Corolla and North Beach access

The Corolla and North Beaches are open to pedestrian and four wheel traffic. Operating a four-wheel vehicle on this beach requires a permit. See the permit process below:

Corrolla

 

BEACH PARKING PERMIT

 

Anglers using four-wheel drive vehicles on the Currituck beaches will need to purchase a permit to park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The permit fees are

This new permit system was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in an effort to increase safety in the four-wheel drive area, where large numbers of people and vehicles mix on a daily basis during the summer tourist season.

The permit system will be effective from the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day. Key provisions in the policy include:

  • All county residents and property owners may receive a free Seasonal permit for each vehicle they own by providing proof of ownership and current liability insurance. The permits will be issued specific to each vehicle.
  • County residents who live north of the North Beach Access Ramp may obtain two additional Guest permits. These permits will not be specific to a motor vehicle and may be used by guests of the resident.
  • Owners of a property located north of the North Beach Access Ramp that is in a rental program may receive two additional Guest permits. These are not specific to motor vehicles and may be used by renters staying at the property.
  • All others must pay a fee for a beach parking permit. These permits will be available for purchase from the Tourism Department on a temporary or seasonal basis. Fees will be $50 for a 10-day parking pass (valid for 10 consecutive days) and $150 for a Seasonal pass.

Types of Parking Permits

  • Seasonal– This permit is assigned to a specific vehicle and is good for the entire vacation season.  Seasonal permits are free to county residents and property owners.  Others may purchase a Seasonal permit for $150.
  • 10-Day– This permit is available for purchase ($50) by individuals who are not renting a home in Corolla and want to park on the four-wheel drive beach.  This would apply to day-trippers or those staying outside of Corolla.

Full-time residents in the four-wheel drive area are also allowed to receive two Guest permits.  These permits are valid through the entire season and are not assigned to a specific vehicle.

Owners of a property in a vacation rental program will have the option of allowing their property management company to distribute weekly Visitor permits to renters.  The county will provide these Visitor permits to the property management companies at the beginning of the season.

Likewise, individual property owners who rent their homes, such as AirBnB, may also receive Visitor passes to distribute each week to renters.

The new permit system will not apply to:

  • county vehicles
  • emergency vehicles
  • any government agency conducting beach restoration
  • scientific research
  • animal protection
  • commercial fishermen
  • outdoor tour operators when actively engaging in a tour
  • or hunters who are using state or federal land located within the Currituck Outer Banks.

 

Permits can be purchased at the following two locations:

Currituck County Welcome Center & Dept. of Travel and Tourism

106 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC 27958
Phone: 252-435-2947         Toll Free: 877-287-7488

Currituck Outer Banks Visitor’s Center in Corolla

500 Hunt Club Drive, Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: 252-453-9612

 

At this time, the county is preparing the new permit application system and the beach parking permits.  When everything is ready, applications may be completed online or mailed in to the county offices.  Permits may either be mailed to citizens or picked up in person at the Tourism Department.

For more information on the beach parking permit, you may contact:

Currituck Tourism Department – 252-435-2947

County Administrative office – 252-232-2075