Reviews
Carolina Beach
User Reviews
Anh My Nguyen
We stayed in mid Oct and the weather was lovely. It was still warm with a breeze coming from the beach. At night, it did get colder but nothing like a sleeping bag can’t fix! The space we picked had plenty of space for all of our camp gear. Only complaint was the community restroom was a little bit of a walk from our site. Either way, would come back!!
Josh Gillman
Very nice state park, free to use. Lots of hiking trails and areas to walk. Only recommendation is to definitely use insect repellent if you are walking the trails in the woods, because we were getting swarmed while walking.
Nicole Otero
it’s clear the ranger/anyone else in charge care very much about protecting the cleanliness and safety of the area. the bathrooms were well kept, there was 0 litter anywhere that I noticed, and they provide both a picnic table & fire pit at every site. we loved that there were hiking trails directly behind our lot leading to Snow’s Cut, because it was a quick way to catch the sunsets on the water. worth noting though, that you can hear nearby roads throughout the day/night (at least at #77 we could) - we didn’t mind it but some people may prefer complete silence. great experience overall!
Brian Slawson
Carolina Beach State Park is a gem. It’s got a little bit of everything — hiking trails that are easy enough for a casual walk but still give you that feeling of being out in nature, peaceful views along the Cape Fear River, and some really cool plant life (the Venus flytraps are worth checking out). The park feels well taken care of, with clean trails and clear signage. It’s also not overly crowded, which makes it perfect for a quiet morning hike or just clearing your head after a busy week. Parking is convenient, and the marina area gives it a nice “by the water” vibe without the chaos of the main beach. If you’re looking for a spot that’s relaxing but still has plenty to explore, this park is perfect. It’s the kind of place you end up returning to again and again.
Demeter DeLune
One of my favorite state Parks’s to visit and hike. Lots of trails and excellent camping spots (book ahead online)
Mindi Geouge
The trails are beautiful, and you can reach the Cape Fear River. They have a nice marina with a great boat dock and kayak rentals. It's a wonderful place to hike and boat.
Brad Lovell
We’ve stayed here 3 times and absolutely love it! Nice campsites, walking trails, friendly staff, marina, beautiful views, clean, and haven’t had any issues at all with other campers! Great location to the beach, whether you’re walking, driving, or biking! Would highly recommend staying here! We look forward to each visit!
Rhonda Astor
One of our favorite parks. We’ve stayed here a lot and always have a good time. Campsite’s are large and most have privacy from trees and vegetation from site to site. Most are shaded as well. Picnic tables, fire rings and lantern pole at all sites. There are maybe 8 full hookup sites in the first loop on the right as you enter but in our 5 years coming here have not once seen ANY availability 🤨 There are 2 camping loops and both have a bath house in the middle with flush toilets and 4 showers. Usually pretty clean but in the summer it’s pretty humid in there taking a shower. There are walking trails to explore and this park is very close to restaurants and groceries and a brewery! In summer the bugs are usually pretty hungry so take bug spray. Also it seems to always be muggy in the campground. Never a breeze so take a fan if you can.
01kk WAF00
2025.04.24 ~13.00, sunny high 70s_F, did a Loop of Sugarloaf Trail, and Campground. On-the-trails, i encountered a total of ~8 people - everyone's courteous and friendly. The trails were well maintained and the Park faciities were nice and clean.
Dean Peters
A well maintained, well marked, wonderful set of trails that is relatively flat yet never boring in the flora and fauna it reveals. Sneakers will do, but I'm glad I wore low cut hiking shoes. Also, bring your own water year round, bug spray in the summer.
Leif Rowles
Nice camp facilities. Friendly ranger at boat marina camp store. Beautiful quiet surroundings. Minutes bicycle ride To the shore and civilization... Your missing out if you don't plan a bucket list trip. Off-season is the most available and quiet time. November through mid-March. 72 F day on March 3, 2022.
Collin Smith
I've hiked a lot in the last few years and trust me when I tell you that Carolina b ach state park is the absolute best of what Wilmington has to offer. Miles of trails, much of the trail is on the river. Plenty of wild and plant life to see if you pay attention. You can wander here. There's no single long trail. Rather, there are miles of very short trails. Easy to get lost but also easy to find your way again.
Lauren Heckman
You would never expect parts of the trails to be so shady and wooded. The breeze kept us cool and the trails were marked well. Great park for some day hiking/walking.
Amanda Morgan
This place is amazing. The campground is well kept. Bathrooms are clean and well lighted at night. They have great firepits at the sites and plenty of trash cans that are empty often. Very family friendly and your fur babies are welcome as long as you have them leashed and clean up after them.