Bodie Island Lighthouse Full Moon Climbs
The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse in the night time splendor of a full moon. During a 30 minute tour, visitors will have the opportunity to ascend the 219 steps of the lighthouse to the balcony, following the footsteps of generations of lighthouse keepers. Upon arriving at the balcony, visitors will be rewarded for their efforts with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape illuminated by the full moon. This is a truly unique experience and a memorable way to experience this historic structure!
- Full moon tour tickets will go on sale at 7AM the day of the climb. Advanced reservations are not available. There are only 8 people allowed per climb so there are no refunds for this tour unless the tour is cancelled.
- Full Moon climb times are:
- Wednesday, June 11 - 9:00pm, 9:30pm, 10:00pm, 10:30pm
- Thursday, July 10 – 9:00pm, 9:30pm, 10:00pm. 10:30pm
- Saturday, August 9 – 8:30pm, 9:00pm, 9:30pm, 10:00pm
- Sunday, September 7 – 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm
- Monday, October 6 – 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Safety and Rules
Please be at the base of the lighthouse 5 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
Children must be at least 42" tall and will be measured prior to climbing. Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own. Keep in mind that some children may not enjoy the dark, sometimes claustrophobic environment.
Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older.
Only one individual is permitted on each flight of stairs at a time; climbing in pairs or groups is not allowed.
The lifting or carrying of any person, including the use of child carriers, is strictly prohibited.
There is a 260 lb weight limit per person.
Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is not allowed.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco in the lighthouse.
No pets, other than service animals will be allowed.
Do not arrive in heels over 1.5 inches high or with bare feet.
Backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, and other bulky items also need to be left in your car.
Throwing any object off of the lighthouse is unsafe and prohibited.
- What to Expect
- The Bodie Island Lighthouse has 219 steps from the ground to the balcony level--equal to climbing a 10-story building. The spiral flights of narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side.
- There is no air conditioning and no elevator in the lighthouse. It may be noisy, humid, and hot inside the lighthouse. Visitors with heart, respiratory or other medical conditions, or who have trouble climbing stairs, should use their own discretion as to whether to take this tour.
- Climbers are welcome to bring water in a non-glass sealable container.
- There is no lighting inside the lighthouse so climbers should bring a flashlight on this tour.
- Directions
- North (From Richmond, VA)
Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (toll fees required). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South for approximately 5 1/2 miles then turn right on Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd.
- West (From Rocky Mount, NC)
Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South for approximately 5 1/2 miles then turn right on Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd.
- South (From Florence, SC)
Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South for approximately 5 1/2 miles then turn right on Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd.
