Fourteen primitive backpack campsites are located on Bear Island. Drinking water and showers are open from March 15th through December 1st. No fires are permitted on the island and camping is not permitted the night before, of, or immediately following a full moon in the summer to reduce the disturbance of nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Access to all sites requires hiking. Contact the park office for more information.
Campsites are available year-round.
On Bear Island, lifeguards and a bathhouse are provided during the summer months from Memorial Day through Labor Day. On Bear Island, surf fishing is allowed from the shores of the park in accordance with NC Wildlife Resources regulations. No license is required. Canoeists and kayakers may reach Bear Island and explore the marsh by way of a designated canoe trail. Markers placed en-route indicate points of interest along the way.