Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Trails Status

Hiking Trail

Open

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Located in New Hanover County 18 miles south of Wilmington, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is the only park in the system that allows four-wheel-drive beach access, making it popular for surf fishing. Warm weather months bring loggerhead sea turtles to nest along the park's sandy shores. A trail traverses the salt marsh and ends at an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River. The marsh, brimming with wildlife, provides plenty of watching opportunities for birders and photographers year-round. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Fort Fisher. The closest state park with camping is Carolina Beach State Park.

Activities

  • Hiking (1 mile)
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Four-wheel-drive beach driving

Amenities

  • Classroom
  • Beach access (ocean)
  • Foot rinse station

Plan Your Visit

Address

1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449

GPS: 33.9534, -77.9290

 

Current Weather

28449 Kure Beach, NC

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Park gate is closed and locked at park closing time. Please view the tab for four-wheel-drive gate access hours.

Month Hours
January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Month Hours
January Open 24 hours
February Open 24 hours
March Open 24 hours
April 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
September 1 to 14 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
September 15 to 30 Open 24 hours
October Open 24 hours
November Open 24 hours
December Open 24 hours

 

Open year-round, 24 hours a day

Photo Gallery

Top: Loggerhead sea turtle hatchings, staff photo

Gallery: Observation deck at the end of the Basin Trail, C. Peek  |  Surf fishing on the four-wheel-drive beach, staff photo  |  Sandy portion of the Basin Trail, J. Brown  |  Family at the pedestrian beach, C. Peek  |  Aerial view of the salt marsh, R. Keenan