As a child I can remember my family visiting the North Carolina beaches all the time. We’d do the whole routine of applying sunscreen, gathering all are stuff and then making the trek from the car to the beach with our arms loaded down with coolers, chairs, toys, towels, blankets and all the other things one would need on the beach. By the time we would reach the beach we’d all need a break. I always inwardly dreaded having to make that walk onto the beach. We never drove on the beach, in all honesty I had no idea there was driving on NC beaches.
Then I met Andrew and he completely changed how I “beach” and in all honesty how my family “beaches” too. Andrew grew up driving on NC beaches so he has never known the struggle of carrying all your things to the beach only to realize you’ve left something in the car. His family mostly drove on the Outer Banks, but as a couple we have also driven on Carolina Beach and at Fort Fisher State Park too.
Imagine, you drive onto the beach, pick a nice quiet spot away from everyone else to park. You set up your chairs right outside of your vehicle. Everything you need is right there, because your vehicle is right there. It’s perfect for everyone! Especially those with children or elderly who wouldn’t be able to experience the beach otherwise.
How This Article “Our Best Tips and Tricks for Driving on NC Beaches” Is Organized
We have compiled everything from the history of driving on the beaches of North Carolina to what you’ll need to bring with you. If you are looking for something specific definitely skip ahead to the section you are looking for. The sections are listed in order below:
Table of Contents
- How This Article “Our Best Tips and Tricks for Driving on NC Beaches” Is Organized
- The History of Driving on the Beaches of North Carolina
- Where Can You Drive on the Beach in North Carolina?
- Research to do Before Heading to the Beach
- Items We Suggest You Bring For Driving on the NC Beaches
- Tips For Driving on the Beaches of NC
- Conclusion
The History of Driving on the Beaches of North Carolina
While it’s unclear when people began driving on the beaches of NC, it is clear when it became more regulated. The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association played a massive part in the regulating and preserving of our beaches of North Carolina for future generations of North Carolina drivers.
In March of 1962 a massive nor’easter wrecked havoc on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, so much so that the government considered banning beach driving.
The beginning of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association was oddly enough begun by a visitor from New Jersey. This visitor was Richard “Smokey” Schollar, a member of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. He was the one who suggested to Bob Preston that he begin a Beach Buggy Association in North Carolina. Bob Preston went on to become the first president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association in 1964.
Currently there are members from all 50 states and a handful of countries. Uniquely numbered blue license plates identify the members of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association. (Bob Preston’s plate was #1). They have issued over 15,000 numbered blue license plates.
The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association was and is very active in patrolling and enforcing the ORV rules and regulations. Next time you are driving down the beaches of the Outer Banks and you see a blue license plate be sure to thank them for all that they have done so that we can all enjoy driving on the beaches of North Carolina.
You can find more about the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association here.
Where Can You Drive on the Beach in North Carolina?
- Carova – Driving on Carova is free, but if you plan to park a permit is required.
- Corolla – Corolla has the same rules as Carova, including the required permit to park.
- Duck – On Duck there are only privately owned beach entrances. Unfortunately there aren’t any public driving areas in Duck.
- Nags Head – Nags Head property owners can drive on the beach from October 1 through April 30. Hours are sunrise to sunset.
- Hatteras National Seashore – ORV entrance ramps begin near Oregon Inlet, NC and the last ORV driving entrances are along Ocracoke Island.
- Emerald Isle – A permit is required September through April. Check the official Emerald Isle website for specific dates.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore – Driving is allowed on both barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The Cape Lookout National Seashore is only accessible by ferry and an ORV permit is required for beach driving.
- Carolina Beach – Freeman Park is open to the public year round. You can purchase a 24 hour pass at the entrance of Freeman Park or you can buy an annual pass online.
- Fort Fisher State Park/Zeke’s Island Preserve – A permit is required and can be obtained at the Fort Fisher State Park ranger office. Driving is open throughout the Summer months from sunrise to sunset and open 24 hours from September 15 through March 31. You can visit the Fort Fisher State Park website for more information.
Research to do Before Heading to the Beach
Before heading out to drive on the North Carolina beaches we suggest you research a few crucial things. There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at the beach entrance and realizing a requirement was forgotten.
Is A Driving Permit Required?
Many of the coastal towns of North Carolina that offer driving on the beach a permit is required. Research is required to be sure that the correct permit has been acquired and also that it’s affixed correctly.
What Time Can You Drive On The Beach?
This questions is one that most people wouldn’t think of when they’re heading out to drive on the beach, but some beaches have a strict time that the beach closes while others are open for 24 hours. You will need to know when the beach you have chosen opens and closes for driving.
Where Are The Beach Accesses?
While this one may seem like common sense we highly suggest you research where the beach accesses are located and how far apart they are. Some beach entrances can be a ways away from a gas station so knowing how much gas you will need to reach the entrance along with the amount needed to drive on the beach is crucial! Also some entrances, like the one around the Hatteras Lighthouse can be hard to find.
Do You Need To Bring Anything?
Yes, and no. We’ll explain in more detail the specific items we suggest in the section below “Items We Suggest You Bring For Driving on the NC Beaches” there are at times items that are required. You will need to research exactly what your permit requires you to bring with you on your drive down the beach.
Will I Need To Know The Tide Before Going Out On The Beach?
Absolutely! There are certain beaches that at high tide become nearly impassable. We always check the tide charts before departing out onto the beach. You wouldn’t want to be caught by the ocean, not only will you lose your vehicle, but you will no doubt be come a laughable meme. Check the tide charts…no one wants to be a viral meme.
Items We Suggest You Bring For Driving on the NC Beaches
Affiliate Disclosure: There are Amazon affiliate links in this article where we may earn a small sum of money when you order the items we love and suggest through our link. These links help support us so that we can continue to share amazing North Carolina content with you. We are incredibly grateful for you.
Many of the items listed below are items we personally use and suggest you keep with you, but in some areas such as the Hatteras National Seashore some of these items are required. You need to check and see which items are required on the North Carolina beach you are visiting.
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Tow Strap
- Traction Mats
- Shovel
- Gas Can Full of Gas
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit
- Mobile Air Compressor
Tips For Driving on the Beaches of NC
Okay, you’ve picked a beach, you’ve done your research and grabbed all your gear. You find yourself sitting at the ramp wondering, “What happens now?” Don’t worry, we have you covered with the best tips and tricks for driving on the beach!
First, remember that gauge we posted about needing above? Now is the time when you are going to use it. We suggest airing down your tires to between 15psi-25psi. Andrew prefers 15psi, but the right psi can depend on the type of tire and the size. 15psi-25psi is a good range to stick to.
Next you will need to drive forward a little bit and engage the four wheel drive. This is extremely important. You cannot drive on the beach without four wheel drive. Trust me, we’ve tried it.
Before entering the ramp you will need to check for pedestrians walking or vehicles exiting. Most ramps have a parking area where people can park and then walk to the beach. You always want to be on the lookout for people who many be using the ramp on foot.
Start climbing the ramp slowly and then begin to throttle up. As I mentioned above most beach ramps have a small or even sometimes a large hill that you’ll need to get over. Do your best not to stop on the entrance ramp. If you do end up stopping, back. a little and start again.
Once you have driven onto the beach it’s usually smooth sailing. The entrance is where most people get stuck. Congratulations! You’re driving on the beach now.
As you’re driving along the beach try to stay in the shallow ruts made by other vehicles. The sand in the ruts tends to be more packed down and will be much easier to drive in.
Things To Remember While Beach Driving
A few things to remember while you’re driving. Never drive in between a parked vehicle and the ocean, watch for parts of the beaches that are blocked off for nesting native birds, never drive over or near a sea turtle nest, and always be watching how far the ocean is coming up to the beach. We highly suggest you never park below the high tide mark and please clean up all your trash. We want to keep our North Carolina beaches beautiful and clean!
While exiting our gorgeous North Carolina beach you will do much the same things as you did when you entered the beach. Try not to stop, watch for pedestrians and keep in four wheel drive. You made it!
Conclusion
You did it! You successfully drove on the beach for the first time. Wasn’t it fun? We love driving on the beach and are excited to share that love with others.
Maybe you had a rough first trip driving on the beach, just remember that the more you drive on the beach the smoother it will go. Enjoy the ride, always.
If you have any questions about this article or others feel free to leave a comment below or you can message us over on our Instagram account (@ncfunfoodfamily). You can also email us at ncfunfoodfamily@gmail.com
