Cape Lookout National Seashore

Looking to put together a getaway for a couple friends, all with trucks. Came across Cape Lookout National Seashore. Appears to be something we could slowly amble down over the course of 2 or 3 days, camping on the beach at night.

Anyone have any experience here? Worth the time for two of us from the Finger Lakes in NY and another from Atlanta to see?

I saw another NC off road mention by @bigshane. Are you local to NC? Any thoughts on Cape Lookout?

Thanks!

 

Copy. Although I may use you for future reference...

 

Cape Lookout National Seashore is comprised of three barrier islands; North Core Banks (Portsmouth Island), South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks. None have any permanent inhabitants, roads or services. Vehicles are not permitted on Shackleford and it is accessible only by private boats or commercial passenger ferries (pontoon boats).

Portsmouth or South Core are where you want to be. Each island is roughly twenty miles in length and vehicle access is provided by private ferry services; Morris Marina http://www.portsmouthislandfishing.com/ serves Portsmouth while Davis Ferry http://www.davisferry.com/ and Cape Lookout Ferry Service http://www.calocabins-campsinc.net/ will get you and your truck to South Core. It is not possible to move from one island to another with your vehicle.

These are links to a couple of trips I've been a part of (Not sure if you have to join Expo or not to see them but it's a useful site and I've not seen any spam as a result)

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...National-Seashore/page15?highlight=portsmouth Actual TR starts @ post #142

and

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...Greet-Spring-2015/page15?highlight=portsmouth TR @ post #150


XJAugie did separate TR's with a good bit more detial on the first
Day 1 - http://www.augiesadventures.com/camping-on-portsmouth-island-day-1/#more-1449

Day 2 - http://www.augiesadventures.com/portsmouth-island-day-2/

Day 3 - http://www.augiesadventures.com/portsmouth-island-day-3/

Portsmouth is my preference as it seems a bit more remote and has the Village. South Core has more day trippers especially in the lighthouse area. Camping is allowed most anywhere between the high tide line and the dunes on either island. Let me know if you need more info or have questions.

Edit - Some photos may show pictures of cabins which are managed by the Park Service and available for rent.

Al

 

Al - thanks for the write up. I think there's a pretty high likelihood this happens sometime in the next few months...