How much does camping cost at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fort Fisher State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Yes, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: No information about fire policies.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Fort Fisher State Recreation Area have?

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers: Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

4.42

24 reviews

1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, North Carolina, 28449, United States

Pet Friendly

Featured in:Camping Near Myrtle Beach Best Campgrounds North Carolina

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 8% in state

Showers

Book on Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 8% in state

Showers

Book on Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A single fee of $30 applies for driving 4x4 vehicles on the beach. No additional campsite fees are mentioned in the source materials.

No paid fee categories listed.

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9104585798

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Campground Map

1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, North Carolina, 28449, United States

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, North Carolina, 28449, United States

Nearby places

Carolina Beach (~5 miles, ~10 minutes), Kure Beach (~3 miles, ~5 minutes), Wilmington (~20 miles, ~40 minutes), Southport (accessible via ferry)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Carolina Beach (~5 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Wilmington, follow US 421 through the towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Turn left on Loggerhead Road. The recreation area may also be reached from Brunswick County via the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry, which crosses the Cape Fear River.

Roads are paved and accessible year-round. The front gate is closed and locked at posted closing times, and no access is permitted after these times. Seasonal ferry access is available from Brunswick County.

Weather at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Fall brings the best conditions, with temperatures between 60 and 80°F, lower humidity, and far fewer crowds than summer. Migrating shorebirds and waterfowl pass through, and surf conditions favor fishing and boating. Early fall can still see tropical storms, so check forecasts and tide charts before driving on the beach. Summer gets hot and humid, though ocean breezes help. Peak season parking and beach access get congested.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best temps (60–80°F), fewer crowds and migrating shorebirds; reviewers prefer fall.

Planning Tips

About Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area sits on North Carolina's southeastern coast near Carolina Beach, offering rare drive-on beach access along miles of Atlantic shoreline. The area has 2 campsites at $30/night, though most visitors come for day use. Boardwalks wind through salt marshes to observation decks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

The area primarily supports day use and recreational activities rather than overnight camping. The described sites, such as the 'Exhibit Room,' are designed for events or small gatherings rather than traditional camping.

Historical Significance

Fort Fisher Historic Site sits nearby, with remnants from Civil War battles. The Basin Trail passes a weathered WWII bunker emerging from the dunes.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions, with temperatures between 60 and 80°F, lower humidity, and far fewer crowds than summer. Migrating shorebirds and waterfowl pass through, and surf conditions favor fishing and boating. Early fall can still see tropical storms, so check forecasts and tide charts before driving on the beach. Summer gets hot and humid, though ocean breezes help. Peak season parking and beach access get congested.

ElevationThis sea-level paradise stretches along the Atlantic coast, where the gentle rise and fall of sand dunes create a naturally undulating landscape perfect for exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated on the southern tip of Pleasure Island near the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, featuring six miles of protected shoreline, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and primitive trails. The area includes seashore, marshland brimming with wildlife, and views of Zeke's Island.[1][3][6]

Geological RegionNestled along North Carolina's dynamic southeastern coast, this remarkable landscape showcases the intricate dance between land and sea. Here, ancient maritime forests meet expansive salt marshlands, creating a unique ecosystem where barrier island geology tells the story of centuries of wind, waves, and tides. The Intracoastal Waterway carves through this coastal tapestry, connecting historical sites with the timeless rhythms of the Atlantic shore.

Scenic ViewsObservation decks provide views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Basin Trail offers scenic vistas of salt marshlands and wildlife.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style or formal lodging accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Fort Fisher historic site offers educational and cultural insights, as mentioned by Mom: 'If you're a history buff, going to Fort Fisher State Historic Site is always nice.'

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

25 maximum per reservation for the Exhibit Room.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe area centers on drive-on beach access. Trails like the Basin Trail connect different zones. Specific campsite layout isn't detailed, as most infrastructure supports day use rather than overnight camping.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly stated.

Site SizeThe site size information is primarily about the 'Exhibit Room' with a maximum capacity of 25 people.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are unclear, as the campground focuses more on day-use facilities and beach access.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended Sites4x4 vehicles are required for beach driving. Bring an air compressor for tire re-inflation. Basin Trail is recommended for hiking and wildlife observation.

Best CampsitesLower 24 full hookup RV sites with concrete platforms, E/W/S, and cable TV; all sites within short walking distance of the beach; tent sites overlooking Cape Fear River.[4][7]

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Amenities available

The campground at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers limited facilities with no explicit amenities mentioned in the official source, but user reviews highlight the presence of free parking, restrooms, changing rooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and grills. Sheila Harmon mentions that it is a 'great drive-on beach,' while Vonnie Lipscomb notes that there are 'bathrooms and a place to wash the sand off at no charge.' However, there is no mention of traditional camping facilities like hookups or fire rings.

Showers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides diverse recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and historical exploration. Reviewers frequently highlight the unique opportunity to drive 4x4 vehicles on the beach. Rick N describes the hiking trail: 'We hiked on the Basin Trail. It is about a 1-mile hike one way.'

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe trail is 90% exposed to direct sun, requiring sunscreen and bug spray. Reviews emphasize the abundance of bugs and suggest carrying a face net.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo information about fire policies.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include a ranger station onsite. Hospitals and police stations are available in nearby Wilmington (~20 miles away).

Water FeaturesLocated near the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

Camp HostEmergency assistance is available through the camp host.

Cell CoverageAT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all have service.[1]

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

24 reviews

Recommended

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the unique drive-on beach experience, diverse recreational opportunities, and the dog-friendly environment. However, congestion and parking scarcity during peak times are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to beach; full utility hookups for RVs with cable TV; scenic river and ocean location; variety of accommodations from tents to cottages; accommodating customer service with rentals.[4][7]

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include overcrowding during tourist seasons and the lack of on-site air compressors for refilling vehicle tires after beach driving. Rick N says, 'The parking area at the visitor...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsites are reviewed under traditional camping parameters; feedback focuses on day-use and beach areas.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Checkout time is 11am with $100/hr penalty for staying past; book reservations in advance (up to 180 days for some); beach items available for rent at customer service center; heat may cause electric...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months see heavy congestion and crowded parking, while spring and fall offer quieter visits and are preferred by many reviewers. Winter visits are less commonly mentioned.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A great drive-on beach, but you must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.' - Sheila Harmon 2. 'What a calming spot to refresh. It is very dog-friendly and offers free parking.' - MURAT T. IPEK 3. 'We...

Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The area is noted for its dog-friendly policies, with some restrictions near swimming areas. Andre Barkov appreciates the beach's dog-friendly atmosphere, saying, 'Great beach if you are with a dog.'

Based on 24 reviews

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Go if

4x4 owners who want to wake up a short drive from six miles of Atlantic shoreline in fall, when temperatures drop into the 60s-70s and the Basin Trail's wildlife viewing peaks with migrating shorebirds and the occasional dolphin.

Skip if

Anyone expecting a real campground: there are only 2 sites, no hookups, no fire rings confirmed, peak summer visits turn the parking areas into gridlock, no onsite air compressor for airing tires back up after beach driving, and some reviewers describe interactions that suggest t

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