• About the Park

    Jockey's Ridge © Bill Birkemeier
The tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast is a premier location for kites, sightseeing and sunsets, with a view arcing from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. A visitor center with museum and 360-foot boardwalk with exhibits explain the dune’s ecology and are a gradual entry to the massive dune field. Sandboarding is welcome and hang-gliding is available through a vendor. Shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Location

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is located in Dare County on the Outer Banks. The entrance to the park, Carolista Drive, is in the town of Nags Head at milepost 12 on the Hwy 158 Bypass (South Croatan Hwy).

Park Hours

  • November to February, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • March to April, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • May to September, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • October, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Closed Christmas Day

Sound Side Access Gate

  • October to March, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • April to September, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Park Visitor Center Hours

  • October to March, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • April to September, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Facilities

  • Picnic shelters
  • Visitor Center
  • Museum
  • Auditorium
  • No camping facilities
Facility Reservations

Handicapped Accessibility

The 384-foot boardwalk ends with a spectacular view of Jockey’s Ridge. Along the tree-lined walkway are information panels describing the various plants and animals found around the dunes. There is a bench on the overlook for visitors who wish to wait for their families playing on the dunes. By calling ahead a minimum of 24-hours in advance, visitors with mobility restrictions can request a ride between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm in our all-terrain-vehicle to the top of the dunes. Rides will take approximately 30-45 minutes and availability will depend on weather and staff availability. Please call the park office for further details at (252) 441-7132.

Having a Safe Visit

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a wonderful place to visit, but like anywhere else, there are a few things to keep in mind. Please visit the NC State Parks site for safety tips and rules.

Safety Tips & Rules

Programs

The programs offered vary with each season. Visit the NC State Parks website for a full listing of upcoming programs and events. All are free and open to the public. Some programs are accessible for the physically disabled. Please call the park office about reservations at 1-877-722-6762.

Upcoming Programs