Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Trails Status

Hiking Trail

Open

Activities

Trails

Facilities

Education

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Located in New Hanover County 18 miles south of Wilmington, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is the only park in the system that allows four-wheel-drive beach access, making it popular for surf fishing. Warm weather months bring loggerhead sea turtles to nest along the park's sandy shores. A trail traverses the salt marsh and ends at an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River. The marsh, brimming with wildlife, provides plenty of watching opportunities for birders and photographers year-round. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Fort Fisher. The closest state park with camping is Carolina Beach State Park.

Activities

  • Hiking (1 mile)
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Four-wheel-drive beach driving

Amenities

  • Classroom
  • Beach access (ocean)
  • Foot rinse station

Plan Your Visit

Address

1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449

GPS: 33.9534, -77.9290

 

Current Weather

28449 Kure Beach, NC

Park map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for day use, except that fees are charged per vehicle to utilize the four-wheel-drive beach. Fees are also charged for certain event permits and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park, except they are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Park gate is closed and locked at park closing time. Please view the tab for four-wheel-drive gate access hours.

Month Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

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

Month Hours
January Open 24 hours
February Open 24 hours
March Open 24 hours
April 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
September 1 to 14 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
September 15 to 30 Open 24 hours
October Open 24 hours
November Open 24 hours
December Open 24 hours

 

Open year-round, 24 hours a day

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Events at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

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 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Carolina Beach State Park 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: Loggerhead sea turtle hatchings, staff photo

Gallery: Observation deck at the end of the Basin Trail, C. Peek  |  Surf fishing on the four-wheel-drive beach, staff photo  |  Sandy portion of the Basin Trail, J. Brown  |  Family at the pedestrian beach, C. Peek  |  Aerial view of the salt marsh, R. Keenan