Shackleford Banks Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
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

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,525 reviews)
Other than one of the front entrance doors and one of the elevators being broken it was a good stay. The staff on the restaurant and bar are amazing. We had lots of laughs with them

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Get rates
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
The price is NZ$173 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$173
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Always a fantastic stay! Stayed here multiple times always clean and great customer service. Great location check them out!

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

3 out of 5
118 Salter Path Road Pine Knoll Shores NC
Stay at this golf hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,317 reviews)
Room was good n hotel personnel were fantastic. I have no problem returning or recommending the location to others

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Get rates
Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach
See all 2,096 properties in Shackleford Banks
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
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
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
Stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
The condo was absolutely beautiful with a wonderful and clear view of the beach and ocean. Even saw a whale breech the waves one day- A first for me down here! The newly changed oceanfront windows were perfect when it was too cold, windy, or rainy to sit on the porch. And when I could, I wrapped ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR

OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR

Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Circle Regional Beach Access and Hoop ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Lovely beach front property! We stayed here for a long weekend and had the best time. The home is the perfect beach cottage with tons of space to spread out and enjoy vacation. Our family enjoyed to hot tub, pool and fun game room. Winter sunsets are amazing-we spotted dolphins sitting on the back ...

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR
See all properties in Shackleford Banks
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.

Cities near Shackleford Banks

Shackleford Banks Horses Grazing

Harkers Island

Explore a world of travel with Expedia