Last Updated on May 31, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Hammocks Beach State Park, in Swansboro, North Carolina is a beautiful outdoor paradise offering recreational fun on the coast. It’s just north of North Carolina’s Topsail in Onslow County, and offers a serene escape for families. With more than 10 miles of pristine beach, secluded islands and family-friendly campgrounds, it’s a great destination for your next family getaway that’s on a budget.
What Makes Hammocks Beach State Park Great For Families
Whether you’re planning a day trip for hiking or a long-weekend camping trip, Hammocks Beach State Park is one of North Carolina’s most family-friendly parks. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation in a natural, uncrowded setting.
The park is home to Bear Island, and the park offers a full-time ferry service. So even the most secluded areas are easy for families to access. It’s a peaceful alternative to busier tourist beaches. As a mom of three, I’m always looking for less crowded destinations and Hammocks Beach State Park is fitting.
What To Pack For Your State Park Trip
No matter how long your park itinerary is, there are a few essentials to pack that will make your park experience better. Hammocks Beach State Park is a short drive from the downtown Swansboro area, but it’s remote enough that families would rather check-in and stay inside the park to make the most of their time. The park’s terrain includes marshlands, swampy areas, forest, and beaches lined with pillowy dunes.
- Sunscreen: The park offers some shady areas, but you’ll be exposed to direct sun on the water.
- Bug Spray: Forested areas, near the hiking trails and cabins, will have mosquitos.
- Food & Snacks: Bear island offers a very limited seasonal concession that’s cash only. Bring extra food and hydration options for the day, and even more for camping.
- Dress For The Season: Consider packing clothes with UPF protection for summer and layers for cooler seasons.
- Infant or Toddler Carrier: Many areas of the state park are not stroller-friendly. Consider using an infant carrier or toddler hiking carrier instead.
- Red Lens Flashlight: No white lights (flashlights) are permitted at night during turtle nesting season (May-October). Use a red lens flashlight only on the beachfront at night.
Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Information
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, ferry service to Bear Island operates daily. It runs 7 days per week, every hour during the week days and every 30 minutes on the weekends. Guests purchase tickets at 8AM when the Visitors Center opens.
Ferry tickets are sold on the day of departure on a first-come, first-served basis. No online or advance reservations are available.Tickets sell out around noon during holiday season, so plan ahead.
Ticket sales close five minutes before the scheduled departure time and every passenger, including babies, must have a ticket. Ferry boarding begins ten minutes before the scheduled departure time at the ferry waiting station. Collapsable wagons are permitted onboard.
Ferry Service Ticket Cost:
- Adults 13+: $10
- Adults 62+: $5
- Child 3-12: $5
- Children under 3: Free
I recommend waiting at the Visitors Center, if you have wiggly kids. There are small exhibits for them to see inside, restrooms, and chairs on the patio with a great view of the water.
The ferry service only runs to Bear Island, even though the park is home to several barrier islands: Bear Island, Huggins Island, Dudley Island, and Jones Island.
Hammocks Beach State Park Camping With Kids
Primitive camping, cabins, and RV-hook ups are available at the park. There are two Hammocks Beach State Park camping areas available, on the mainland or on Bear Island. There’s only primitive camping available on Bear Island, but there are far more amenities on the mainland.
Simmons Mainland Campground
Reservations for the mainland camping area can be booked 6 months ahead of time. Pick from 12 full hook-up sites, 7 non-electric sites, 2 primitive campsites, a group campsite and 4 cabin cottages (see video above for a full tour). The camper cabins have a 2-day minimum year-round and a 3-day minimum for holidays. Check-in at the visitor center after 3:00p.m.
The cabin cottages are the most family-friendly option, with two twin bunk beds for kids. They’re air-conditioned and sleep up to six guests. No pets are allowed. The family restroom is very nice, and it’s in addition to the gender divided shower areas. Plus, there’s a bottle fill station. There are plans for a kayak launch and fishing dock in the future.
Mainland Campground Pricing Per Night (as of 2025): $78 per night cabin, $45 for RV, $30 tent (non electric), $20 primitive site.
Bear Island Camping
Just like the mainland, all Bear Island campsites are open for reservation at the 6-month booking window. Guests can only access the campsites by seasonal passenger ferry service, canoe, kayak, or private boat. No late check-in is available. Bring all of your own camping equipment. Bear Island primitive camping is $20 per night.
Bear Island camping is not my pick for families, because the mainland has such great amenities that will keep your family more comfortable. Personally, I like a hybrid camping option that keeps us comfortable but still gives us the experience.
Best Kids Activities At Hammocks Beach State Park
If you’re going to the park for a day trip and only have time for one experience, I recommend taking the Ferry to Bear Island for the day. Snack concessions and restrooms are available during the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season as well.
Family Kayaking Paddle Trails
The shallow and calm waters at the park make it a great destination for family kayaking. A private concessionaire (3rd party) in the park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours.
There are five paddle trails in the park, but the only easy one is Queen’s Creek Trail, which is .7 miles one way. The next family-friendly option is Trout Channel Spur, which is .4 miles one way and a moderate difficulty.
Hiking At Hammocks Beach
See the maritime beauty of the park by taking a family hike. Easily mix and match aquatic fun with some trailside adventure. It’s home to a 5-mile hiking trail system open year-round. Hike through maritime forests, between marshes, and along beaches. The trails are relatively flat and great opportunities for wildlife viewing, which kids love. Be prepared for wooden paths and sandy areas.
Keep an eye out for Red-tailed Hawks soaring above and small crabs scurrying along the shore. I also recommend checking the event calendar for ranger-led family hikes.
Fishing At Hammocks Beach
One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing. Species such as flounder, red drum, sea trout, and bluefish live in the area. It’s a great park for anglers of all levels.
The two fishing piers available, Bogue Sound side and the Onslow Bay side, offer a variety of ways angels can cast off. Or pick the boat launch and rent a kayak rentals, so you can fish from the paddle trails. Be sure to check the North Carolina fishing regulations guidelines before your visit.
Nearby Family Attractions To Add To Your Itinerary
There are so many great recreational activities to do inside the park, but there’s nearby attractions that are to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for more family fun. Head to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center if your little ones love sea turtles.
If you want to see even more sea life and learn about the local eco systems, grab tickets to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Lastly, if pirates are what your kids love, visit during the Swansboro Pirate Fest and plan for an evening Crystal Coast Ghost Tour to cap off your fun. Onslow County is full of family-friendly attractions and Hammocks Beach State Park is a great place to call home during your visit.