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. Visit Carolina Beach State Park to relax, enjoy nature or embark on an eye-opening adventure.
This is a great place for an "under the trees" lunch. The trees are really cool as they shadow the area. There is a great bank for crabbing. Think chicken leg on a string that you pull in slowly and then scoop up with a net. We have literally spent hours doing this on low tide. Watch for red ants if you are a picnic blanket kind of family or use one of the many picnic tables.
You’ll find plenty of hotels, motels, and cottages for rent at Carolina Beach, but you can also camp at Carolina Beach State Park, located on the waterway on the west side of the island. You can fish here, but no swimming is allowed, although public beach access is only a few minutes away.
The park is one of the world’s few natural habitats of the Venus flytrap, a unique carnivorous plant that traps and dissolves insects that land on its leaves. There are several nature trails in the park, and markers will help you guide your family through them. Picnic facilities are available during daylight hours. Paddleboats and kayaks are also available for rent at the park lake.
We traveled from the WNC area to Carolina Beach State Park for the first time. We left on a Friday morning and it took about 4.5 hours. The Park was easy to find. We drove in and picked out a camping spot, #16, in the family camping area. This area is accessible to a water spicket, bathrooms and showers. We paid $15 per night. Each site seemed to have plenty of shade, as well as a tent pad, picnic table and fire pit/grill.