Rules and Information Regarding Use
of the Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Beach Access

Four miles of beachfront at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is open to visitors in four-wheel-drive vehicles, though restrictions apply regarding times of use and areas open to traffic. There are two principal reasons for the restrictions. The park is somewhat remote and emergency services can be limited during hours when rangers are not on duty. Also, Fort Fisher is home to 16 rare species including the loggerhead sea turtles. In late summer and early fall, the turtles often use areas near the dune line for nesting. Colonial shore birds favor the sparsely vegetated flats between the dune line and marshes for nesting sites in summer months. Restricted areas are clearly marked by rope fences and signs.

A WORD OF EXTREME CAUTION: steep drop-offs and soft sand can cause drivers and their vehicles to become stranded, and vehicles can be further threatened by incoming tides or engine overheating. Park staff is not equipped to recover stranded vehicles.

Times of day and year when the four-wheel-drive access area is open are listed below. Only registered vehicles with valued park-issued permits are allowed in the four-wheel-drive access area. Beach vehicle access permits are available for sale at the park's visitor's center daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with cash, money orders or personal checks accepted with proper identification.

Completed permit applications and fees cannot be accepted by mail and must be submitted in person at the park's visitor's center during normal operating hours.

Click here to download an Annual Beach Vehicle Access Permit

Access Permit Fees
Day Permit: $10
Annual Permit: $40 (Unlimited number of visits)

Please read the policies below and understand that violation of these and any other park regulation or rule can result in the revocation of beach vehicle access permits without refunds.

1. All drivers operate their vehicles on the beach strand at their own risk.
2. Permitted vehicles must meet all state license and safety requirements and must display a valid state inspection sticker.
3. Operate vehicles in designated areas only. Driving said vehicle on or over dune and designated wildlife nesting areas is strictly prohibited.
4. Camping, open fires, dogs off a leash, and littering is prohibited.
5. Only vehicles with a valid park issued permit are allowed on four-wheel-drive beach access areas.
6. Maximum speed limit for this beach area is 15 mph.
7. Use of the four-wheel-drive beach access area is permitted only during park operational hours.
8. Permit may be revoked, without refund, as a result of the violation of these or any other park rule or regulation.
9. Issued annual permit must be displayed on the lower right hand corner of the front windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle. Issued day permit must be hung from the rearview mirror while using the vehicle access area.
10. Beach access may be denied due to unsafe conditions caused by inclement weather or other hazardous situations as determined by the park superintendent.
11. State vehicles are not allowed to pull or tow stuck or inoperable vehicles. Local wrecker service is available to assist.
12. Alcohol consumption and possession anywhere in the park is strictly prohibited.
13. Decal permit is not transferable to another vehicle other than the vehicle identified in the permit application.

Park hours
Beach access gate closes 1/2 hour before park
December-February: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
March: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
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-November: 24-Hour Access

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

Back to things to do