How to Drive On The Beach In Carolina Beach NC

Carolina Beach, NC, offers two different stretches of beach which permits driving on the sand. Freeman Park, formerly known as simply "the north end" allows driving, fishing, surfing, and camping and offers porta potties and police patrols for security. For campers in the summer season, it is not uncommon to find deliveries of firewood and ice, too. Just south of Carolina Beach, NC, is Fort Fisher State Park in Kure Beach, NC, and also allows driving on the beach. Laws and rules change often, so check with local officials before heading out. Here's the basics on how to drive on the beach at Carolina Beach, NC.

Instructions

1. The most important part of driving on the beach is a honest close look at your vehicle. The sand at Carolina Beach NC is notoriously "soft," meaning you will need a decent sized four wheel drive to drive on the beach. I cannot stress this part enough! If your four wheel drive is not working up to par, you may not be able to drive on the beach, but rather have the embarrassment of being stuck in the sand. Trust me, NOT FUN! Many of the locals at Carolina Beach NC are friendly enough to pull a stuck tourist out of the sand, but don't risk it if your truck won't make it.

2. Obtain a permit for driving on the beach in Carolina Beach NC. Many gas stations and bait shops sell these permits, and as of 2009 it is ten dollars per day, or fifty dollars for the year. You can obtain a permit from www.carolinabeach.org by mail ahead of your trip. All NC driving laws apply for driving on the beach in Carolina Beach NC, and your truck must be legally licensed for driving on the roads.

3. Let some air out of your tires before getting on the sand at Carolina Beach NC. There is a spot to pull over before the gate to let the air out of your tires before attempting to drive on the sand. Some Carolina Beach NC locals will tell you to take the tire pressure way down, as low as 18 lbs of air pressure. Way too low to drive on pavement for very far, but perfect for driving on the beach.

4. Now that you have aired down your tires and gotten your beach driving permit, head on down Canal Drive to the beach access ramp and drive about 10 to 15 miles per hour onto the beach. Avoid quick stops, as braking seems to make your tires want to dig right on down into the soft sand. Do not drive too near the high tide line, as the wet sand may make your truck sink. Park with plenty of room for the high tide to come and go and not take your truck with it. It happens. You may have more success straddling the ruts, or plowing right through if you have enough ground clearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Alcoholic beverages are allowed in Freeman Park, but drinking and driving is still against the law and is absolutely enforced at Carolina Beach, NC.

• Alcohol must NOT be in glass bottles, as glass is prohibited on the beach at Carolina Beach, NC.

• Upon leaving Carolina Beach, NC, drive slowly to the Scotchman gas station on Canal Street to add more air if you do not have a portable air compressor with you.