A Simple Outer Banks Beach Fire Guide
By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Dec. 17, 2025
Whether you’re making your first beach fire or brushing up on the right steps, this guide covers what to bring and how to do it on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It also pairs with a short video that helps show the process in action.
Use this overview to plan a shoreline fire at Cape Hatteras National Seashore or on the beach in Nags Head. The goal is to help make the evening smooth, safe, and memorable, with the key details organized around when to go, where fires are allowed, and how to build one the right way.
Best Timing
When talking about the OBX, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau often jokingly references Mark Twain’s familiar point about weather changing quickly. For a beach fire to be safe, winds must be below 11 MPH and no other special weather conditions, events, or fire conditions issued. Before heading out, check with the National Park Service and nearby fire stations so you can confirm that no temporary bans are in place.
For an extra-special night around the fire, choose an evening with a completely clear sky so you can enjoy stargazing. Watch the moon cycle as well; during its fullest phase, the added light and reflection can make the water glow.
Allowed Locations
Picking a spot is straightforward. Fires are only permitted in Nags Head and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with restrictions. Be sure to secure the proper Nags Head permit or Cape Hatteras Permit, and review the additional instructions included with each one.
Fires are not permitted in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, or Kill Devil Hills. For a little added atmosphere, consider areas near Bodie Island Lighthouse or Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, where you may be able to see their beacons shining from afar.
Building the Fire
After you’ve chosen your location and printed your permit, gather what you’ll need. Recommended items include flashlights, kindling, matches, lighter fluid, a shovel, and bug spray. A bucket is helpful for carrying supplies and can later be used to bring ocean water back to douse the ashes.
Most supplies can be found at a local hardware store. Dry wood works best. Dense hardwoods such as maple and oak contain more energy, which means they give off more heat and burn longer. Bring plenty of kindling and scraps so the fire starts easily. Fireside drinks and s’mores are always a welcome addition.
Dig a hole in the sand that is about 3'x3'x2', and let others search for driftwood to help fuel the fire. Use the loose sand from the hole to create a round windbreak. Arrange kindling and small sticks into a teepee shape, then light the fire. If needed, use lighter fluid, and add larger wood pieces once the fire begins to catch.
Settle in with the warmth of the fire and the sound of the waves in the background. Along the shorebreak, keep watch for ghost crabs and unusual shells.
Cleaning Up
When the evening winds down, remove any large leftover wood pieces or debris, put the fire out fully with water, and refill the hole. Follow the Leave No Trace ethic by clearing all trash before you leave the beach. If you document the experience, tag Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on social at @theouterbanksnc.
If you’d rather enjoy the beach fire without managing the details yourself, Outer Banks Beach Fires can take care of the process, including permits, fire setup, and cleanup for small and large groups from Nags Head to Cape Hatteras.
Categories
- Family Fun
- Outdoor Enthusiast
Tags
- Hatteras
- Nags Head