News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Sees Busiest June in 16 Years

Visitors enjoying the Pamlico Sound with Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visible in the distance.

National Park Service

News Release Date: July 6, 2018

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) experienced an almost nine percent increase in total recreational visits this June compared to June 2017. Last month’s visitation (389,722) made it the busiest June at the Seashore since 2002.

So far in 2018, the Seashore has hosted 1,130,473 recreational visits, up almost 12 percent from the same period last year.

Year-To-Date Recreational Visits (through June)
2018 - 1,130,473
2017 - 1,011,579
2016 - 974,575
2015 - 898,636
2014 - 886,033

Visitation estimates are collected by counting southbound vehicles just north of the Bonner Bridge and using a multiplier to estimate the total number of passengers heading south. Those estimates are added to the number of passengers going to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.

“It is wonderful that Seashore visitation over the last two months has increased to levels that haven’t been seen in over a decade,” said Superintendent David Hallac. “The recreational activities available at the Seashore, along with outstanding local businesses, have given visitors from all around the world many reasons for spending time on the Outer Banks.”

The Seashore offers a variety of recreational activities, including beach recreation (swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, etc.); off-road vehicle use; fishing from the surf, boats, and piers; waterfowl hunting; lighthouse climbing; interpretive programs with a park ranger; camping; hiking; kayaking; watersports (surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, etc.); and wildlife viewing.