Kayakers and anglers find direct access to the Cape Fear River at Carolina Beach State Park Campground, where a full-service marina provides boat launches and rentals alongside nearly 100 forested campsites. The campground sits within a 761-acre state park that connects to Carolina Beach via a short drive across the bridge, putting campers within minutes of ocean access while maintaining separation from beachfront crowds.
Large, well-spaced sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet with full hookups, while tent campers can spread out on gravel pads surrounded by mature trees and dense vegetation that creates natural privacy barriers between neighbors. Two bathhouse facilities serve the campground loops, with heated buildings during winter months and multiple electrical outlets for charging devices. Kelley K. notes the gates lock at 9pm and reopen at 7am, requiring campers to plan their evening returns accordingly.
The park's trail system spans roughly five miles through diverse ecosystems, including the popular Flytrap Trail where visitors can observe Venus flytraps and pitcher plants in their native habitat. Sugarloaf Trail leads to a secluded riverside area suitable for fishing and relaxation. The marina offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring the intercoastal waterway, where large yachts provide interesting scenery during paddles.
Raccoons present a persistent challenge throughout the campground, with multiple reviewers reporting nightly visits from what one camper described as "gigantic raccoons" that remain active even during daylight hours. All food must be secured in vehicles or tents. Mosquitoes can be intense during warmer months, particularly in early fall when they bite through clothing. Bug spray, citronella candles, and thermocell devices become essential gear. The campground stays busy during holiday weekends, with sites filling quickly. For additional camping options, visitors can explore campgrounds just outside Carolina Beach.
Description
Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.
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.
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.
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. Beach Camping NC is 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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock, Morrow Mountain, and Cliffs of the Neuse State Parks 1 night Minimum Stay on holiday weekend if the booking dates within 14 Days before Arrival Date Rule applies to the following holiday weekends: Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCarolina Beach State Park Campground is located in North Carolina near Carolina Beach
Directions
Carolina Beach State Park is located off US 421 in New Hanover County on Dow Road, 10 miles south of Wilmingon. 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.
Address
1010 State Park Rd.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Coordinates
34.04867271 N
77.90949255 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 5/11/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/11/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 5/11/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/11/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 15 min from Wilmington, NC
- 1 hr 11 min from Jacksonville, NC
- 1 hr 33 min from Myrtle Beach, SC
- 1 hr 38 min from Goldsboro, NC



















































