Freeman Park
Experience the unique thrill of driving your 4WD onto the sand at Freeman Park, offering a personal beach oasis with calm waters and great shelling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Freeman Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the unique thrill of driving your 4WD onto the sand at Freeman Park, offering a personal beach oasis with calm waters and great shelling.
"Freeman Park is a standout destination that beautifully combines natural scenery with family-friendly amenities."
🚗 4WD Beach Access
Bring your 4WD for direct beach access! A fee applies, but it's worth it for your own spot.
🐶 Dog Rules
Dogs are welcome, but check seasonal restrictions. Enjoy the park with your furry friends!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-On Beach
North end of Carolina Beach
Experience the unique thrill of parking your 4WD vehicle right on the sand, steps from the ocean.
Shelling and Calm Waters
Low tide areas
Discover beautiful shells and enjoy exceptionally calm waters, perfect for families and relaxation.
Food Truck Fridays
Freeman Park
Savor delicious eats from local food trucks every Friday, a perfect lunch or early dinner spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive-On Beach Access
Best Beach Days
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Beach Access
Bring your 4WD for direct beach access! A fee applies, but it's worth it for your own spot.
🐶 Dog Rules
Dogs are welcome, but check seasonal restrictions. Enjoy the park with your furry friends!
🚚 Food Truck Fun
Don't miss Food Truck Friday for delicious local eats and a vibrant atmosphere.
🐚 Shelling Treasures
Explore the beach at low tide for fantastic shelling opportunities and calm waters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Beach Access
Bring your 4WD for direct beach access! A fee applies, but it's worth it for your own spot.
🐶 Dog Rules
Dogs are welcome, but check seasonal restrictions. Enjoy the park with your furry friends!
🚚 Food Truck Fun
Don't miss Food Truck Friday for delicious local eats and a vibrant atmosphere.
🐚 Shelling Treasures
Explore the beach at low tide for fantastic shelling opportunities and calm waters.
💰 Vehicle Entry Fee
Be prepared for a vehicle entry fee, typically around $50, for 4WD access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Freeman Park for its unique drive-on beach access, allowing for a personal and convenient coastal experience. The calm waters at low tide and opportunities for shelling are also highlights. However, some note the vehicle entry fee can be high, and seasonal dog restrictions require attention.
"Its a nice park. It does not smell like a sewage treatment plant like many parks i visited in the area. Nice walking area. Play area for kids. Frisbee disc golf. Scooters for rent to zip up and down the river walk greenbelt trail. Wich.... i should say... to watch out for the homeless people in the area. I found multiple makeshift camps along the river near the park."
J's modern bushcraft And survival
"This park is a standout destination that beautifully combines natural scenery with family-friendly amenities. Situated along a serene riverside, it features lush greenery, open spaces, and well-maintained walkways that offer stunning views at every turn. Whether you’re out for a relaxing stroll or enjoying a day with the family, the park provides a peaceful and welcoming environment.
Families will appreciate the large, modern playset, ideal for young children. The disc golf course adds a fun, active element, and the snow hill becomes a seasonal favorite during the winter months. Multiple covered picnic sheds are thoughtfully placed throughout the park, making it an excellent spot for gatherings, picnics, or casual meetups.
One area that could be improved is bathroom accessibility. Currently, the primary restroom facility is located up a hill at the center of the park and can be hard to spot, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited mobility. The addition of more easily accessible and clearly marked bathrooms throughout the park would greatly enhance convenience and user experience.
Overall, this park offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty and recreational options, making it a go-to spot for people of all ages—despite a few practical areas that could benefit from improvement."
Tan. T.
"Well maintained and such a peaceful park. I wish they would cut down some of the bushes along the river so you can see it. There are benches at some areas where you can see the river but more spots would be nice. This was the weekend for Field of Honor. Very nice and such a great tribute. The Vietnam Veteran Memorial is very nice. This park has some wonderful trails, plenty of nice areas to relax, beautiful trees, a nice play area, disc golf, baseball field, and a small creek running along part of the park. In the winter, they groom the park, and there are plenty of activities to do."
Donna Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Freeman Park is located at the north end of Carolina Beach, NC. For 4WD access, you can drive directly onto the beach after paying a vehicle entry fee. If you don't have a 4WD, you can park and walk onto the beach.
Yes, there is parking available. For those with 4WD vehicles, you can drive directly onto the beach. For others, there is designated parking to access the beach on foot.
Absolutely! While 4WD vehicles can drive onto the beach, you can also park your vehicle and walk onto the beach to enjoy the amenities.
Freeman Park is at the northernmost point of Carolina Beach. Follow the main road north, and you'll find the entrance to the park and beach access.
Yes, Freeman Park is a great destination for day trips, offering unique beach access and amenities for a fun-filled day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for vehicles to drive onto the beach at Freeman Park is typically around $50. This fee allows you to set up your personal beach spot directly on the sand.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required for Freeman Park. You can pay the vehicle entry fee upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the vehicle entry fee covers access for your car and its occupants.
Freeman Park is generally accessible year-round, but specific hours for driving onto the beach may vary. It's best to check with the local authorities for the most current information.
Dogs are allowed in Freeman Park, but there are seasonal restrictions. It's important to check the current regulations regarding dog access, especially during peak beach seasons.
🎫 🏖️ Beach Experience
Freeman Park offers a unique drive-on beach experience, great for shelling, relaxing, and enjoying the ocean. It's also a popular spot for events like Food Truck Fridays. 
At low tide, the water at Freeman Park is often described as extremely calm, making it ideal for families with young children and for swimming.
The best time for shelling at Freeman Park is typically at low tide, when more of the beach is exposed and shells are more likely to be found.
Yes, Freeman Park is a wonderful spot for picnics. The ability to drive your vehicle onto the beach allows you to easily bring all your picnic supplies.
Yes, Freeman Park is excellent for families, especially at low tide when the water is calm. The unique drive-on beach experience is also a hit with kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Freeman Park itself doesn't have permanent restaurants, but it frequently hosts 'Food Truck Fridays' offering a variety of delicious options for lunch.
Food Truck Fridays at Freeman Park feature a diverse range of culinary delights, from barbecue to unique burgers, catering to various tastes.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at Freeman Park, especially since you can drive your vehicle onto the beach.
Besides the food trucks, the surrounding Carolina Beach area offers numerous restaurants and cafes for dining options.
While there aren't dedicated snack stands, the food trucks often offer a variety of snacks along with their main meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-on beach itself is a unique photo opportunity. Capture the vehicles on the sand, the ocean views, and the natural beauty of the coastline.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer light and beautiful colors.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the park management regarding drone operation policies before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide beach scenes and details like shells or wildlife. Waterproof gear is a plus near the ocean.
The North Pier is located right next to Freeman Park and can serve as a scenic backdrop or point of interest in your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during 'Food Truck Fridays' for a fun and easy meal option that kids will love. While there aren't specific playgrounds within the drive-on beach area, the expansive sand and calm waters offer plenty of natural entertainment. Remember to check seasonal dog restrictions if you plan to bring your pet.
+1🚗 Adventure Seekers
This park is perfect for setting up a base camp for a day of sunbathing, fishing, or simply enjoying the sound of the ocean without the crowds. It's a chance to truly immerse yourself in the coastal environment and create your own private slice of paradise.
🐶 Pet Owners
When dogs are permitted, the expansive beach offers plenty of space for them to run and play. Remember to bring water for your pet and be mindful of other beachgoers. The unique drive-on access can also be convenient for loading and unloading pets and their gear.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Drive-On Beach Experience
For those without a 4WD, the park is still accessible. You can park your vehicle in designated areas and walk onto the beach, ensuring everyone can enjoy the coastal beauty. This inclusive approach makes Freeman Park a versatile destination. The park is particularly popular for its ability to offer a more personal space on the sand, away from crowded boardwalks.
+1Beyond the drive-on aspect, Freeman Park is celebrated for its natural charm. At low tide, the water becomes remarkably calm, creating a safe and serene environment perfect for families with young children. It's also a prime location for shelling, with numerous treasures waiting to be discovered along the shoreline.
Family Fun and Community Events
The park also hosts vibrant community events, most notably 'Food Truck Fridays.' These events transform the park into a lively culinary destination, where visitors can sample a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a casual meal with a beautiful beach backdrop, making it a popular weekend activity for locals and visitors alike.
While the primary draw is the beach, the park's location and accessibility make it a versatile spot for various activities. Whether it's building sandcastles, searching for shells, or simply enjoying a picnic, Freeman Park provides a welcoming environment for a memorable family outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit