Shackleford Banks

Travel 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
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
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! (1,533 reviews)
Room clean, staff ok, nice ocean view. Had an issue with parking fee listed as free on the website and the manager NEVER addressed the issue or refunded the fee.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

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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 P5,732 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
P5,732
P6,463 total
Mar 16 - Mar 17
includes taxes & 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! (1,009 reviews)
Pros: Breakfast was decent, bed was comfy. Shower had great water pressure, staff was friendly

Reviewed on Feb 28, 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
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,319 reviews)
Staff amenities and was told we had an ocean view room lies!!

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

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Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach
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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
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Shackleford Banks Horses Grazing

Harkers Island