Dare County, North Carolina
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge covers 13 miles of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina — a federally managed stretch of undeveloped beach and wetland between the resort communities of Rodanthe and the northern end of Hatteras Island.
- Day use
- Wildlife
- Hike In
About this place
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge covers 13 miles of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina — a federally managed stretch of undeveloped beach and wetland between the resort communities of Rodanthe and the northern end of Hatteras Island. The refuge protects critical habitat for migratory shorebirds and nesting sea turtles, and it maintains a wild character that contrasts sharply with the developed Outer Banks to the north.
The clothing-optional tradition occupies remote sections of the refuge beach, accessible by hiking or cycling along the NC12 corridor. The more remote you get from the visitor center at the northern refuge entrance, the less traffic you encounter — the beach is wide, Atlantic-facing, and has the raw energy of the Outer Banks: strong surf, steady wind, and unobstructed views from the barrier island. The combination of wildlife refuge status and low development makes this one of the more unspoiled naturist beaches on the East Coast.
Rodanthe is about 60 miles south of Nags Head via NC12, and the northern Pea Island entrance is at the Rodanthe town line. The Outer Banks are accessible by car via US 64/264 bridge from the mainland, and the southern end of the island requires a ferry from Swanquarter or Cedar Island.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Outer Banks visitors who know the refuge, birders, Hatteras regulars, and naturists who do the research to find the quieter sections.
How to find it
Drive NC12 south from Nags Head to the Pea Island NWR northern entrance near Rodanthe. Walk or cycle along the beach south of the visitor center — the further south, the fewer people. The C/O sections are in the middle refuge areas away from both visitor center access.
Things to watch out for
Atlantic surf at Pea Island is powerful — beach swimming requires caution. Sea turtle nests are marked and protected; do not approach them. NC12 is a single road that can be cut by storm overwash — check NCDOT road status before driving in shoulder seasons. Sun exposure is severe on the open Outer Banks.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Federal wildlife refuge — respect habitat, do not disturb nesting birds or sea turtle nests. The naturist tradition is in low-traffic beach areas. Leave no trace.
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