Beach driving is definitely a fun thing to do on Ocracoke. However, you need to get a permit from the National Park Service and make certain that you’re in a 4WD vehicle that can maneuver in the deep sand. Believe us, you do not want to get your car or truck stuck on the beach. If your car is not suited to beach driving on Ocracoke Island, you can rent a Jeep or other 4x4 vehicle.
Off-Road Vehicle Use Permits
Obtaining an ORV permit is an easy process that takes only minutes from start to finish. Visit the Cape Hatteras ORV Permit page at Recreation.gov.
The online permit process is as simple as
- Going to the Cape Hatteras ORV Permit page on Recreation.gov,
- Filling out the online application
- Print the permit and proof-of-permit and place them in your vehicle (Annual proof-of-permit stickers will be mailed, but the printed proof-of-permit is good for 30 days).
In preparation for getting your permit, be sure you have
- your driver’s license,
- your vehicle registration,
- form of payment (charge card or cash)
Two types of permits are available for purchase. They are:
- a 10-day Permit ($50, valid for 10 consecutive days),
- an Annual Permit ($120, valid for one year from date of purchase).
Remember to keep the permit in the glove box of your permitted vehicle and the proof-of-permit sticker clearly visible on your windshield.
Beach Driving in Ocracoke
Ocracoke’s beach has attracted increasing national attention as it worked its way up on Dr. Beach’s acclaimed annual list of 10 Best Beaches in the USA; he named Ocracoke's Lifeguard Beach (formally called Ocracoke Beach Access) as America's #1 beach in 2007 and 2022. The beach is wide and clean and there are plenty of spots where, with a little effort, you can enjoy it undisturbed by...read more
Beach Driving in Ocracoke
At the corner of Silver Lake Road and N.C. Highway 12, this service rents 4x4 vehicles, including Jeeps and SUVs that are perfect for driving on Ocracoke's beach. Enjoy full or half-day rentals of 4x4 vehicles. Best of all, the required ORV driving permits are included when you rent a 4WD vehicle through Beach Ride Rentals. This company also rents convertible cars and scooters for...read more
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more
Beach Driving in Ocracoke
The majority of land on Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is publicly owned and administered by the National Park Service. The NPS Ocracoke Island Discovery Center is located at the southernmost end of N.C. Highway 12 near the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry docks. Here you’ll find trip-planning information, informational brochures, free maps, public restrooms, educational exhibits and a...read more
