Masonboro Island
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Masonboro Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island left on North Carolina's southern coast, reachable only by boat from Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, with miles of open ocean beach and no buildings of any kind. Primitive camping is allowed for up to two nights, a rare option this close to two busy beach towns.
Miles of genuinely undeveloped beach and legal primitive camping this close to Wilmington are hard to find anywhere else on the coast, though it takes a boat and real planning to get there at all.
How we score beachesBring everything you need and pack it all back out. There's a strict leave no trace policy here, no trash cans, no facilities, nothing left behind.
No vehicle access to the island. Public and private boat ramps serve the reserve from Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and New Hanover County's Trails End Park.
Trails cross the island from the sound side landing spots to the ocean beach. The terrain is undeveloped sand and marsh throughout.
Dogs are allowed but must stay leashed at all times. Free-running dogs aren't permitted given the reserve's sensitive wildlife.
The crossing and camping season run best April through October, ahead of the same June through November hurricane season that affects the rest of the Cape Fear coast.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.