Outer Banks Cost Calculator
No park entrance fee here — just the real costs: ORV beach-driving permits, NPS campground fees, and mainland ferry fares. Free, no sign-up.
Your trip
There's no park entrance fee on the Outer Banks — these are the real activity-specific costs to plan for.
No entrance fee — this covers only the activities you selected above.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ORV permit | $50 |
| Camping (0 nights × $20) | — |
| Ferry (0 crossings) | — |
| Total | $50 |
Lighthouse climbing tickets aren't included — Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed for restoration through at least the end of 2026. Ferry fares vary by vehicle length; verify current rates at ncdot.gov/ferry before your trip.
Outer Banks Cost FAQ
Does Cape Hatteras National Seashore charge an entrance fee?
No. Unlike many national parks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has no entrance fee or vehicle pass — the beaches, villages, and visitor centers are free to access. The real costs on an Outer Banks trip are activity-specific: ORV beach-driving permits, campground fees, and paid mainland ferries.
How much is an ORV (beach driving) permit?
A 10-day ORV permit is $50; an annual permit is $120. You'll need one for any vehicle driven on the seashore's designated beach-driving routes, including access to the 4x4 beaches north of Corolla. Purchase online at recreation.gov or in person at the Ocracoke, Hatteras Island (Buxton), or Bodie Island visitor centers.
How much does NPS campground camping cost on the Outer Banks?
Cape Point Campground (near Buxton) is $20/night, Frisco Campground is $28/night, and Ocracoke Campground (open year-round) is $28/night. All require reservations through recreation.gov and offer no electric hookups.
Is the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry free?
Yes — the NCDOT ferry between Hatteras village and Ocracoke Island is free for vehicles and passengers. The longer mainland crossings (Cedar Island and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke) are paid routes, from about $10 to $45 per vehicle depending on length, plus $3 for a bicycle and $1 per walk-on passenger.
Can I climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse right now?
Not currently — the lighthouse is closed for climbing through at least the end of 2026 for structural restoration work (the grounds, visitor center, and museum remain open). Check nps.gov/caha for the latest status before planning a trip around it.