Nude Sunbathing on Ocracoke
Not illegal, but not encouraged

by Rick Kinnaird

So Shelby and I were having a nice leisurely lunch at Pickled Steamer during our early March visit, chatting with the staff and other patrons about life on Hatteras. Somehow, the subject of nude sunbathing came up (I have no idea how, but I think white wine was involved). Somebody said Ocracoke was the place for that. We had never heard this before.

We went back to Penny Lane and got online immediately (using that newly installed WiFi access). We found web pages that said top-free sunbathing was not illegal in North Carolina and that Ramp 70 in Ocracoke was the happening spot.

I called the Ocracoke Ranger Station and found out that nude sunbathing is not allowed on Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but there is no restriction on going topless. The nice ranger lady said that one should use care in picking your spot, however, as the beaches are popular with families.

If any of you have ever gone top-free on Ocracoke, we'd love to hear from you. How common is it? Send email to info@halfvastenterprises.com.