Carolina Beach State Park

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Carolina Beach State Park

 

Located in New Hanover County 12 miles south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach State Park is home to the Venus flytrap, a unique carnivorous plant. The park is known for habitats like Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot dune that once served as a navigational marker for river pilots, as well as three limesink ponds that each feature a unique plant community. The park's marina provides access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway, making the area popular for boaters and anglers. 

Trails

Open

Hours

Contact

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

Upcoming Events

 

Camping

  • Camper cabins
  • Tent sites
  • Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups)
  • Group tent sites
  • Dump station
  • Showers
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (9 miles)
  • Biking (1 mile)
  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Boat ramp
  • Marina and concessions
  • Boat slips
  • Auditorium and classroom
  • Visitor center and exhibits
     

A private concessionaire in the park offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Plan Your Visit

Address

1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

GPS: 34.0472, -77.9066

 

Current Weather

28428 Carolina Beach, NC

Maps

Fees

There are no fees required to access Carolina Beach State Park for day use, except for boat launches. Fees are charged for camping, marina use, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings or in camper cabins. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

MonthHours
January7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Second Sidebar

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

The park is open during all other holidays.

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

MonthHours
January8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Second Sidebar

The marina is closed on Christmas Day.

Month Hours
January 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Second Sidebar

The fuel dock is closed on Christmas Day.

Additional Links

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks

Join, volunteer or donate! The Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks promotes, supports, and advocates for Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery

Top: Sunset over the Cape Fear River, J. Brown

Gallery: Intracoastal Waterway coastline, staff photo  |  Sunset bench, J. Shimel  |  Boat ramp, C. Peek  |  Foggy marsh, C. Peek  |  Fishing on the pier, staff photo