OCRACOKE, N.C. — Would-be Outer Banks vacationers have good news: the Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds on Ocracoke Island will stay open through the winter this year.
A release from the seashore Wednesday morning said this would be a break from tradition: usually, the grounds close after Thanksgiving.
That's 136 sites for people to stay while they enjoy chilly walks on the beach, and the calm atmosphere of the Outer Banks post-season.
The Oregon Inlet campgrounds, near the north end of the island chain, will also be open year-round. It's the second year this has been the case.
David Hallac, the superintendent for National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, said this was a test-run to see if more campgrounds should regularly be available year-round.
“Last year, we decided to keep the Oregon Inlet Campground open all winter and it was well-used," Hallac wrote. "Extended camping seasons align with our plans to modernize campgrounds and broaden the opportunities for the public to have high-quality camping experiences.”
If you plan to use the campgrounds, officials recommend reserving spots in advance.
The reservations can be made online at recreation.gov, or by calling 877.444.6777.
