Ocracoke ORV beach ramps are open; NC12 still closed above pony pens–updated

National parks will remain partially open during the government shutdown which began at midnight, according to an Interior Department contingency plan posted Tuesday evening.

However, the ramps above the pony pens are inaccessible while the northern section of NC12 is closed while the ocean overwashes the sandbag area. Ramps 67, 68, 70 and 72 are south of the pony pens. Ramp 68 is at the NPS campground and opens seasonally.

Open-air sites will remain open to the public, but buildings that require staffing, such as visitor centers or sites, will be closed.

A Cape Hatteras National Seashore spokesman could not answer specific questions but said people can go to http://doi.gov/shutdown for the National Park Service’s Contingency Plan, updated Tuesday evening.

Health and safety will continue to be addressed for sites that remain operational, meaning restrooms will be open and trash will be collected, the Interior Department said.

The following beach access ramps of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Ocracoke remain open:

NPS Campground

Prong Road (at South Dock area)

Ramp 59
North: Open to pedestrians only
South of ramp open to ORVs 24 hours a day. Night driving available for 3.74 miles

Ramp 63
North and south access: Open to ORVs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Night driving not available due to sea turtle nesting

Ramp 67
Open to ORVs 24 hours a day

Ramp 68 (Seasonal ORV ramp)  NPS Campground
North: Open to pedestrians 24 hours a day. Seasonally closed to ORVs. Seasonal ORV route opens October 15.

Ramp 70 (Priority Ramp) Airport
Open to ORVs 24 hours a day. Access South Point via this ramp.

Ramp 72 (Priority Ramp) South Point
North: Route is open to north and south; however ramp is closed due to challenging road conditions. Use Ramp 70 to access this area. FYI – the soundside seasonal route is currently impassable/closed