Source
r/obx•
array_repairman

Beach driving question

My family has a trip planned to OBX this summer. We will be driving out in my truck, and plan to do some beach driving. I have a few questions.

I have heard that there are plenty of air stations up north in the 4X4 area, but what about the other beaches down south? Should we add a compressor to our pack list?

Up north, if I'm researching correctly, you only need a permit if your park, but not driving, correct? But south by Avon and further south you need a permit from NPS just to drive? We are staying by Avon, but want to see the wild horses, so I'm trying to plan what permits we need.

Are riders in the bed of a pickup kosher on the beach?

Thanks in advance. We are looking forward to our trip!

Posted Apr 27, 2021, 2:17 AM UTC

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hi_revver•

If you are staying in avon there are a couple good air pumps at the gas station on the south end. Beware because you may have to wait awhile if you wait till checkout day. I typically bring a pump and air up while I'm packing up (or go to the air pump late the night before or super early departure day).

You do need a permit to drive on any of the southern beaches. The park service website does a good job of answering all those questions related to the permits. I haven't been up north (Carova) in several years but I do belive they changed the laws. Again, the park service should be able to answer. Some people don't realize how long the outer banks are so word of caution, driving from Avon to wild horse territory is probably more than 2 hours without traffic. When you get there you drive around on sand for a couple hours, then drive back. Makes for a long day.

Rules of the road apply on the beach.. if it's legal in NC to ride in a pickup bed it's legal on the beach. I believe it is but just check the law.

Have fun, clean up, and don't be a dick! Haha

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array_repairmanOP•

Thanks, we knew it was hike to get up there, and are making a day of it, hitting some things in Kitty Hawk, as well. How much time does traffic normally add during tourist season? I have seen that on check in/out days it can get really bad, but what about mid week?

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iankillsv3v1•

They didn’t do it at all it’s a myth from them beware you do need the permits tho

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200kWJ•

Yes in Corova (North of Corolla) the beach is the main thoroughfare for those the live in Corova so to park or fish on the beach there is a "parking permit". The southern beaches require a permit for all vehicle activities. Obviously if you see the ponies just observe from a distance. Officials and tour guides are pretty strict on folks staying away and will enforce that fact.

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array_repairmanOP•

Thanks for the confirmation. We plan on keeping our distance.

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24578293050917•

There's air pumps at the Oregon Inlet Marina on Bodie Island. Hard to describe exactly where they are, but head towards where the boat slips are and you should see them. Frisco Rod & Gun also has a pump.

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TheBourbonBassist•

Anyone familiar with location of air pumps on Ocracoke?

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