With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats—not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants—it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. Located in an area steeped in both history and natural diversity, the park includes a visitor's center with exhibits depicting the wonders of its environment.
Camping
Tent, trailer and RV camping
The park's family campground is located in a wooded area near Snow's Cut.
There are 69 campsites with no hook-ups, including two wheelchair-accessible sites. Ten campsites have full hookups (water, electric and sewer), including one wheelchair-accessible site.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and grill or fire ring. Drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are located nearby.
Camper cabins
In addition to the 79 campsites, the park has four camper cabins located in the family campground. These camping cabins sleep six people in two rooms, one with a double bed and one with two sets of bunk beds. Each cabin has electrical outlets and a heating and air-conditioning unit. Outside each cabin, there is a picnic table, charcoal grill and a fire ring. Drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are located nearby.
No smoking is allowed in any of the cabins. Centennial Cabin is wheelchair-accessible. Animals are not allowed in the cabins or cabin area, with the exception of service animals. Park gate is locked daily at posted closing hours. Vehicle access after gate closing and before 7 a.m. is restricted, except in an emergency.
Group camping
There are also two camping areas for organized groups located along Swamp Trail and are available by reservation only. Site #1 accommodates up to 26 people; site #2 accommodates up to 40 people. These areas include two picnic tables, grills/fire rings and pit toilets. Water and shower facilities are not available. This area is accessible only by foot and is located approximately 400 yards from the Flytrap Trail parking area. Reservations can be made by contacting the park marina office.
Activities
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike!
Boating
Carolina Beach State Park offers access to a variety of waters. The fresh waters of the Cape Fear River, the estuarine waters of Myrtle Grove Sound and the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean are all only moments away.
A 54-slip marina with two public boat ramps is located at the junction of Snow's Cut and the Cape Fear River. Fuel and snacks, along with fishing and camping supplies, are available at the marina store. Restrooms and a laundry room are also available. Showers are provided for boat slip renters. Please contact marina staff for current fee schedule for boat slips and daily ramp fees.
Tidal waters may be rough at times; exercise cautious seamanship. You can check the tidal currents at Orton Point from the NOAA website, and the North Carolina drawbridge schedule from the DOT website.
Paddle NC is a seasonal concessionaire at the park who offers kayak and stand-up paddle board tours and rentals. Please view their website at paddlenc.com or contact them by phone at 910-612-3297 for additional information.
Swimming
Swimming is prohibited throughout the park due to dangerous currents and sharp drop-offs near the shores.
Fishing
Fish from the river bank or the wheelchair-accessible fishing deck, or launch your boat at the marina. Flounder, spot, sheepshead and speckled trout are waiting. An N.C. Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish in the park.
Picnicking
The Carolina Beach State Park picnic area is located near the bank of Snow's Cut, between the campground and marina. Under the shade of large oak trees, tables and grills supply all the necessities for dining. A wheelchair-accessible site is also available. Water, restrooms and parking are conveniently located nearby.
