Alternate between nearly six miles of pristine beach and trails through salt marsh brimming with wildlife at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a park touching both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Development on this protected shoreline is limited to a visitor center and related facilities and boardwalks that attract birders and photographers. Loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers and other rare species nest along the sandy shore. The park is popular for surf fishing, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed seasonally with required permits. On this tip of Pleasure Island, visitors will also find a state aquarium, Civil War-era historic site and a boating ramp and paddling launch nearby.

Park Office
8am - 5pm daily
Open most state holidays
Four-Wheel-Drive Beach Access
Sept. 15 - March 31
24 hours a day
All other times:
closes 30 minutes before the park
Pedestrian beach access
24 hours a day

There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.
Fishing
All coastal recreational regulations and licenses apply. A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required for any fisher 16 years of age or older. Return unwanted fish unharmed to the water and do not leave fish scraps on the beach. Fort Fisher SRA is experiencing problems with nest predators such as red fox feeding on turtle and shorebird nests. Leaving food and scraps on the beach attracts predators to areas where they may come into contact with people or feed on endangered and threatended species.
Swimming
Lifeguard service is provided in a designated swim area from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please obey the warning signs and flags. A green flag indicates relatively calm conditions. A yellow flag indicates rougher conditions and to swim with caution. A red flag indicates severe conditions. Swimming is not permitted under red flag conditions.
Off-Road Vehicles
Registered vehicles with valid park-issued permits are allowed in the four-wheel-drive access area. (Trailers are NOT allowed to be towed onto the beach) Beach vehicle access permits are available for sale at the park"s visitor center daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with cash, money orders or personal checks accepted with proper identification.
Permits are $15 weekdays and $25 weekends. An annual pass is $60.
Completed beach vehicle access permit applications and fees cannot be accepted by mail and must be submitted in person at the park"s visitor center during normal operating hours.
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach wheelchairs are available for free on a first come first serve basis. There are three chairs available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please come into the visitor center office and ask staff to assist in getting one for you.
 
Permits
Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you"re unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity Permit or obtain one from the park office.
Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.

Hours of Operation: Park hours November, December, January, February: 8am - 6pm March and October: 8am - 7pm April, May, September: 8am - 8pm June, July, August: 8am - 9pm Closed Christmas Day April-May: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. June-August: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. September 1-14: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. September 15-September 30: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. October: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Park office hours November-February 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday March-October 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Closed Christmas Day

Four-wheel-drive beach access March 15 - March 31: 8 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. April and May: 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. June, July, August: 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. September 1 - September 14: 6 a.m.- 7:30 p.m. September 15 - March 14: 24 hour access

Fees: No entry fees for this park
Metro Region: Wilmington NC
Park Management: State