Much of North Carolina's Outer Banks are protected under the jurisdiction of this seashore, a long bent elbow made up of three main islands. Road access along the entire coast makes it a little difficult to find secluded paddling, and there are a number of fishing piers and other developments along the coast. The park has very little literature for boaters, limited support services, and few campgrounds. The best bet, if you want to develop a paddling itinerary, is to write or call the park for details or local contacts.

Nearby Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge does have extensive wetland and river habitat that is available to paddlers, and it offers a worthwhile side excursion.