Freeman Park
Freeman Park is a popular attraction for four-wheel drive vehicle enthusiasts and overnight campers. The secluded beachfront is one of the few beaches in North Carolina that allows vehicles on it with proper permits.
The town of Carolina Beach makes millions selling access passes to the area, but property owners say they are being taken advantage of. WECT’s Mike McCallion reports. Click here for more info.
Access
One of the main reasons visitors visit Carolina Beach is to take advantage of its secluded beaches that allow four-wheel drive access and overnight camping with permits. Having the ability to drive right up to the beach makes it much easier to enjoy the beautiful coastline, watch spectacular sunsets over the ocean or inlet, hunt for sea shells and do some fishing.
Beach driving requires that you slack down your tires to 20 psi and have a vehicle with plenty of ground clearance. It’s also a good idea to bring along a spare tire and make sure that your vehicle can handle the sandy terrain.
The town of Carolina Beach does not own Freeman Park, which is primarily owned by private landowners in the unincorporated county community of Kure Beach. However, an interlocal agreement with the county gives the town extraterritorial jurisdiction over the property. Eminent domain is a tool that the town can use to acquire land from private property owners, but North Carolina law requires just compensation.
Rules
During the summer season, there are several rules that visitors should be aware of while at Freeman Park. These include alcohol, pets, and camping.
The Town of Carolina Beach does not own the majority of the property at Freeman Park, which is primarily owned by individual property owners in unincorporated New Hanover County. Despite this, an interlocal agreement gives the town extraterritorial jurisdiction of the land.
By state statute, all dry sand beaches are considered public and the public is granted access from the toe of the dune line to the mean high-water mark or average tide line.
Dogs are required to be on a leash during the peak season of April 1 through September 30 and at all times Oct. through March at Freeman Park. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. All beachgoers must have on their person a minimum of two plastic bags to contain and carry pet waste until it can be disposed of properly. Browse around this site to check more places to visit.
Camping
If you enjoy beach camping and want to experience the unique feel of driving on a public beach while still having access to showers, trash cans, and port-a-potties, this is a great option. Daily passes are required to drive on the beach and there is a pay station at the entrance to the park that accepts both cash and credit.
There are 21 campsites located along the oceanside at Freeman Park Carolina Beach NC, and some have full hook-ups for RVs. Reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance. There is a $6 discount per night for those 62 years old or older and those in active military or veteran status when making a reservation online.
There are also six mini “log cabins” available to rent for a more rustic feel. The campground is a short walk from the bathhouse and water spigot, and there are picnic tables at every site.
Parking
Visitors to Freeman Park can enjoy a day of fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or hunting for sea shells. Overnight camping is also allowed with proper permits. Four-wheel drive vehicles are permitted on the beach. Dogs are welcome off-leash as long as they remain under voice command.
It is important to remember that vehicle owners must always carry a minimum of two dog waste bags with them and be prepared to present them upon request. Failure to do so could result in a $100 fine. Owners must also ensure that their pets are up to date on all vaccinations and have a city dog license.
It is also a good idea to avoid parking in any region that may be submerged at high tide or may be subject to saltwater damage. Vehicles parked in the wrong area can be damaged, and the cost to replace or repair a vehicle after a day at the beach can be quite expensive. Up next is Tregembo Animal Park.
Driving directions from Crystal Clear Shine to Freeman Park
Driving directions from Freeman Park to Tregembo Animal Park