Hammocks Beach State Park
Pristine Undeveloped Barrier Island Beach Accessible Only by Ferry or Private Boat — Bear Island With 3.5 Miles of Sandy Atlantic Ocean Beach, Seasonal Passenger Ferry From the Mainland Visitor Center Near Swansboro, Primitive Camping on the Island (14 Family Sites and 3 Group Sites), Federally Designated Sea Turtle Nesting Beach for Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles May Through August, Salt Marsh Kayaking and Paddling Through the Intracoastal Waterway, Excellent Shelling on Uncrowded Beach Especially After Storms, Surf Fishing for Red Drum Flounder Bluefish and Sea Trout, Bathhouse With Restrooms and Outdoor Showers on the Island, No Cars Roads or Commercial Development on Bear Island, Near Swansboro Onslow County Southern Outer Banks North Carolina
Hammocks Beach State Park is a barrier island state park accessible only by ferry or private boat near Swansboro, Onslow County, North Carolina, managed by North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. The park features 3.5 miles of pristine, undeveloped Atlantic Ocean beach on Bear Island — one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the entire North Carolina coast, a seasonal passenger ferry from the mainland visitor center operating on a summer schedule, 14 primitive family campsites and 3 group campsites on Bear Island accessible only by ferry or kayak, a federally designated sea turtle nesting beach where loggerhead and green sea turtles nest May through August, kayaking and paddling through scenic salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway between the mainland and island with views of dolphins and shorebirds, excellent shelling on the uncrowded beach especially after coastal storms, surf fishing for red drum, flounder, bluefish, and spotted sea trout from the island beaches, a bathhouse with restrooms and outdoor showers on the island for day visitors and campers, and complete absence of vehicles, roads, or commercial development on Bear Island.
Bear Island is extraordinary — it’s one of the last truly undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast. No cars, no hotels, no boardwalks — just miles of empty beach, maritime forest, and salt marsh. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience, crossing the Intracoastal Waterway with views of dolphins, pelicans, and ospreys.
The park’s history is remarkable — the island was donated by Dr. William Sharpe, a neurosurgeon who purchased it in the 1940s and later gave it to a local African American teachers’ group, who eventually transferred it to the state. It became a state park in 1961.
Things to Do
- Beach — 3.5 mi undeveloped Atlantic
- Camping — 14 family + 3 group (primitive, ferry)
- Kayaking — salt marsh and Intracoastal
- Sea turtles — nesting May–Aug
- Surf fishing — red drum, flounder, bluefish
- Shelling — uncrowded, best after storms
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bear Island, near Swansboro, Onslow Co, NC |
| Access | ⚠️ Ferry or boat ONLY (seasonal) |
| Beach | 3.5 mi — undeveloped Atlantic |
| Camping | 14 family + 3 group (primitive) |
| Sea Turtles | Loggerhead, green (May–Aug) |
| Managed By | NC Parks and Recreation |
| Coordinates | 34.6500° N, 77.1000° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Hammocks Beach SP — 892 acres on Bear Island — accessible only by ferry, canoe, or kayak. The island’s 3.5 miles of pristine beach are consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US. Loggerhead sea turtles nest here (one of NC’s top nesting sites). Bottlenose dolphins swim offshore. The island was donated by a Black schoolteacher (John Hurst) in 1961.
Nearby Attractions
Swansboro — ferry departure. Emerald Isle — 15 miles south. Camp Lejeune — nearby.
How do you get to Hammocks Beach State Park?
Hammocks Beach State Park’s Bear Island is accessible only by seasonal passenger ferry from the mainland visitor center near Swansboro, North Carolina, or by private boat or kayak. The undeveloped barrier island features 3.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beach, 14 primitive family campsites and 3 group sites, a federally designated sea turtle nesting beach (May–August), salt marsh kayaking through the Intracoastal Waterway, surf fishing for red drum and flounder, and a bathhouse. No cars or development on the island — one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast.
Last updated: May 2026
