Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a United States national seashore which preserves the portion of the Outer Banks of North Carolina from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island, stretching over 70 miles (110 km), and is managed by the National Park Service. Included within this section of barrier islands along N.C. 12, but outside the national seashore boundaries, are Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and several communities, such as Rodanthe, Buxton, and Ocracoke. Cape Hatteras is a combination of natural and cultural resources, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Four campgrounds are located across Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing an immersive experience of the barrier islands. The seashore spans from the soundside to the oceanside, and is open to everyone who adores a pristine and undeveloped length of seashore, as well as some of the Outer Banks' best birding, surfing, fishing,shelling and all around beach-going activities. The park's fishing and surfing are considered the best on the East Coast. From the third Friday in April through Columbus Day, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse are open for climbing.

The islands provide a variety of habitats and are a valuable wintering area for migrating waterfowl.