Hammocks Beach State Park
Unspoiled barrier island beaches accessible by ferry, offering primitive camping, shelling, and a serene coastal escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Hammocks Beach State Park
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unspoiled barrier island beaches accessible by ferry, offering primitive camping, shelling, and a serene coastal escape.
"Pristine beaches and a scenic ferry ride make this island retreat a must-visit for nature lovers."
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Ferry to Bear Island is popular! Buy passes in person at the visitor center. NC State Park pass holders get free tickets.
🎒 Pack for Island Survival
Bear Island has no stores or trash cans. Bring all essentials: water, food, sunscreen, and pack out everything you pack in.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bear Island Beach
Bear Island
Pristine, unspoiled barrier island beach perfect for shelling, swimming, and relaxing.
Ferry Ride to Bear Island
Visitor Center to Bear Island
A scenic 10-15 minute boat trip offering coastal views and anticipation for island exploration.
Primitive Island Camping
Bear Island
Experience true nature with hike-in campsites on a secluded island, a unique adventure.
Mainland Campground & Cabins
Mainland section of the park
Comfortable camping with full hookups or cozy cabins, offering a convenient base for park exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Bear Island: Plan Ahead!
Camping & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Ferry to Bear Island is popular! Buy passes in person at the visitor center. NC State Park pass holders get free tickets.
🎒 Pack for Island Survival
Bear Island has no stores or trash cans. Bring all essentials: water, food, sunscreen, and pack out everything you pack in.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect a 0.5-mile walk from the ferry to the beach on Bear Island. Consider a donation for a golf cart ride if needed.
💰 Cash for Concessions
The Bear Island concession stand is cash-only due to no cell service. ATMs are not available on the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Ferry to Bear Island is popular! Buy passes in person at the visitor center. NC State Park pass holders get free tickets.
🎒 Pack for Island Survival
Bear Island has no stores or trash cans. Bring all essentials: water, food, sunscreen, and pack out everything you pack in.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect a 0.5-mile walk from the ferry to the beach on Bear Island. Consider a donation for a golf cart ride if needed.
💰 Cash for Concessions
The Bear Island concession stand is cash-only due to no cell service. ATMs are not available on the island.
🧊 Ice is a Must-Have
No ice is sold at the park. Buy ice in Swansboro before heading to the island, especially in summer.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
While dogs aren't allowed on Bear Island, the mainland campground and trails offer dog-friendly spaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hammocks Beach State Park for its beautiful, unspoiled beaches on Bear Island and the enjoyable ferry experience. The park offers diverse camping options, from primitive island sites to mainland RV spots and cabins. While some note minor upkeep issues in the mainland facilities and the inconvenience of cash-only concessions on the island, the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"It was a hot but very nice weekend paddle and camp on Bear Island last weekend. Staff at the visitor center were very knowledgeable and helpful (and the AC felt great). The kayak dock and launch was perfect...very easy to get in and out of the water with a loaded vessel. Not a fan of the kayak carts but overall, they worked okay. Stayed at site 14, was easy to find and land. Had good shade in the afternoon and an easy spot to walk into the water to cool off. Easy paddle around the corner to the beach access and very welcomed shower. Low tide access to the beach landing requires a few walks over the shallow areas. Thank you for this clean and wonderful gem of a beach experience. Will be back when it cools a little."
Mark Vincent
"Great place to RV camp with full hookup, or non-electric waterfront sites or tent camping, and cabins, all on the new mainland camping area. They also have primitive camping sites available on Bear Island which are accessible only via ferry or personal watercraft."
Xplore Kayak
"This is a very nice state park. It’s in 2 sections for camping. You have Bear Island primitive campsites that you have to ferry over to or paddle in. I think there are some local boat services available to take you and your stuff over for a fee also. If you camp on Bear Island there is a restroom and showers and water available in the public beach access area. This could be pretty far from some campsites.
The mainland campground is pretty small but fairly new. There are maybe 20 sites. There are tent and RV sites available with full hookup ups. They also have a handful of cute cabins for rent. We stayed at site 35 the last tent site on the water and it was beautiful. The sites are large and level and gravel including a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. There is a huge bath house in the middle with 3 toilets and 3 showers and a sink area. There is also a family bathroom with its own toilet and shower. The bath house also has a sink for cleaning dishes and a bike rack which we appreciated having bikes. The bath house is nice but the cleaning could be a little better. Cob webs and spiders in the corners and surfaces just needing to be wiped down. It would also have been great to have a washer/dryer here BUT there isn’t one. A beach campground equals needing to do some laundry with a weekly stay 😕. Also the campground sells wood bundles for $10 but no ice available! I wish they sold ice instead of wood. It’s hot and people visiting especially in summer would rather have ice over a fire. Think of the people taking the ferry over to Bear Island with a cooler. Atleast sell ice at the visitors center where the ferry departs. We had to ride our bikes 2 miles into Swansboro for ice after 2 days.
The visitors center is very nice and large. Staff was friendly. If you want to take the ferry over to Bear Island or the beach you must buy your passes here in person no pre purchasing. Tickets are $10 each but if you purchased a NC State yearly pass it includes 4 free ferry tickets per day per visit! Just show them your pass and you get free ferry tickets!! Loved that! The ferry runs at different times and is closed certain times of the year. I will take a picture of that information. Ferry is nice and quick. Only takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the island. Once you get off the ferry it is a 1/2 mile walk out to the beach. Be warned there is zero shade over there so if you need it take something. There is also a golf cart to take you out to the beach if you don’t mind dropping them a “donation “. We were told no cell service on Bear Island but we have Verizon and had 2 bars 5G. There is a concession stand on the beach but it’s cash only because there is no cell service 🤷🏼♀️ Did you read the previous sentence?! Also there is not a bike rack at the visitors center which sucked. We had to ride our bikes over to catch the ferry and ended up locking them up to a bat house post. Please buy a bike rack for the visitors center!
All in all this is a great place but if I want to do the beach I’m choosing Edisto Island SP, Hunting Island or Myrtle Beach SP so I don’t have to deal with the ferry and the 1/2 mile walk afterwards to the actual beach. Also the mainland campground is a mile from the visitors center where you take the ferry so you’ll need have a vehicle to drive there or bikes. It’s just not real convenient for beach camping in my opinion."
Rhonda Astor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584. The mainland section has parking and access to the visitor center. To reach Bear Island, you'll need to take the ferry from the visitor center or use your own watercraft.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Most visitors drive their own vehicles. The nearest town, Swansboro, may have local taxi services.
Yes, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular ways to reach Bear Island. The park has kayak docks and launch areas. Be mindful of tides and weather conditions.
From US-17, take NC-24 East towards Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. Follow signs for Hammocks Beach State Park.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the visitor center and the mainland campground. Parking on Bear Island is not applicable as it's a pedestrian-only island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in person at the visitor center. If you have an NC State Parks annual pass, it includes four free ferry tickets per day.
There is no general entrance fee for Hammocks Beach State Park itself. Fees apply for the ferry to Bear Island and for camping.
The ferry operates seasonally, typically Wednesday through Sunday. Hours vary, and it leaves on the hour and half-hour. Check the park's official website or visitor center for current schedules.
No, ferry tickets cannot be reserved in advance. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center.
Yes, there is a fee for primitive camping on Bear Island. Reservations are highly recommended as sites book up quickly, especially on summer weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include beachcombing, swimming, sunbathing on Bear Island, hiking trails on the mainland, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping. You can also look for shark teeth and shells.
Yes, Bear Island has restrooms and showers available in the public beach access area, though they may be a walk from some campsites.
Cell service can be spotty on Bear Island. Some visitors with Verizon have reported having 2-3 bars of 5G, but it's not reliable.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including various shorebirds, marine life, and maritime forest inhabitants. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the water.
Yes, there are hiking trails on the mainland section of the park that wind through maritime forests and salt marshes, offering scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a concession stand on Bear Island that sells snacks and drinks. It is cash-only. No food is sold at the mainland visitor center or campground.
Campfires are permitted at designated primitive campsites on Bear Island, provided conditions are safe and regulations are followed.
The nearest town, Swansboro, has grocery stores and places to buy ice. It's recommended to stock up before heading to the park, especially for island camping.
Picnic tables are available in the mainland section of the park. Bear Island campsites also typically include picnic tables.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially for a day trip to Bear Island or for camping.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches of Bear Island, the ferry ride with coastal views, the maritime forests, and the sunsets over the water offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can photograph various shorebirds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Early morning and late afternoon are often best.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for beach scenes.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be respectful of other visitors and any posted signage. Drone usage may be restricted.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the bright beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as amenities on Bear Island are limited. Consider bringing beach toys and a small cooler. The mainland campground offers a more convenient base with amenities like restrooms and showers, making it easier for families with younger children. While dogs aren't allowed on Bear Island, they are welcome in the mainland campground and on the mainland trails.
🏕️ Campers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
The mainland campground offers more traditional camping with RV and tent sites, plus cabins. It's a great option for those who want access to amenities like full hookups and bathhouses. Regardless of your choice, camping here allows for extended enjoyment of the park's natural beauty, from beach access to hiking trails.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is key to saving money, as on-island concessions are limited and cash-only. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for potentially lower camping rates and fewer crowds. Exploring the free hiking trails on the mainland also offers great value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Bear Island Access
+1For those seeking a more adventurous route, kayaking or paddleboarding to Bear Island is a popular option. The park provides kayak docks and launch areas, making it easier to get your gear in and out of the water. Once on the island, it's important to note that there are no stores, trash cans, or readily available services. Visitors must be prepared to carry in all their supplies and pack out everything they bring.
Planning is crucial for a successful Bear Island visit. Check the ferry schedule, as it operates seasonally and can be affected by weather. If you plan to camp, book your primitive campsite well in advance, as they are in high demand, especially during peak season. Remember to bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and any other necessities, as you'll be self-sufficient on the island.
Camping Options: Island vs. Mainland
The mainland campground provides a more traditional camping experience with a variety of options. You'll find sites for RVs and tents, some with full hookups and others with waterfront views. For those who prefer a bit more comfort, the park also offers charming cabins for rent. This section of the park is newer and generally well-maintained, though some reviews mention minor cleaning details needing attention.
When choosing your camping spot, consider your priorities. If you crave solitude and a true wilderness feel, Bear Island is your destination. If convenience, amenities, and easier access are more important, the mainland campground is the better choice. Both offer a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Hammocks Beach State Park.
Shelling and Beachcombing Treasures
Winter is often cited as a prime time for shelling, as calmer seas and fewer visitors can lead to more pristine finds. However, even during busier seasons, a patient stroll along the shoreline can yield rewarding discoveries. Look for whelks, conchs, scallops, and the ever-popular shark teeth.
Remember to be mindful of park regulations regarding collecting. While personal collection of shells is generally permitted, it's always good practice to leave the beach as you found it and avoid disturbing any natural habitats. The thrill of finding a unique shell or a fossilized shark tooth adds an extra layer of excitement to a day at Hammocks Beach.
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