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Rodanthe

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Surfer wearing a wetsuit catching a wave with a shrimp trawler in the background.

Image of Rodanthe surfers beside the pier.

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the village of Rodanthe offers residents a rare blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and rich cultural heritage—all nestled within the heart of Dare County.

Kiteboarders and surfers find world-class conditions just steps from their front doors, while anglers, beachcombers and nature lovers make the most of every tide. Rodanthe’s deep roots in maritime history and tight-knit community spirit create a sense of place that’s both peaceful and proud.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet sunset, catching the morning swell or sharing stories with neighbors who feel like family, living in Rodanthe means being part of something special—where every day is an opportunity to connect with nature.

Facilities and Organizations in Rodanthe:

Rodanthe Public Beach Access

Address:

23731 N.C. Highway 12
Rodanthe, NC 27968

Amenities:

90-plus parking spaces
Bathhouse
Outdoor showers
Picnic tables
Oceanfront gazebo
ADA-compliant boardwalk to the dune-top gazebo
Lifeguarded during the season (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Click here to watch a video about the Rodanthe Public Beach Access on Dare County’s YouTube channel.

Contact:
252.475.5650

Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building

Address:
23646 N.C. Highway 12
Rodanthe, NC 27968

Amenities:

Skatepark
Pavilion
Playground
Basketball court
Pickleball court
Restrooms

The Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building is also utilized for special elections and general elections, as well as public meetings and other community events.

Contact:
info@rwscommunitybuilding.com

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historic Site

Address:
23645 N.C. Highway 12
Rodanthe, NC 27968

The Chicamacomico Life Saving Station was originally established in 1874 and features a variety of special summer programs and events for families, as well as availability for weddings and receptions.

Features:

Two original Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard station buildings
Cookhouse
Stable
Original surfboat used in the Mirlo rescue
Museum and educational exhibits
Artifacts on display - ship’s door, uniforms, etc.
Water tower

Contact:
252.987.1552

Learn more about the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.

Rodanthe Boating Access Area

Address:
23170 Myrna Peters Road
Rodanthe, NC 27968

Features:

Two-lane boat dock with 60-foot-long center floating dock and courtesy platform
Ramp extending 17 feet into the water of the T-shaped harbor (connects with federal navigation channel called Blackmar Gut before leading into the Pamlico Sound)
14-16 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers (no overnight dockage permitted)

Dare County EMS Station 6 - Rodanthe

Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue

Dare County Sheriff’s Office - Patrol District C

Address:
50347 N.C. Highway 12
Buxton, NC 2792

Contact:
252.475.9350

Patrol District C of the Dare County Sheriff’s Office—which covers all areas of Hatteras Island, including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras—operates out of an office located in the nearby village of Buxton.

Learn more:
DareNC.gov/Sheriff

Joseph “Mac” Midgett Reverse Osmosis Water Plant

Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Recycling Center

Rodanthe Pier

Rodanthe United States Postal Service

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Address:
14500 N.C. Highway 12
Rodanthe, NC 27968

Phone Numbers:
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 252-715-9697
Manteo Office Phone: 252-473-1131

Pea Island Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
North Pond Wildlife Trail
New Inlet Boat Ramp (canoe and kayak launch spot)
Birdwatching opportunities (telescope available)
Surf fishing
Beach access

Learn more:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pea-island

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway begins in the north at Whalebone Junction, the joining of U.S. Highway 64-264, U.S. Highway 158 and N.C. Highway 12, in Nags Head. Byway travelers cruising along N.C. Highway 12 South are flanked by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pamlico Sound to the west. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway traverses Bodie Island and Hatteras Island in Dare County.

Learn more:
Outer Banks National Scenic Byways website

Special Events:

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

October 14, 2025 to October 19, 2025

The Outer Banks, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in particular, is known as one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, and the annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival celebrates this distinction like no other local festival.

The weeklong event, which is held each October, features a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with fellow birders. During this year's festival, attendees will also have the opportunity to go on guided birding trips, attend art and photography workshops, take a tram or kayak tour of a National Wildlife Refuge, visit an ancient maritime forest, and much more. A complete schedule can be found online at the organization's website (linked below), and attendees should note that some programs do cost a small fee to participate.

The festival and accompanying programs take place throughout the Outer Banks, particularly at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island and at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the Dare County mainland. As a result, festival attendees can easily join in the fun regardless of where they're staying on the Outer Banks.

Potential visitors will want to register beforehand for their favorite trips or workshops online to ensure a spot, as space is limited for many of the programs. Essentially, Wings Over Water is a fantastic way for newcomers and birding experts alike to come together and discover, in detail, the inherent wild nature of the Outer Banks at its best. With plenty of tours, trips, workshops and seminars to choose from, every nature lover will find an enticing reason to join in the fun.

Learn more:
https://wingsoverwater.org/

Shipwreck Stories of the Outer Banks

Dauntless Devotion to Duty: the Story of the Mirlo Rescue

Location:
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
23645 N.C. Highway 12
Rodanthe, NC 27968

Dates:
September 15, 2025
September 22, 2025
September 29, 2025

Meet on the porch and take a walk back to the 1874 Station which houses Surfboat 1046 and hear the amazing story of how that very boat was used in the World War I rescue of the crew of the torpedoed British oil tanker "Mirlo" by the surfmen of Chicamacomico.

Learn more:
https://chicamacomico.org/plan-your-visit/calendar-of-events/

Midgett House Tour - Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who provides my water in Rodanthe?

Dare County Water Department

Located at 23697 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, and formerly known as “RWS,” this plant began operation in 1996 and serves the villages of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo. The Joseph "Mac" Midgett plant’s source water comes from two wells that draw from the Mid-Yorktown Aquifer. The plant uses the reverse osmosis treatment process and is designed to produce 1.25 million gallons of water per day. The Joseph “Mac” Midgett Plant currently serves approximately 1,800 people.

Contact:

Email: Water@DareNC.gov
Phone: 252-475-5990
Website: DareNC.gov/Water

Who provides my trash collection in Rodanthe?

The Dare County Public Works Department provides trash collection for Rodanthe, and a sanitation fee is charged on property tax bills sent to property owners annually.

Collection Schedule:

Labor Day through Memorial Day
Residential: Tuesday & Friday
Commercial: Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Memorial Day through Labor Day
Residential: Tuesday & Friday
Commercial: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Do you want to receive a notification when collection service is delayed or canceled due to a holiday or inclement weather? Sign up for Dare County email and/or text notifications at DareNC.gov/Subscribe.

Need a new trash can or a replacement part?
Residents and property owners whose homes are located within the unincorporated areas of Dare County can purchase a trash can at Dare County Public Works, which is located at 1018 Driftwood Drive in Manteo, or delivered to your residence upon request. The cost to purchase a trash can is $85.40 if you pick it up at Dare County Public Works. The cost to have the trash can delivered to your home is $96.08. To place an order for a new can or a replacement part, please call the Dare Dare County Public Works Department at 252-475-5895.

How do I recycle?

The Dare County Public Works Department’s Recycling Division operates the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Recycle Center in Rodanthe, where items may be dropped off in person.

Location:
The Rodanthe Recycle Center is located at the end of Myrna Peters Road near the Rodanthe boat ramp.

Hours:
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Accepted Materials (no charge):

Clean cardboard and co-mixed recyclable items, including glass, plastic, steel cans, paper and aluminum cans.

No electronic drop-off is available, and no trash dumpsters are available.

Residents and visitors are asked to remain patient as the Dare County Public Works Department reestablishes recycling in this area and to understand that, due to the ongoing staffing shortage, the department’s ability to provide these services may be limited at times.

Prohibited Items:
Motor oil, electronics, construction and demolition material such as lumber, toilets, sinks, furniture, mattresses, yard debris, tires, batteries, appliances and grills. All of these items may be taken to the Buxton Transfer and Recycling Center.

The Dare County Public Works Department also conducts an annual household hazardous waste collection event, which is typically held in the spring. For more information, visit DareNC.gov/HHW.

How do I keep wildlife out of my trash?

A limited supply of bear-resistant trash cans are available for purchase from Dare County Public Works. The cost to purchase a bear-resistant trash can is $96.08 if you would like the can to be delivered to your residence. The cost is $85.40 if you pick up your bear-resistant trash can at Dare County Public Works, which is located at 1018 Driftwood Drive in Manteo.

A locking mechanism on the bear-resistant trash cans allows the containers to easily be opened by humans using one hand; however, it prevents bears or raccoons from opening the cans with their claws, paws and teeth.

For more information or to order a bear-resistant trash can, please contact Dare County Public Works at 252-475-5895.

What recreational opportunities are available for myself and my children?

Fessenden Center in Buxton (Hatteras Island Division Parks & Recreation)

The Fessenden Center is a multigenerational facility serving all of Hatteras Island with a variety programs and activities for toddlers, youth, adults, older adults and families alike. Located in Buxton, the Fessenden Center is home to the Hatteras Island Division of the Dare County Parks & Recreation Department and offers a wide array of Parks & Recreation programming, as well as numerous older adult and senior services.

Learn more:
DareNC.gov/Fessenden

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Location:
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Nags Head, NC 27959

Open for climbing mid-April through mid-October. Climbing tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens (62 or older), children 11 years of age and under, and the disabled. Climb tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be purchased from www.recreation.gov. Tickets go on sale at 7 a.m. for that day's climbs only. Tickets may only be purchased on the same day of your intended climb.

Beach Fires

Beach fires are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from November 16 through April 30 throughout the park. Beach fires are only permitted from May 1 through November 15 on the ocean beaches at Coquina Beach, the Ocracoke Day Use area, and the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras to protect nesting sea turtles. Anyone wanting to have a beach fire, must have a FREE Beach Fire Permit signed and with them.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Over 70 miles of Atlantic Ocean coast accessible through ramps, boardwalks and parking lots along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is perfect for beach walks, shelling, kite flying, picnicking, etc.
Fishing
Per the National Park Service, “Off-road vehicles (ORVs) are one way for visitors to enjoy the ocean beaches and soundside waters. Ramps all along the seashore provide access to the ocean and the sound. The National Park Service is managing ORV use with protection of important wildlife habitat and recreational interests. Use of ORVs within Cape Hatteras National Seashore requires a permit.”

Who do I contact for a building permit?

Building permits must be obtained from the appropriate inspection office for the geographical location of the construction project. Sub-permits for mechanical, plumbing or electrical work may be obtained at any of the offices regardless of the construction location. For more detailed information, visit DareNC.gov/Planning.

Contact:
Matt Kiricoples, Building Inspector
matt.kiricoples@darenc.gov
252.475.5877
Serving Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, and Avon.

How do I contact animal control or report a lost pet?

The Outer Banks SPCA operates the Dare County Animal Shelter (378 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954) and is an open admission animal shelter serving all of Dare County. In addition to filing a lost report, we strongly recommend you visit the shelter in person to check for missing pets.

Click here to view the Dare County, NC Code of Ordinances- Chapter 91: Animals.

Contact:
Outer Banks SPCA Shelter Manager
252-475-5620 | info@obxspca.org

After Hours Emergencies:
252-216-8860

Who do I contact to report a roadway issue, such as a pothole, shoulder damage, missing signage or drainage problems?

What is my tax district and how do I pay my tax bill?

The unincorporated community of Rodanthe is Tax District 15, and as of July 2025, the Dare County tax rate is $0.2632, the fire rate is $0.0658, and the sanitation rate is $0.0842. This brings the total tax rate for Rodanthe to $0.4316.

You can pay your Dare County real estate taxes via mail, phone, online or in person. Learn more by visiting DareNC.gov/Tax.

Click here for information about your personal property taxes.

Who are my local elected officials and how do I contact them?

Dare County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners that conducts public meetings throughout the year on a regularly scheduled basis. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at 9 a.m. This schedule is occasionally adjusted to accommodate holidays. Meetings are held within the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting room at the Dare County Administration Building, which is located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo, NC 27954.

Each regularly scheduled meeting begins with an opportunity for individuals to make public comments. During this time, citizens can let their voices be heard by speaking directly to the entire Dare County Board of Commissioners for up to five minutes on any topic or item of concern. Citizen participation at these meetings is strongly encouraged.

In an effort to encourage public participation, the board accepts public comments from two locations: the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting room in Manteo as well as an interactive video link at the Fessenden Center Annex, 47013 Buxton Back Road in Buxton.

View the names, contact information and biographies for the current Dare County Board of Commissioners.

Where do I vote on Election Day?

Where do I find Dare County ordinances?

Is the use of fireworks illegal in Rodanthe?

Only “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed in North Carolina. These devices include caps, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noise-makers, snappers, sparklers and other sparkling devices, such as fountains, which do not leave the ground.

Any firework devices that leave the ground and have a report or make a "bang" are illegal in North Carolina. Examples of these illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles, firecrackers and M80s. Violators of North Carolina's fireworks law face a class two misdemeanor charge that is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks caused an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries and $109M in direct property damage.

Please protect our beloved area by refraining from using illegal fireworks.

Who provides my electricity?

Dare County, NC

Rodanthe

Facilities and Organizations in Rodanthe:

Rodanthe Public Beach Access

Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historic Site

Rodanthe Boating Access Area

Dare County EMS Station 6 - Rodanthe

Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue

Dare County Sheriff’s Office - Patrol District C

Joseph “Mac” Midgett Reverse Osmosis Water Plant

Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Recycling Center

Rodanthe Pier

Rodanthe United States Postal Service

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

Special Events:

October 14, 2025 to October 19, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

Collection Schedule:

Fessenden Center in Buxton (Hatteras Island Division Parks & Recreation)

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Beach Fires

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

Helpful Resources:

Click here to view Dare County public hearing notices.

Click here to view current issues in Dare County.

Dare County Projects and Renovations in Rodanthe: