Shackleford Banks, NC

Travel Guide

Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
"Beauty and Beast" Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses. Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip. I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
$93 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$104 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,541 reviews)
The staff was kindly and cordial. The facilities are dated and required work.

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street Morehead City NC
$109 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
$123 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
No cabinets empty

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

4 out of 5
2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
$112 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$126 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
We were never informed that they had planned a roofing company working on the roof every day at 7:am until 5pm the entire week. It was cold outside so we listened to the ponding of nails all day long. Also they had someone with a security shirt walking around outside and taking pictures of everyone’s ...

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

A Place at the Beach
Atlantic Beach Resort

Atlantic Beach Resort

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
The Hot Tub was broken - no plan to repair it - one of the main reasons we booked this in the winter season.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Atlantic Beach Resort
Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Emerald Isle NC
Book a stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
This is a charming gem of a condo… nicely appointed, all the necessities included and so accessible to the beach! It was a joy to stay there snd we hope to come again!

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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