Oceanfront Rentals

Beach Driving

The fabulous Outer Banks, complete with wonderful natural beauty and astounding vistas, gives vacationers the ability to enjoy outings on the beach that are far from the ordinary. You should be aware, however, that this is not a typical fully developed vacation area and everywhere you go will not be on a paved road.

Whenever you drive an off-road vechicle, commonly reffered to as an ORV, on the Outer Banks, there are some rules to be aware of: Speed limits are only 25 miles per hour, you should always use caution and drive safely (particularily at night), do not drive on the dunes, drive between the dunes and the ocean, and enter and exit at marked open ramps. Even though you are on holidays and driving merrily around, you still must have a valid registration and drivers license.

For those of you use to driving to the mall, here are a couple of off road tips; drive in the ruts if possible, the compact sand makes it easier to keep the flow going, avoid the little orange stones area, these spots will most likely cause you to sink out of sight, and know the tide schedule, the last thing you want to happen is to be trapped on the beach by the tide.

For the city slickers, here are a few things to consider taking along with you; a tire guage, a tow strap or rope (remember the orange pea gravel), a shovel to dig your self out of the orange pea gravel, a bumper jack, flashlight, first aid kit and don’t forget to pack some common sense.

Not to seem to harp on getting stuck, but, if you do somehow lose traction, don’t get that evil glint in your eye and spin your tires to try to dig out of it. If you do it is all over! However, before you put the pedal to the metal and then sit there for 8 hours, try to slowly back out. If you decrease your tire pressure first, all the better, put it into low range and ease it back.

It is good to know that Rangers will assist you, but they are not permitted to pull or tow you. If you are heading to the Nags Head area you need a permit, get one at the town hall. Driving in the Pea Island Refuge is strictly prohibited and there may be other local restrictions, look for signs and try to find the proper regulations before you head out.

Rated number one along the East Coast, from Maine to Key West, the Outer Banks is a jewel for ORV enthusiasts. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore closes beaches in front of villages of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands as a safety measure during the summer season when people walk and frolick on the sand.

Please be aware that he Outer Banks is not really a 4-wheel drive play area and that 4-wheel drive access is a privilege to fishermen and allows you to access remote areas for your vacation area. Please ORV responsibly!