nesting

May 1 – mid-November. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles nest on the seashore beaches. Nests are marked with signage and ORV routes may be rerouted. Nest hatching excavations can close sections of beach for several hours. Night driving is restricted during nesting season to protect females coming ashore and emerging hatchlings.

Piping Plover & Shorebirds

March – August. Piping plovers, American oystercatchers, and other shorebirds nest on the seashore. Pre-nesting closures are established in early spring. Active nesting closures can close large sections of beach to both ORVs and pedestrians. The NPS posts a daily closure map — check it every morning before heading out.

Air-Down Stations

Free air stations are available at three locations along the seashore. Air down before hitting the sand and air back up before driving on pavement.

  • Oregon Inlet
  • Avon
  • Hatteras Village
← Back to ORV Permit Guide