Cape Hatteras National Seashore Sees Highest June Visitation in 18 Years

Posted By Matt Artz on July 15, 2020

The National Park Service reports that the Cape Hatteras National Seashore experienced the second highest level of June recreational visitation since the establishment of the Seashore in 1953.

Last month’s total visitation of an estimated 399,364 people is an increase of almost four percent over June of 2019.

Top 5 Highest June Recreational Visits by Year

2002: 410,366
2020: 399,364
1999: 393,401
2018: 389,722
1998: 388,012

The following are ways that visitors can keep the Seashore safe and enjoyable for everyone:

• Check the rip current forecast before heading to the beach. Go to: www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Beach visitors can also sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting ‘Join OBXBeachConditions’ to 30890.
• Practice the Three W’s – Wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wait six feet apart in line. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Dogs off leash is a growing problem on Seashore beaches. For your dog’s sake, please keep them on a minimum 6’ leash.
• Before driving on designated off-road vehicle (ORV) routes in your permitted vehicle, it is strongly recommended that tire pressure be lowered to at least 20 psi.
• Beach equipment must not be left on beaches overnight. Items left overnight on the beach are considered abandoned and are subject to removal.

“The ease at which it is possible to remain socially distanced on area beaches may have helped contribute to the increased visitation last month,” stated National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac. “The Seashore offers 70 miles of undeveloped beaches for visitors to enjoy.”

Visitation estimates are collected by counting southbound vehicles just north of the Marc Basnight Bridge and using a multiplier to estimate the total number of passengers heading south. Those estimates are added to the number of passengers going to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.

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