Wild horses at Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore
Though commonly called Shackleford Island, the official name for the southern-most barrier island at Cape Lookout National Seashore is Shackleford Banks. Back in the early 1900s this massive sand bar was connected to South Core Banks near Cape Lookout. Keep in mind that all of the barrier islands in the park are simply sandbars that shift back and forth as the waves pound the shore. All it takes is for a hurricane to come through and suddenly islands are formed and former islands are joined together.
A ferry, private motorboat, or canoe / kayak is required to get to the island. See the Getting There web page for complete information.
Activities on this island include:
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on March 25, 2024
