The Beach
❑ The removal of any plant, animal, rock or mineral
is prohibited.
❑ All N. C. state parks are wildlife preserves. Hunting or
trapping is not permitted. Loggerhead sea turtles are
protected by law. Anyone who harms the turtles, nests
or hatchlings is subject to penalties.
❑ Keep out of posted bird nesting areas.
❑ Place trash in proper receptacles. State law requires
aluminum cans be placed in a recycling container.
❏ Firearms and fi reworks are prohibited.
❑ The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
is prohibited.
❑ Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets
are not allowed on the ferry, in the bathhouse or swimming
area.
❑ Camping is permitted in designated areas by permit
only.
❑ Public nudity is prohibited.
Hammocks Beach State Park is comprised of three primitive
islands: Bear Island, Jones Island and Huggins Island. Although
the park staff are enthusiastic to answer any questions posed
about these islands, Bear Island is currently the only island
we offer transportation to. However, all islands are open for
public exploration and all park rules still apply.
Bear Island – An 892- acre pristine barrier island is bordered
by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and by salt marshes,
estuarine creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north.
It is three and one- half miles of white sandy beach, shrub
thickets and maritime forests.
History – Early in the twentieth century, Dr. William Sharpe,
a neurosurgeon from New York, ventured to Bear Island
to hunt. His love of the island prompted him to acquire it
for his retirement. Sharpe intended to will the property to
John Hurst, his longtime hunting guide and friend but Hurst
persuaded him to donate it to the North Carolina Teachers'
Association, an organization of African American teachers.
In 1950, the group assumed the deed to Bear Island and
attempted to develop the property. Limited funds and the
island’s remoteness rendered their efforts unsuccessful. In
1961, the association donated the island to the state of North
Carolina for a park. Initially planned as a park for minorities,
Hammocks Beach State Park opened for all following the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Huggins Island – Located just east of Bear Island in the
mouth of the Bogue Inlet, is a 225- acre coastal island visible
from downtown Swansboro. The island consists of 115 acres
of upland area, surrounded by 96 acres of lowland marsh.
Huggins Island is home to a maritime swamp- forest, which is
listed as a “ Globally Rare and Signifi cant Area.” The island’s
varied natural habitats and cultural sites are some of many
factors that contributed to the island’s inclusion into the North
Carolina State Park System. Its rich landscape and historical
value make it an invaluable asset. From American Indian
fi shing and hunting grounds, to being home to a Confederate
six- cannon- battery from 1861- 62, Huggins Island is steeped
in North Carolina’s rich coastal history.
Jones Island – Jones Island is a 23- acre coastal island
located along the mouth of the White Oak River. Visible from
the Swansboro Highway 24 Bridge, Jones Island is a unique
coastal fringe evergreen forest island containing a small
wetland area that is considered regionally signifi cant. This
island was obtained to act as a riparian buffer in an effort
to help enhance water quality in the White Oak River. Also,
the Eastern Painted Bunting, a considerably rare breeding
bird for North Carolina is known to nest near the edge of the
Coastal Evergreen Forest. This particular species is currently
a candidate for inclusion on the Federal List of Endangered
and Threatened Species.
Hammocks Beach holds the key to many of nature’s best kept
secrets. Unlock the door of nature’s classroom and watch
the mysteries unfold. Our rangers will guide you on exciting
explorations where you’ll uncover fascinating surroundings
and make great discoveries about the world in which we live.
Bring our state’s rich natural and
cultural heritage alive. Embark
on a learning adventure and
discover the wonders of
this unique barrier island.
Hammocks Beach State
Park offers a wide range
of educational programs
for visitors of any age.
Come learn about the
bottle- nosed dolphin by
watching an educational
video and handling dolphin
vertebrae or other programs
about horseshoe crabs, sharks,
brown pelicans, sand dollars or sea shells. Programs are
offered both on the mainland and the island either in the
air- conditioned classroom or on the back deck overlooking
the Intracoastal Waterway. Contact the park offi ce for more
information on available programs.
School Programs -- Hammocks Beach State Park offers a
variety of school programs for all grades. Environmental
Education Learning Experience ( EELE) classes were designed
to educate the public on environmental matters in the state
park system. We encourage teachers to visit our facilities
prior to the day of their fi eld trip so that they can gain a
better understanding of the way our park operates. If you
decide to visit the island, take note that the ferry can courier
a maximum of two full boat loads per school group. Wearing
proper shoes and attire while visiting the park will help to
eliminate hazardous situations. Please schedule a date for
your school group with the park offi ce.
To prevent accidents, remember the following safety tips.
❑ Rip tides, strong currents, Portuguese Man- of- War and other
marine life may create hazardous swimming conditions.
Consult park staff for safety advice.
❑ Be prepared for a ½ mile walk from the ferry dock to the
beach and bathhouse area.
❑ Do not feed or approach wildlife. North Carolina is
experiencing a rise in rabies cases. Report sick or
aggressive animals to rangers.
❑ Remember you may be boating in unfamiliar waters. Use
cautious seamanship. Do not boat in the inlet.
❑ Prolonged exposure to heat, wind and sunlight may
cause sun poisoning and/ or dehydration. Bring along sun
protection and drink plenty of fl uids.
❑ Dress properly. There are few places on the island to
escape the heat of summer. Hot weather makes hat and
shoes a must.
❑ Bring along insect repellent for protection against
mosquitoes and other insects.
❑ Be alert to approaching storms and seek shelter in the
bathhouses or among the dunes.
❑ An emergency phone for overnight campers is located at
the bathhouse. For assistance dial 911.
Contact park staff for other safety tips or an explanation of park rules.
The Islands
Ferry Service -- The park offi ce and ferry dock are located
on the mainland in Swansboro. From there, the passenger
ferry provides transportation for people to Bear Island for a
fee. Ticket prices are round- trip. $ 5 for adults, $ 3 for children
ages 6- 12 and $ 3 for senior citizens. The 2.5- mile ferry
ride takes approximately 15 minutes and offers a glimpse
into the world of our wetland inhabitants like Herons, Great
Egrets and Oyster Catchers. During your journey across
the Intracoastal Waterway, keep your eyes open and be on
the lookout for bottlenose dolphin. Ferry service operates
daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The ferries run
Wednesday through Sunday in May and September, and Friday
through Sunday in April and October, except in inclement
weather. Departure times are listed on the reverse side.
During popular summer months, a line often forms for the
ferry and the island quickly reaches capacity. Arrive early in
the day to avoid long delays.
Private Boats -- Although the ferries work on a limited
schedule, the park is open to visitors year- round. Journey
to the island by private boat or marine taxi. Boats may be
beached or tied up at the island bulkhead. Docking along
the ferry pier is strictly prohibited. When traveling to the
island by boat, it is best to navigate along the ferry route.
Boating in the inlet is not advisable due to shifting sand and
sandbars. Canoeists and kayakers may reach Bear Island
and explore the marsh by way of a designated canoe/ kayak
trail. Markers are placed along the way to guide fi rst- time
canoeists safely across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Canoe/ Kayak -- Recently, Hammocks Beach State Park
has developed an over- the- water canoe/ kayak launch. The
launch consists of a fl oating dock and makes getting in and
out of the water an effortless task. Borrow our kayak carts
to maneuver your kayak/ canoe to and from the launch pad
and save your energy for your paddle. Follow the marked
trails through the marshy wetlands and immerse yourself in
a world unlike any other. There are two trails available. One
leads to the east side of Bear Island, and the other takes you
around Huggins Island.
Getting There
Camping
Camping -- Find the outdoorsman in you. If primitive backpack
camping is what you desire, Hammocks Beach offers a haven
like no other. Come prepared for a secluded night. Weather
and insects can be harsh at times. Please remember to check
for inclement weather at the front desk when registering for
your camp site( s). You will be required to carry your equipment
to and from your campsite without assistance from park
staff. While packing for your visit with us please take into
consideration the ½ mile walk to the beach from the ferry
landing. The path can be hot and it is recommended that
you wear plenty of sunscreen and properly hydrate prior to
your visit. All campers must report to the offi ce to purchase
a camping permit and register their vehicles. If vehicles are
not registered they will be towed at owner’s expense.
Barrier Islands are in a constant state of change. Shaped
by the forces of wind, waves and storms. They provide
a unique habitat for a variety of fauna and fl ora. Some
examples of the fl ora found on Bear Island include live oak,
wax myrtle, sea oats, sea rocket, sea- beach amaranth and
beach morning glory.
Perhaps the most
interesting animal
found on the island is
the loggerhead sea
turtle. Between mid-
May and late August,
female loggerheads
come ashore at
midnight to nest above
the high tide line. Weighing from 150 to 300 pounds, the
females nest every three or four years. Nests range from 10
to 20 inches deep and contain approximately 120 eggs about
the size of ping- pong balls. After a two- month incubation period,
the hatchlings emerge from the nest and race to the sea. The
life of a baby sea turtle is a struggle for survival. Dangerous
predators abound like the sly fox and curious raccoons that
forage through turtle nests in search of their next meals.
Nocturnal creatures such as ghost crabs enjoy feeding on
the hatchlings as well. Should the loggerhead manage to
survive these threats, it may live up to 70 or 80 years and may
weigh in excess of 400
pounds. The loggerhead
turtle is on the Federal
List of Endangered and
Threatened Species.
Those who disturb or
harm turtles, nests or
hatchlings are subject to
penalties.
Hammocks Beach is also a haven for migratory shore birds
that feed in tidal marshes and rest on the beach in the spring
and fall. Watch herons and egrets search for food or witness
with awe and enthusiasm the unique- looking oyster catcher
crack open an oyster shell with his sharp slender beak.
Bottle- nosed dolphin swim offshore, while white- tailed deer,
raccoons and grey fox inhabit inland areas.
Make your visit a safe and rewarding experience. Some of our
regulations are posted for the protection of our visitors and
our park. A complete list is available at the park offi ce.
For Your Safety
William G. Ross Jr.
Secretary
Michael F. Easley
Governor
5,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $ 1,287.15 or .25 cents per copy.
5M 9/ 08
The N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation is a division of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Flora & Fauna Nature's Classroom Rules & Regulations
The sun- drenched shore of Hammocks Beach stretches for
almost four miles. Walk the length of the beach and fi nd
shells that have washed up in the night, but please leave
driftwood as it stabilizes the dunes and acts as a barrier
against the elements. From swimming through the breaking
ocean waves to creating the sand castle of your dreams,
there is an activity for everyone. Enjoy making lasting
memories while spending your vacations with us here at
Hammocks Beach State Park. Available weekly during
the summer months are interpretive programs on various
topics. Contact park staff for more information.
We DO NOT allow:
• Open fi res
• Public nudity
• Alcoholic beverages
• Camping in or around the bathhouse/ picnic area( s)
• Wagons/ carts are not permitted on the ferry.