Carolina Beach State Park

Star4.47
288 reviews
1010 State Park Rd., Carolina Beach, North Carolina, 28428, United States
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

50 ft

Price

$5 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Carolina Beach State Park site

Official Website
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Carolina Beach State Park
$5.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A dump station fee of $20 was reported by a user review, previously noted as $5 in the past.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 288 reviews

208 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadestafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"The campground is highly praised for its privacy, cleanliness, and access to outdoor activities. Complaints include issues with low water pressure, bugs, and road noise."

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Campground Map

1010 State Park Rd., Carolina Beach, North Carolina, 28428, United States

Carolina Beach State Park

1010 State Park Rd., Carolina Beach, North Carolina, 28428, United States

Driving directionsCarolina Beach State Park is located off US 421 in New Hanover County on Dow Road, 10 miles south of Wilmington. From Raleigh, take Interstate 40 east. After approximately 122 miles, the interstate turns into NC 132. Continue south on NC 132, driving through Wilmington. US 421 will join NC 132; continue south on US 421. After driving across Snow's Cut Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, turn right at the second stoplight onto Dow Road, and follow the signs to the park entrance, which is on the right on State Park Road. Intracoastal Waterway, just past where Snow's Cut meets the Cape Fear River between Channel Marker 163 & 165.
The park is accessible via paved roads and is located close to major highways such as US 421 and Interstate 40. Snow's Cut Bridge provides access over the Intracoastal Waterway. No specific mention of seasonal closures or rough terrain was noted in authoritative sources.
Nearby places
Wilmington: 12 miles south, approximately a 20-minute drive. Carolina Beach: Local amenities are within a few blocks.
Nearby supplies
The marina store within the park provides basic camping supplies such as wood and ice. User reviews also note proximity to grocery stores and restaurants a few blocks away in Carolina Beach.

Best Time to Camp at Carolina Beach State Park

Experience Carolina Beach State Park's inviting climate year-round, where mild winters averaging 55°F give way to warm, vibrant summers reaching into the mid-80s. Summer afternoon thunderstorms bring dramatic skies and refreshing relief from the heat, nourishing the park's lush vegetation. The cooler, drier winter months offer crisp mornings perfect for hiking and exceptional wildlife viewing, while spring and fall deliver ideal conditions for camping under star-filled skies and exploring without the summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm weather and activities; but mosquitoes, humidity, thunderstorms and crowds lower comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder weather and fewer crowds make it a good season for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely strong for plant activity and wildlife; good weather for trails and paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 22% in NC

Mild winters (~55°F) yield a quieter visit though some vegetation is reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Exact peak season dates were not provided but user reviews suggest high traffic during summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The park is operational year-round, as indicated by the combination of reviews across all seasons.
  • Current Alerts: There were no current closures or advisories noted in the data.

About Carolina Beach State Park

Where ancient maritime forests meet tidal waters, Carolina Beach State Park beckons adventurers with its extraordinary tapestry of ecosystems. Home to the carnivorous Venus flytrap in its native habitat, this coastal sanctuary invites you to explore winding trails through diverse landscapes, cast a line from the full-service marina, or navigate the scenic Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you're seeking a peaceful paddle through cypress-lined creeks or hoping to glimpse rare plants found nowhere else on Earth, this remarkable park offers an unforgettable escape into one of North Carolina's most biodiverse treasures.
Carolina Beach State Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cabins. The park also provides group camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is 4:00 PM, although exceptions are sometimes granted.
Check-out
Official check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Users reported varying lengths of stays, but specifics about maximum consecutive nights were not detailed.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Carolina Beach State Park is bustling with activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the marina. "Tons of trails, kayaking, the beach is just a few miles away, and the marina is very close by," shared a user.
HikingHiking trails are a highlight of the park. Trails are described as amazing, with opportunities to see Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. "The trails are amazing! Saw a Venus flytrap and beautiful pitcher plants," said one reviewer.
FishingThe marina provides excellent fishing opportunities. One user noted, "Nice fishing area."
BikingThe park's proximity to beaches and town makes it accessible for bicycle rides. "Close proximity to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, a short drive or bicycle ride," shared a user.
BoatingThe marina offers boating opportunities with access to the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. "Has a full-service marina," noted a reviewer.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include deer, egrets, and pelicans. "Lots of lovely trees and wildlife. We saw deer, egrets, pelicans," mentioned one user.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and large spiders are frequently noted in user reviews as discomforts, particularly during summer. Sewer system issues were highlighted in Site #10.
Active AlertsThere were no current closures or advisories noted in the data.

Weather at Carolina Beach State Park

Reviews

4.5
288 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Carolina Beach State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its privacy, cleanliness, and access to outdoor activities. Complaints include issues with low water pressure, bugs, and road noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 288 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the private, shaded campsites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. "We are staying in the Flytrap cabin which feels new with its pine interior," and "Campsites are large and very...
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Based on 288 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included low water pressure at some sites, generator noise, bugs (mosquitoes and spiders), and issues with the early gate-locking policy. "The mosquitoes are HANGRY!" noted one user, while...
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Based on 288 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to combat the mosquitoes. Visit the marina for beautiful sunsets, and try to secure campsites away from potential generator noise.
Based on 288 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, mosquitoes and humidity are significant issues. Winter offers a quieter experience but with less vegetation.
Based on 288 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The mosquitoes are HANGRY!" "Venus flytrap and beautiful pitcher plants." "The worst part of this is the early gate locking."
Based on 288 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 is described as long and private, but with very low water pressure. Site #28 is noted for its privacy, while Site #32 lacked privacy and had layout issues.
Based on 288 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly reviewed, but campsites are generally level, and staff are helpful.
Based on 288 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are accommodating, and the campground is described as pet-friendly. "Supper dog friendly," noted one reviewer.
Based on 288 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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