Cape Lookout National Seashore Orv Permits
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Explore Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a dynamic barrier island ecosystem that protects unique plants and wildlife. Stretching approximately 55 miles along the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Seashore encompasses North Core Banks (Portsmouth Island), South Core Banks (Davis Island), and Shackleford Banks. Visitors are drawn to its soft sandy beaches, renowned fishing, excellent shelling, historic lighthouse and village, wild horses, and ever-changing coastal landscapes. To drive any vehicle, including ATVs and UTVs, on South Core Banks or North Core Banks, an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permit is required.
How to Obtain an ORV Permit:
Educational Video: Watch a short video on off-road driving at Cape Lookout National Seashore here .
Permit Access:
Log into your Recreation.gov account.
Go to My Reservations, select Cape Lookout ORV Permit, and click Print Permit.
Important: If printing from a mobile device, the document may appear blank. If you lack a printer, ask the rangers at the cabin office for assistance.
Permit Copies:
Keep a printed or digital copy of the permit in your vehicle at all times.
Decal Distribution
Decals are issued upon arrival at the islands.
Decal Pickup Locations:
Great Island Cabin Camp Office 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Law Enforcement Park Rangers upon showing your printed permit.
Decal Placement
Place the ORV permit decal on the upper-driver-side corner of the outside of vehicle windshield.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Cape Lookout National Seashore while helping preserve this remarkable environment for generations to come.
Permit & Season Information
This permit allows you to operate an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) on designated routes within Cape Lookout National Seashore.
General Information
Every vehicle needs its own ORV permit and decal.
Keep the permit inside the vehicle at all times while on the islands.
Display the decal on the windshield (vehicles) or front fender (ATVs/UTVs).
ORV use is only allowed on North Core Banks and South Core Banks.
No ORV driving is permitted from January 1 through mid-March.
The ORV Management Plan establishes designated routes to protect wildlife, dunes, and habitat. Follow posted markers; wildlife zones and nesting areas are closed to driving.
Decal Details
Decal Pickup:
Great Island Cabin Camp Office
Upon arrival via vehicle ferry
Proof of Purchase:
Printed or digital copy accepted
Save a screenshot for areas with limited service
Permit Validity
Valid for the season of purchase (mid-March through December 31).
No cap on the number of permits issued.
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Need to Know
PERMITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE & ONLY VALID FOR CAPE LOOKOUT
How to Get an ORV Permit
Your vehicle must:
Be registered, licensed, insured, and pass inspection according to where it's registered (state, country, or province).
For ATVs/UTVs: North Carolina doesn't require them to be licensed or insured. When buying a permit, enter your driver’s license number instead of a plate number.
Watch a short educational video about off-road driving at Cape Lookout National Seashore https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/orv_ed_certificate.htm.
Driving Rules
Speed limit: 25 mph, unless posted otherwise. Slow down near parked cars—kids or pets may run out unexpectedly.
Stay off dunes and vegetation. No driving or parking between dunes, on dunes, or on plants.
Sound side driving is not allowed.
Follow all NC driving laws:
Seatbelts required
No open alcohol containers (even in truck beds)
Passengers in truck/UTV beds must sit flat (not on side rails, chairs, or coolers)
Obey wildlife closure signs.
ATV riders must:
Be at least 16
Wear a DOT-approved helmet and safety glasses/goggles
Only carry the number of riders the ATV is built for
No reckless driving. Don’t spin donuts, throw sand, or damage the beach.
No driving at night with accessory light bars on.
Beach Rules
Pets must be on a leash (6 feet max) or otherwise contained. No pets in protected wildlife zones.
Camping rules:
No camping on dunes or thick vegetation
Maximum stay: 14 consecutive days
Beach fires:
Must be below the high tide line and no larger than 3 feet wide
Must be fully put out with water
If using a fire pit or stove, keep it between the tide line and the dunes—not in the dunes
Not allowed: Fireworks, drones, or metal detectors
Safety
Do not drive between parked vehicles and the ocean—you might snag a fishing line.
Park in a single row parallelled along the dune line, leaving space for two-way traffic.
Check weather and tides before driving. Some areas are impassable at high tide.
Respect wildlife closures:
For full ramp-to-ramp closures, use the back road
For partial closures, drive behind them near the dunes—not along the water’s edge
Do not feed, disturb, or approach wildlife. Report stranded marine mammals to park staff.
Recommended Equipment
Low-pressure tire gauge
Shovel
Jack and a support board
Tire Pressure
Lower tires to 18–20 PSI before driving in sand
The softer the sand, the lower the pressure needed
Reinflate tires when returning to paved roads (local air stations available)
Optional but Helpful
Full-size spare tire
First-aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Trash bag or container
Flashlight (if night driving)
Tow strap
Fee Policy
PERMIT Fee: January 4th - March 12th, the permit is $35.00 for the 2026 Season.
March 13th - December 31st, the permit is $75.00 for the 2026 Season.
Permit Fees ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE & ONLY VALID FOR CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE
Cancellation Policy
Park Policy
Permit fees ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE & ONLY VALID FOR CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE
Lost Decals: Will not be re-issued.
ORV Permit Assignment and Transfer Policy: Your ORV Permit is assigned to the vehicle registered at the time of purchase and cannot be transferred to another vehicle. If the registered vehicle is sold, a new ORV Permit must be purchased for the replacement vehicle. ORV Permits are non-transferable under any circumstances.
