Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 34

Best Time to Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 34

For vehicle access, the window is fixed: Ramp 34 is open to ORVs seasonally from October 15 through April 14, and closed to vehicles outside that period. Pedestrian access is open year-round regardless of the ORV season, so walking in to the beach here isn't tied to the calendar. As with every ramp on Hatteras Island, conditions shift with storms and seasonal closures — check the NPS beach access page before you head out, especially in shoulder season or after a nor'easter, since access on this part of the coast can change quickly.

Tips for Visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 34

• A paid NPS off-road-vehicle permit is required for vehicle access to Ramp 34, purchased online through Recreation.gov; both annual and 10-day options are available, so decide which fits your trip before you go.
• Pedestrian access doesn't require an ORV permit — if you're walking in rather than driving, you can use the ramp without going through Recreation.gov.

Getting to Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 34

Ramp 34 is located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, off NC-12 just north of Avon village on Hatteras Island. A gravel lot at the ramp serves as parking, used whether you're arriving with an ORV during the seasonal access window or on foot for a walk to the beach.

What to Expect at Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 34

Ramp 34 is a numbered ORV and pedestrian beach-access point on Cape Hatteras National Seashore, just north of Avon village on Hatteras Island. It stands out among the seashore's beach ramps for the distance between the parking area and the ocean: a boardwalk runs roughly 350 yards from the gravel lot out to the sand, among the longest approaches to the beach anywhere on the Atlantic side of Hatteras Island. The lot itself is modest, holding around nineteen vehicles.