Portsmouth, North Carolina, may not be the typical place you’d expect to stop into when planning a visit to the coast, but this unique and eerie ghost town has plenty to offer for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Most people who visit the coast of North Carolina don’t realize there’s a modern-day ghost town on one of the state’s barrier islands. Abandoned in 1971, Portsmouth was a community located on Portsmouth Island, N.C. Today, this ghost town village in North Carolina is accessible by boat, and visitors can freely explore the island.

National Park Service, Public domain/Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1753, the tiny town of Portsmouth was instrumental in Colonial shipping and served as a fishing hub as well.
TripAdvisor/ourgrandpasattic
By 1840, the town had been granted its own post office. And by 1860 the population peaked at 685 residents. But the peak would not last.
Google Maps/matt karmil
Hurricanes are partially to blame for Portsmouth's residents moving off the island for better shelter on the mainland. And when the post office closed in 1959 it dealt a blow to the residents.
Google Maps/Tim Smith
Another blow occurred even earlier when in 1937, the U.S. Life Saving Station (circa 1894) was decommissioned.
Wikipedia/Jarek Tuszyński

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Over the last 60 or 70 years the remaining residents either passed away or moved off Portsmouth Island. The final two residents to leave did so in 1971, effectively turning this old shipping and fishing village into a modern-day ghost town village in North Carolina.
Wikipedia/Jarek Tuszyński
Today, Portsmouth and Portsmouth Island are part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which maintains the island and the 21 buildings still standing.
Wikipedia/Jarek Tuszyński
One of them, the old Salter House, has been turned into a Visitor Center. It's open to visitors during the summer. Also open all summer long are the old post office and general store, church, one-room school, the Henry Pigott house, and the Life Saving Station. Visitors are encouraged to explore all of the open buildings and are even allowed to camp overnight on the beach (but not in the village).
Of note: We did mention the only way to get here is by boat. So if you see some vehicles over on the beach, just know they drove through water to get here.
Google Mapa/Frazier
The road leading to Portsmouth Island is now almost always covered by a foot of water. Driving here, even in a high-clearance vehicle, is not recommended.
Wikipedia/Jarek Tuszyński
It's about a 30-minute boat ride from Okracoke to Portsmouth Island.
Google Maps

You can learn more about visiting Portsmouth Island and this ghost town village in North Carolina by visiting the National Park Service on the web.

Have you ever visited this modern-day ghost town in N.C.? What do you think are the best towns in North Carolina? Fill us in on your experience! If you love exploring and learning about ghost towns, you may enjoy reading this book: Ghost Towns.

Looking for more North Carolina content? Check out these 10 beautiful small towns in North Carolina that will brighten your day.

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Ghost Town Village In North Carolina & Related Info

Luke | April 03, 2023

What is the best area of North Carolina to live?

The best places to live in North Carolina depends on individual taste. For a mix of urban amenities, job opportunities, and cultural attractions, some excellent choices are:

  • Charlotte
  • Raleigh-Durham are excellent

 

Those seeking a coastal lifestyle may prefer:

  • Wilmington
  • Outer Banks

 

Asheville offers a vibrant arts scene and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains for outdoor enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best area is subjective and based on one's desired balance of lifestyle, work, and recreational opportunities.

What is the prettiest small town village in North Carolina?

The prettiest small town in North Carolina is undoubtedly Blowing Rock:

  • Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town is known for its picturesque Main Street, lined with quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Blowing Rock offers stunning views, especially from the town's namesake, The Blowing Rock, a unique rock formation with breathtaking vistas. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, the beautiful Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, and the serene ambiance of this mountain gem.

 

Its charm, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere make Blowing Rock a must-visit destination in North Carolina.

Is it a good idea to move to North Carolina?

Whether moving to North Carolina is a good idea comes down a lot on your personal preferences:

  • The state offers a diverse range of living options, from bustling cities like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham to quaint towns such as Blowing Rock and coastal areas like Wilmington.
  • North Carolina boasts a relatively low cost of living.
  • There's a strong job market in the state.
  • Many people enjoy the temperate climate.
  • Additionally, it provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and a high quality of life.

 

Check out these 20 reasons why NC is the best state.

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Portsmouth Island, North Carolina, USA