The North Carolina Coast: Places to Explore

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Extending for 55 mi from Portsmouth Island to Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore includes 28,400 acres of uninhabited land and marsh. The remote, sandy islands are linked to the mainland by private ferries. Loggerhead sea turtles, which have been placed on the federal list of threatened and endangered species, nest here. To the south, wild ponies roam Shackleford Banks. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on the beach, and primitive camping is allowed. There are primitive cabins (with and without electricity, no linens or utensils) with bunk beds. Private ferry service is available from Harkers Island to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse area, from Davis to Shingle Point, from Atlantic to an area north of Drum Inlet, and from Ocracoke Village to Portsmouth Village.

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