This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina ®

Beach Fires

Sitting around a fire on the beach can be romantic and relaxing. Beach fires are allowed, with regulations, on beaches in Nags Head and along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The regulations are as follows:

Nags Head
Permits are required and are obtained from the Nags Head Fire Department located at 5314 Croatan Highway after 5 p.m. on the specific day the fire is requested. Fires will not be permitted if winds are 10 knots or more. A picture ID, the address of applicant, and the location for the requested fire are required. Fires cannot be built within 50 feet of any combustible material. In addition, the hollowed-out pit must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and not less than 1 foot in depth. The fire must be attended by an adult and must be completely extinguished prior to leaving.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Small ground fires are permitted on the beach below the high tide line and a minimum 100 feet from dune vegetation. Ground fires must be attended by an adult and be completely extinguished using water, not sand, before leaving. Permits are not required.


The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, a public authority, is the lead marketing and promotional agency for The Outer Banks of North Carolina® and is funded by 1% occupancy and 1% prepared meals tax, collected in Dare County.

©1998- 2008 Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  Privacy Statement