Contact Information
P.O. Box 475
Carolina Beach, NC 28248
910-458-8206
This beautiful coastal state park was established in 1969 in order to preserve the unique environment along the inter coastal waterway. A portion of the land was acquired with the first state expenditure for parkland since the purchase of Mount Mitchell in 1916.The park is home to the rare Venus flytrap and other species of insect-eating plants. There are a variety of habitats where you will be able to identify more than 30 species of coastal trees, shrubs and flowering plants.
Park Hours: November-February 8 am-6 pm; March/October 8 am - 7 pm; April, May, September 8 am - 8 pm; June-August 8 am-10 pm. Office hours: 8 am-5 pm daily. Gates will remain locked, except in emergency situations, when the park is not in operation. Please plan accordingly. The park is closed Christmas Day.
The park offers a marina that will enhance your enjoyment of the Cape Fear River and adjoining waterway where excellent fishing and boating opportunities await.
There are five miles of easy trails throughout the park.
A picnic area located near the bank of Snow's Cut between the campground and the marina. Twelve tables and 12 grills supply all the necessities for dining under the shade of large oak trees. Water and modern restrooms and parking are conveniently located nearby.
Two camping areas for organized groups are located along the Swamp Trail and are available with advance reservation through the marina office. Each area will accommodate up to 35 people. These areas are equipped with picnic tables, fire circles and pit toilets. Water can be obtained at the marina or park office. These areas are not accessible by vehicle. To reach the areas, campers must walk about 400 yards. Camping is available all year. The family campground is located in a wooded area near Snow's Cut. Pine and oak provide shade for 83 campsites, each of which is equipped with picnic table and grill. Drinking water as well as restrooms and hot showers are located nearby. There is a dump station for recreational vehicles but no hookups. Camping is available all year.
Fish from the river bank or launch your boat at the marina. Spot, flounder, sheepshead and striped bass are waiting to be caught at this park. Carolina Beach State Park offers access to a variety of waters: the fresh waters of the Cape Fear River, the estuarine waters of Masonboro Sound and the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean. A marina with two launching ramps and more than 40 boat slips is located at the junction of Snow's Cut and the Cape Fear River. Fuel, snacks, fishing, camping supplies and restrooms with showers are available. Tidal waters may be rough, exercise cautious seamanship.
Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few places you can spot the rare insect-eating plant, the Venus flytrap. A park ranger is available to help point them out. Special programs are also held throughout the year. Check with the park office for details. Environmental Educational Learning Experience (EELE)--Plants that Bite Back. Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8. Introduces students to basic plant biology, focusing on carnivorous plants. Major concepts covered include: plant adaptations, endemic species, habitat, endangered species, prescribed burning and other resource management techniques, land use planning, and stewardship.
The marina complex is wheelchair accessible. There's an accessible fishing pier and a campsite in Area 2 available for persons with disabilities.
Winter daytime temperatures average above 44 degrees Fahrenheit (above 7 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures average above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (above 27 Celsius). The state has a fairly wet climate with an average precipitation for this area averaging above 52 inches (above 132 centimeters).
