Why Cape Lookout National Seashore is Perfect For Pets

When going on vacation, it’s important to scope out all the activities, events, and daytrips near your destination. You never know what sort of adventures could be just around the corner!

Emerald Isle is a fantastic destination for anybody, but it’s also become a well-known pet-friendly vacation spot. This gem along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina is home to many treasures—so many, in fact, that you’ll have to come back many times to discover them all! Among these many adventures is visiting the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Whether you’ve heard of this National Seashore before or it’s completely new to you, today we’re here to showcase why Cape Lookout National Seashore is perfect for pets.

Let’s dive in!

What is a National Seashore?

Great question! We’re assuming you’ve heard of National Parks; National Seashores are similar! National Seashores are designated explicitly for preserving coastal areas, including beaches, dunes, and salt marshes, while National Parks can encompass a broader range of natural and cultural resources. There are ten national seashores in the United States (compared to 63 National Parks!).

Where Is Cape Lookout National Seashore?

Cape Lookout National Seashore is located three miles off the coast of North Carolina. This collection of barrier islands provides opportunities for horse watching, shelling, fishing, lighthouse climbing, and so much more. It’s also pet-friendly, so you won’t have to leave your pup at home!

How Do You Travel to Cape Lookout National Seashore?

Folks can access Cape Lookout by ferry. Island Express Ferry Service is the official ferry service that takes you to the island! They run passenger ferries from Harkers Island, NC, and Beaufort, NC, to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks. 

Traveling to Cape Lookout from Emerald Isle is a bit of a hike, but it’s worth it for the outstanding views, exciting activities, and the perfect day out with your pet. Plus, much of the travel time is spent on the ferry, which is a beautiful adventure in and of itself.

Are Pets Allowed on the Ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore?

Yes! Keep your dog on a leash while on the ferry, though—they can’t run wild throughout the boat! Contact the ferry before taking your dog aboard; the services accept pets, but it’s always a good idea to double-check first.

Do We Have to Keep Pets on Leashes?

Yes, for the safety of yourself, your dog, and others, all pets must be kept on a six-foot-long leash at all times. This keeps them safe and prevents them from getting lost or entering restricted areas or wildlife protection zones.

What is the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program?

The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program is a set of rules in place at Cape Lookout meant to keep your pets in line, as well as other visitors

Your pup can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger by doing the following:

B: Bag your pet’s waste

No one likes to step in waste, so don’t be the one to make it happen! Cleaning up after our pets is the least we can do to make sure Cape Lookout remains a happy place for everybody. Beyond that unpleasant experience, some waste can carry potential diseases for the animals that call Cape Lookout home. Bag it up!

A: Always leash your pet

We mentioned this above, but do the right thing and keep your pupper on a leash. It’s the best thing for them and our other friends on the island.

R: Respect wildlife

There’s plenty of wildlife to see here, so keep your distance if you’re traveling with your own furry friends. Keep at least fifty feet away from any wildlife you see! Your mere presence could trigger a wild animal, so it’s always best to proceed with caution.

K: Know where to go

Pets are allowed almost everywhere on the shore, so this isn’t a difficult one! Just make sure not to bring them inside any buildings.

Follow these steps to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Cape Lookout National Seashore:

1. Pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger brochure at the Harkers Island Visitor Center or Great Island Cabin Camp.
2. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles.
3. Complete at least one of the activities on the brochure card.
4. Sign your certificate at Harkers Island Visitor Center or Great Island Cabin Camp.
5. Award your pet with a BARK Ranger dog tag by purchasing a special Bark Ranger collar tag at the Eastern National Park Store.

What Can We Do With Dogs at Cape Lookout National Seashore?

There’s plenty to do with your dogs here! Since they can roam almost anywhere on the island with you (excluding buildings), you can explore 50 miles of shoreline or go hiking at Harkers Island Visitor Center.

Safety Notices to Keep in Mind for Summertime at Cape Lookout National Seashore:

It can get very hot in the summertime here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, so it’s important to keep some safety tips in mind when going out for the day with your pup.

• Always bring more than enough water for all the humans and dogs in your party. It’s better to be overprepared!
• Take note of the sidewalk and sand temperature. The beach, pavement, and boardwalks can all reach scorching temperatures in the summertime. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup. Consider investing in some dog booties!

Book Your Pet-Friendly Emerald Isle Vacation Directly with Sun-Surf Realty!

After a long day of exploring with your pet, return to the best pet-friendly rentals in Emerald Isle when you stay in a Sun-Surf Realty property! We have a wide selection of vacation rentals ranging from pet-friendly properties with private pools to pet-friendly homes with hot tubs, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

What are you waiting for? It’s about time you booked your trip. Browse our available Emerald Isle vacation rentals now and book your next trip directly with Sun-Surf!