Responsible Use of Reserve sites

10 ways you can be a responsible user of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve:

A complete list of Coastal Reserve rules is found here. Requirements for special activities (events and commercial uses) found here.

1. Be prepared. Reserve sites are remote and do not have any facilities. Check the weather conditions and be prepared with plenty of water, food, sunscreen, and the appropriate apparel.  

2. Keep it clean! The N.C. Coastal Reserve has a "pack it in, pack it out" trash policy, so be sure to carry out all of your waste and leave the Reserve sites cleaner than you found them.  

3. Observe, don't disturb.  Please do not disturb or remove any live animals, vegetation (live or dead), fungi, or cultural resources from the Reserve sites. Lawful take during hunting and fishing activities is allowed.  

4. Keep pets on a leash. The N.C. Coastal Reserve sites are fun places to bring your pets, but furry friends must be on a leash at all times. Off-leash pets can disrupt nesting animals and plants.  

5. Sustainable beachcombing. All shells play a role in natural ecosystems. Please be mindful about the number of shells you take and remember each person can only collect five dead sand dollars (the removal of live sand dollars or any live organism is not allowed).

6. Leave only your footprints. Personal property cannot be left at the N.C. Coastal Reserve. Please take your belongings with you when you leave the Reserve.  

7. Clothing isn't optional. Public nudity and nude sunbathing are not allowed at any N.C. Coastal Reserve sites.  

8. Respect research. Researchers at the N.C. Coastal Reserve often leave research equipment in the field for long-term data collection. Please do not disturb research equipment and projects. Obtain a research permit before conducting experiments.  

9. Did you bring your license? Appropriate licenses and permits for hunting and fishing are required before engaging in these recreational activities at the N.C. Coastal Reserve.  

10. No camping. Overnight camping is not permitted at the N.C. Coastal Reserve, with the exception of primitive camping on the Masonboro Island Reserve.  

Get educated! The best way to enjoy the N.C. Coastal Reserve is to be prepared. Learn more about Reserve sites and policies, and please contact us with questions!