Driving on the Beaches of the outer banks is the main attraction to the North Carolina OBX. Knowing how to drive on the beach while you’re here is key to an enjoyable experience during your vacation.
There is a standard list of items you should carry with you when embarking on the beach. These items include;
A shovel, a couple boards, a tow rope or strap, a cell phone with a decent charge and service to the local towers in case you can’t get yourself out of a scrap.
You should air your tires down to between 15 and 20psi. That’s what the National Park Rangers use. This allows the tire to create a larger “foot Print” for added traction.
While driving in the sand keep a steady speed. Don’t go too fast or you can dig in and the same goes if you’re going too slow. Most people encounter problems while entering or leaving the beach via the various access ramps.
NEVER stop on the ramps. Stopping on the access ramps can get cause other drivers to get stuck if they have to stop and start waiting for you. If you need to stop, wait until your well clear of the access ramps.
You need to be able to identify when your about to become stuck. Usually your vehicle will start bouncing. This bouncing causes the tires to dig into the sand and make it more difficult to maintain a forward momentum. Lay off the accelerator and try to continue forward. The very second you realize you no longer have forward momentum let off the accelerator and put the vehicle in reverse. If you got stuck heading forward, your best chance to get out before becoming completely stuck is to back your way out.
In the event you do become stuck, avoid spinning the tires and digging in deeper than you already are. This will make it more difficult to dig yourself out or for anyone to help you get out.
Most vehicles that get stuck are stuck more because the chassis has bottomed out o the sand and there is not enough traction for the tires to pull the vehicle out. You shovel will come in handy to dig the sand from under the chassis to reduce resistance.
Preserving Cape Hatteras National Recreational Seashore Beach Access, Lifestyle & Heritage. This slide show represents the beast of OBX Beach Ramp Access. Enjoy.
A map of OBX Beach Ramp Access Blogs This blog will be updated to reflect important announcements or issues that affect OBX Beach Ramp Access.
Beach Access has been a way of life on the OBX since it was discovered.
Check out this film footage of some of the original OBX beach access. This is what the Hatteras is all about. 
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