Where is Cape Lookout National Seashore, Harkers Island, North Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Cape Lookout National Seashore is located in North Carolina, USA.It lies between Beaufort and Ocracoke Island, situated along the Outer Banks barrier islands, and is famous for its lighthouse, wild beaches, and natural coastal habitats.

Cape Lookout National Seashore Location Map, Harkers Island, North Carolina

Where is Cape Lookout National Seashore Located in Harkers Island, North Carolina
About Map: The map showing location of Cape Lookout National Seashore in the Harkers Island, North Carolina in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Cape Lookout National Seashore

  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse – Iconic striped lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast.
  • Shackleford Banks – Barrier island known for wild horses and pristine beaches.
  • Great Island Beach – Expansive sandy beach perfect for swimming, shelling, and sunbathing.
  • Historic Villages – Preserved settlements showcasing the maritime and local history of the area.
  • Fishing and Boating Spots – Popular locations for saltwater fishing, kayaking, and boating.
  • Nature Trails – Scenic walking paths through dunes, maritime forests, and coastal habitats.
  • Birdwatching Areas – Prime spots for observing migratory birds and shorebird species.

Cape Lookout National Seashore Facts

Official NameCape Lookout National Seashore
LocationCarteret County / Outer Banks, southeastern North Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx. center)**≈ 34.6° N, 76.5° W
Total Area28,243 acres (≈ 11,425 hectares) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Length / Barrier‑Islands Span~56 miles (≈ 90 km) of barrier‑island coastline from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Established / DesignatedMarch 10, 1966 :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Main Islands / ComponentsNorth Core Banks, South Core Banks, Shackleford Banks (plus associated sounds & waters) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Main Themes / ConceptBarrier‑island system preservation — beaches, dunes, salt marshes, maritime habitat, wild horses, historic villages & lighthouse, remote natural coast
Notable Features & Highlights163‑ft “diamond‑pattern” Cape Lookout Lighthouse, wild horses on Shackleford Banks, undeveloped beaches & dunes, salt marshes, remote barrier‑island ecosystem, historic villages (e.g. Portsmouth Village on North Core Banks) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Habitats & EcologyBarrier‑island beaches & dunes, grasslands, salt marshes, maritime forest (on Shackleford), estuarine & sound‑side waters — supports beach grasses, shorebirds, marine life, protected species, coastal ecosystems :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Access / How to ReachAccessible only by boat or ferry (from mainland via Harkers Island or nearby departure points); no bridges or roads from mainland to barrier islands :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Typical Activities / Visitor OptionsBeach and dune walking, swimming, shell‑collecting, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, boating, wildlife & bird watching, lighthouse visits, camping, shelling, exploring historic sites & villages, stargazing under dark skies :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Camping & Overnight AccessBeach / back‑country camping and rustic cabins available (on certain islands/areas), but visitors must bring supplies — minimal infrastructure :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Special Designations / StatusPart of U.S. National Seashore system; barrier‑island ecosystem protected; remote & undeveloped coastline preservation; also recognized for dark‑sky / natural habitat values :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Nearest Mainland / Access PointHarkers Island / mainland North Carolina (visitor center & ferry departures) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Currency (for services/fees)United States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/calo/ :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Distances from Cape Lookout National Seashore to Nearby Landmarks

  • Beaufort, NC – 48 km (30 mi)
  • Core Sound – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Shackleford Banks – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Lookout Bight Beach – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Ocracoke Island – 55 km (34 mi)
  • North Core Banks – 8 km (5 mi)
  • South Core Banks – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Atlantic Ocean Shoreline – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Harkers Island – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Fort Macon State Park – 95 km (59 mi)
  • Atlantic Beach, NC – 90 km (56 mi)
  • Cape Lookout Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Folly Island – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Ocracoke Lighthouse – 55 km (34 mi)
  • Newport, NC – 70 km (43 mi)
  • Beaufort Historic District – 48 km (30 mi)
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum – 48 km (30 mi)
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore Campgrounds – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Core Banks Wilderness – 10 km (6 mi)
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