Getting Around

We’re proud to be a stop on the Southport Trolley route! With so much to see and do around Southport and Oak Island, getting there—and back—can be a hassle. The Southport Trolley offers a safe, easy, and affordable way to enjoy the area without the stress of parking or driving. 

Sit back, relax, and take in the sights—it's a great way to explore like a local. 

View Live Schedule

 Catch a ferry from Southport and explore beyond the island. Head to Fort Fisher to learn about Civil War history, enjoy hiking trails, swim, or fish in the coastal preserve. Just a short drive from the ferry landing is Carolina Beach, a fun spot for dining, boardwalk strolls, and oceanfront views.

Another route takes you to Bald Head Island—a car-free escape where bikes and golf carts set the pace. While you're there, visit North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse or wander through the peaceful maritime forest.

View Ferry Schedule

   Before you pack up your beach bag, plan your hike, or fire up the grill, be sure to check the local forecast! Coastal weather can change quickly—sunshine in the morning and sea breezes by afternoon.

Staying up to date helps you make the most of your time outdoors, whether you’re hitting the water, exploring Southport, or enjoying a lazy afternoon at your campsite. 

View Local Weather

  Planning to drive to the beach? The Town of Oak Island offers public parking at various beach access points, with both paid and free options depending on location. Paid parking is in effect from April 1 through September 30 and is managed through the Town’s parking app or kiosks located at select lots.

Be sure to check signage when you arrive, and visit the Town of Oak Island’s Parking Information Page for maps, pricing, and details before you go.

View Beach Parking Information

 Standing 150 feet tall at the edge of Caswell Beach, the Oak Island Lighthouse is the youngest of North Carolina’s coastal beacons—but it’s full of character and coastal history. Walk-in tours of the base are free and available seasonally, but for those ready to take in the view, climbing tours to the top (all 131 steps!) are available by reservation.

The view from the top is truly one-of-a-kind, offering sweeping sights of the Atlantic, the Cape Fear River, and the Brunswick County shoreline. It’s a must-do for lighthouse lovers and a memorable stop for anyone looking to see the coast from a new angle.

Climbing tours are offered year-round, depending on guide availability.

Oak Island Lighthouse

 Looking for the ultimate coastal adventure? Skydive Coastal Carolinas, located right next door to the campground, offers tandem jumps with breathtaking views of Oak Island, Bald Head Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether it’s your first jump or your tenth, there’s nothing quite like freefalling over the water and landing with your feet in the Carolina sand.

Not quite ready to take the leap? You can still enjoy the show from the comfort of our campground pavilion. Grab a seat, kick back, and watch colorful parachutes float through the sky as jumpers descend above the treetops. 

 Ready to Jump? Learn More! 

  Historic homes, waterfront dining, movie filming spots, and charming boutiques—Downtown Southport is the perfect blend of Southern charm and seaside simplicity. Stroll under oak-lined streets, pop into local shops for handmade gifts and coastal finds, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water.

Movie fans will recognize scenes from Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, and other popular films, and golf cart tours of filming locations are a fun way to explore. Be sure to swing by Southport’s Yacht Basin, where the views, salt air, and docked sailboats are pure coastal Carolina. It’s one of the best places to end a beach day—or start your next one.

  Just under an hour from the campground, Wilmington is a perfect day trip destination full of Southern charm and scenic views. Walk the beautiful Wilmington Riverwalk, where you’ll find local shops, cozy cafés, art galleries, and riverfront restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating.

Explore the city’s historic downtown, known for its well-preserved architecture and tree-lined streets filled with stately homes and gardens. If you have time, nearby museums and parks add a fun, easygoing layer to your visit. It’s a relaxing way to soak up a bit of culture, great food, and river breeze—all in one afternoon.

 With over 8 miles of shoreline, Oak Island offers wide, uncrowded beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sandy adventures. Whether you're building castles, catching waves, or simply watching the tide roll in, it's easy to find your favorite stretch of sand.

Don’t forget—Oak Island faces south, making it one of the few east coast beaches where you can watch the sun rise and set over the water depending on the season.

Parking is available at several public beach access points. For tips on where to park and how to get around, visit our Getting Around section. 

 Tide timing can make all the difference—whether you’re shelling at The Point, heading out on a fishing trip, or planning a paddle along the waterway.

Use the tide chart below to track high and low tides in Oak Island. It’s the best way to catch more fish, find better shells, and enjoy safer adventures by the sea.

Oak Island Tide Chart

 Looking for a peaceful beach walk and maybe a few coastal treasures? Head to The Point—a favorite local spot for shelling, especially around low tide. You might find olive shells, whelks, or Atlantic cockles scattered along the shoreline, with some of the best finds showing up after a storm or breezy day.

Even if your bucket stays light, the views won’t disappoint. The Point offers a stunning look across the inlet toward Holden Beach—especially at sunrise. Want to explore even more? A short drive to Holden Beach gives you a chance to hunt for unique finds like sea biscuits and fossilized shells after their recent beach renourishment.

Tip: Check the Oak Island Tide Chart before heading out—low tide is your best bet for shelling success!

 Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or you’re a seasoned angler, Oak Island has two piers that offer incredible views—and even better fishing.The Oak Island Pier is one of the tallest in North Carolina, stretching 880 feet into the Atlantic with King fishing stations, snacks, and an oceanfront restaurant on-site. A little further down the island, the Ocean Crest Pier is another popular spot for families and serious fishermen alike.

Day and seasonal passes are available at both locations, and no fishing license is required to fish directly from the piers.

 Catch a Live Look From the Pier Cam