Alert: Storm Shelters Open for Storm 11/14/2024: Storms shelters are open for campers on South Core Banks for 11/14/2024 to 11/15/2024.
National Seashore
Cape Lookout
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation, warning ships of the nearby shoals. Climbing to up to see the view from the gallery level, 14 stories above the ground, is also a popular activity by visitors during the summer. NPS photo
Overview
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a sanctuary for natural darkness on the East coast of the United States. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
The islands of this North Carolina park lie between two and three miles from the mainland. At this distance, even novice paddlers can cross the open waters of Core Sound and Back Sound under good conditions. While everyone can enjoy exploring the marshes and shallow waters of the sounds, the more ambitious kayakers can continue out from the inlets into the surf.
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud fMature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sunsmall sandpipers poke their bills in the sand while waves break in the background2 ladies sit in beach chairs on the sand with their feet in the waterA surf fisherman stands in the water holding his surf rod and watching the waves
