Metal Detectors: 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7) prohibits use of metal detectors in all national parks.

Fireworks: 36 CFR 2.38(b) prohibits the use or possession of fireworks in all national parks. 

Vehicles: All vehicles used in the park, including portions of the beach open for driving, must have a current vehicle registration, license tag, and the operators must have a current driver's license. No ATV’s are permitted in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Operation of a vehicle off paved roads is permitted only on marked routes or on designated portions of the beach. 

Horses: Horses may be ridden only on the ocean beach seaward of the existing dunes, on vehicular beach access routes, along road shoulders or across paved routes where travel is necessary to cross to or from beach or beach access routes.

Bicycling:  Use extreme cau­tion. There are no established bike paths within the National Seashore. Highway 12 is a relatively narrow paved road with soft shoulders.

Swimming: Lifeguarded beaches at Coquina, Buxton, and Ocracoke are staffed during summer months. Tides, rip currents and strong waves make ocean swimming extremely hazardous. 

Surfing: For safety reasons, surfing is prohibited within desig­nated lifeguarded beach swim­ming areas, specific areas adjacent to villages, and within 300 feet of fishing piers.

Pet Policy: Dogs, cats, or other pets are prohibited throughout the park unless crated, caged, on a six-foot leash, or otherwise under physical re­straint. Pets are prohibited on designated swim­ming beaches. Pets running at large will be apprehended and returned to their owner, if known and located, or deliv­ered to the local animal shelter for disposal in accordance with local proce­dures. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are permitted to remain with their owners at all times.

Fishing - Boating: Surf, sound, and pier fishing is excellent in the spring and fall. Fishing tackle may be rented at most tackle and bait stores. There are several marinas in the area which offer charter, head-boat services and have boat launching ramps. National Park Service boat launching ramps are located near the Oregon Inlet Marina and near SilverLake on OcracokeIsland.

Open Fires: In Cape Hatteras National Seashore, open fires are permitted only in grills provided in designated campgrounds and picnic areas. Ground fires are permitted only on the ocean beach below high tide line.

Dump Stations: RV dump stations are located near Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and Ocracoke Camp­grounds.

Weather: For current weather conditions contact the National Weather Service at (252) 223-5737 or on the Internet.

Nature/Hiking Trails: Signed nature trails in the Seashore include: Hammock Hills Nature Trail (OcracokeIsland), Buxton Woods Nature Trail (Hatteras Island), and Bodie Island Dike Trail (BodieIsland).

Personal Watercraft: The trailering, launching or landing of PWCs on any NPS ocean or soundside beaches, public boat ramps at Oregon Inlet and OcracokeIsland, and operation of PWCs within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is prohibited.