Points of Interest

Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 23

NPS beach-access ramp for 4x4 and foot traffic onto the National Seashore just outside Rodanthe

(27)

Rodanthe, NC

About

Ramp 23 is one of the National Park Service's numbered beach-access points along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, sitting on NC-12 just outside Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Like the other numbered ramps strung along this stretch of the Outer Banks, it's a designated entry point for both 4x4 vehicles carrying a valid NPS ORV permit and pedestrians heading out to the beach — not a standard parking-lot access, but the seashore's official system for driving onto the sand.

Vehicle access means airing down your tires and carrying the recovery gear the Park Service expects every ORV permit holder to have on hand, and routes near the villages are subject to seasonal closures the NPS uses to protect nesting shorebirds, so it's worth checking the current-conditions page before you load up. NC-12 is the only road linking Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo to the rest of Hatteras Island, and it washes out during storms with some regularity, so conditions at this ramp can change with the weather.

Reviews (27)

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4.6

27 reviews

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Mj Morgan

4 months ago

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the East Coast. The beach access was easy to find, the views were incredible, and there was plenty of space to relax and enjoy the ocean. The parking area was convenient and made it simple to unload beach gear without a long walk. Watching the sunrise and hearing the waves alone made the visit worth it. It can get crowded and a few more shaded areas or updated facilities nearby would really improve the experience. Overall though, it’s a fantastic place to spend the day and I’d definitely return.

Cameron Cameron (Cam)

2 years ago

Ramps are great places to park or drive out on the beach. MUST have permit for beach driving. Take a picnic and stay as long as you want. Parking is free. Obey all state Park rules. Park service is definitely always watching. Don't leave your vacation with a citation. Enjoy!

Ronny

a year ago

A bit of a walk if you don't plan to drive on the beach but very nice access

2 years ago

This ORV ramp is closed April-October. Used in off-season only. Bummer for tourist and families!

Jessica Stewart

6 years ago

Love fishing on the outer banks. Especially when the weather is good. Even when it’s not it’s still beautiful.