Hammocks Beach State Park

Swansboro, NC

4.7(1,353 reviews)

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About this campground

Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro North Carolina is an undeveloped barrier island, dunes up to 60 feet, 3.5 miles of ocean beach, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal creeks, endangered sea turtles. Accessible only by boat; park operates a seasonal passenger ferry. Fourteen backpack family campsites, three backpack group campsites. Ocean swimming and fishing. Visitor's center with exhibits, interpretive programs. Short hiking trail across island; hiking along shoreline.

What campers say

Hammocks Beach State Park centers on ferry access to unspoiled Bear Island, where quiet beaches, primitive campsites, and clean bathhouses/showers are major draws. Visitors note a friendly, knowledgeable visitor center with educational exhibits and an easy kayak/canoe launch—paddles to the island can take about an hour to nearly two hours depending on route. The mainland side offers a smaller campground (roughly twenty sites), some full hookups, and well-kept facilities. Practical tradeoffs include limited ferry hours and first-come/first-served tickets, some island sites a walk from water and services, and occasional limited concession hours.

Our summary of 1,353 traveler reviews.