Picnicking
The Carolina Beach State Park picnic area is located near the bank of Snow's Cut, between the campground and the marina. Under the shade of large oak trees, tables, and grills supply all the necessities for dining.
A wheelchair-accessible site is also available. Water, restrooms, and parking are conveniently located nearby.
Picnic tables are free to use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Birdwatching
Carolina Beach State Park is a great place for birdwatching. Brown pelicans thrive in the coastal environment, and warbles, finches, and woodpeckers fill the woods. In the summer, painted buntings, yellowthroats, and prairie warblers can be seen in the forest, while ospreys populate Snow's Cut. In addition to providing habitat for resident land birds during the winter and summer, the park is located along an important migration corridor and attracts many birds during their migrations.
Fees
There are no fees to access the park for most day-use activities, including hiking, biking and fishing.
Picnic tables are free to use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is a boat launch fee of $7. Other fees for marina use can be found on the marina page.
Paddle NC is a private concessionaire located at the park that offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals. Their rental rates and availability can be found on the Paddle NC website.