Cape Hatteras National Seashore's ORV and pedestrian beach access point in Buxton
Ramp 43 is one of Cape Hatteras National Seashore's numbered beach-access points, off Lighthouse Rd in Buxton on Hatteras Island. It provides off-road-vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access to the seashore near the lighthouse area. An NPS ORV permit is required for beach driving here. Access rules and seasonal closures — including resource closures for nesting shorebirds — can vary throughout the year, so check the National Park Service's beach activities page before you go.
For current conditions or permit questions, call (252) 475-9000 or visit the NPS's beach activities and ORV information page.
156 reviews
a year ago
Great beach. It wasn’t crazy busy even on a long weekend. 4 wheel drives can drive on the beach with permit so you will see ton of vehicles parked on the beach. Waves were strong and breeze was nice. Decent walk on the soft sand to get to the beach from parking lot.
a year ago
When we saw all the vehicles on the beach with the off road signs, we went online and got a 10 day permit at recreation.gov. Watch the short instruction video if you've never done sand driving! And make sure you are prepared for the possibility to get stuck if you don't know what you are doing. The back trail we did was a great experience with our 4x4 truck. It would be better with a lighter vehicle, but we did it and enjoyed the scenery. Had a young deer trot beside us for a bit. We see deer where we are from but none this brave.
a year ago
Planned to walk from the access ramp to the 90 degree island turn (Labrador waters meet the Gulf Stream) but couldn't because NPS had condoned off about a half square mile of bird protection which extended to the beach
a month ago
Gotta love driving on beach !
6 years ago
Lovely retreat from the town. Beach is not crowded, mostly folks fishing. Great for shells, clean and clear water.