About Bodie Island Lighthouse
The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tours are a great way to experience these historic structures! Bodie Island Lighthouse is open seasonally for self-guided tours.. Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of your intended climb. Tickets go on sale daily at 7 a.m. Tickets may not be purchased for future dates. Please be at the base of the lighthouse 5 minutes before your ticket time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse may not be open for climbing due to ongoing restoration efforts. Please call (252) 475-9018, hours are 7:00 am - 6:00 pm est. if you have questions. This tour may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (i.e., high winds, storms, and/or lightning in the area).
How to Get There
North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking. West (From Rocky Mount, NC) Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking. South (From Florence, SC) Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bodie Island Lighthouse
Heading to Bodie Island Lighthouse? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bodie Island Lighthouse?
No central reservation system listed for Bodie Island Lighthouse. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252034) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bodie Island Lighthouse?
North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue…
How do I contact Bodie Island Lighthouse?
You can reach the park at phone: CAPE HATTERAS LIGHT HOUSE: 252-475-9602. BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE: 252-475-9018. .
References & Official Resources
