Cape Hatteras National Seashore | SALVO DAY USE AREA

Field and parking at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Field and parking at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore


Pamlico Sound Beach Access


The Salvo Day Use Area at Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the main public access area to the Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island (day use means no nighttime or overnight activities). Located just south of the town of Salvo, the day use area has a bathhouse, picnic tables and grills, plus a huge parking lot with an enormous field in the middle. I have no idea what this field could be used for, as there are no picnic tables or any other facilities located on it. You could play one hell of a soccer match on it, or perhaps a couple of soccer matches at once.

Bathhouse at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Bathhouse at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Picnic table and grill at Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Picnic table and grill at Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Pamlico Sound is the perfect place for families with toddlers, for it is really more like a lake than the ocean. However, the beaches are very small and thin and have as much grassy area as sandy area.

Calm waters of Pamlico Sound in Cape Hatteras National Seashore are perfect for toddlers

Calm waters of Pamlico Sound in Cape Hatteras National Seashore are perfect for toddlers

Pamlico Sound

Pamlico Sound

Salvo is billed as a great kiteboarding and windsurfing area, but during my visit I saw many more these sportsmen farther south at the Haulover Day Use Area. I’m guessing that’s because Salvo has more picnickers and swimmers than Haulover. Salvo is also a good place for kayaking or canoeing. Just south of the beach area are plenty of inlets and waterways that you can explore. Fishing is also a popular activity.

Fishermen and kite boarders at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Fishermen and kite boarders at the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Waterways and inlets make the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore a good spot for canoeing and kayaking

Waterways and inlets make the Salvo Day Use Area in Cape Hatteras National Seashore a good spot for canoeing and kayaking

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Last updated on March 14, 2024
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