Carova Beach Park and Boat Ramp

This beach is magical! You can only access this beach with a 4x4 vehicle, and airing down your tires is a must. I bought a $50 pass for the week (passes are limited) to access and park on this beach to enjoy the seclusion and wild horses. You have to keep at least 50 feet away from the horses and are not allowed to feed them.We drove around for a bit, admiring the wild horses and the beautiful homes in the area and then we set up our beach gear to enjoy the beautiful day. We brought a picnic lunch and had a great time. This is by far my favorite beach in NC.

By far my favorite beach on the east coast! I love this place, even though it's miles away from everyone else. I don't care. It's worth the drive. For a few bucks, you can go buy a day pass and drive your Jeep or any 4x4 and have your own personal slice of heaven.The water is still cool for it almost being July but it's fine. Everyone here is friendly and there is a beach recovery truck for those inexperienced drivers who can't figure out how to use four wheel drive.Sometimes you can see wild horses hanging out on the shoreline. Such beauty...it really makes my day. I love how it isn't too crowded but of course my favorite part is driving my Jeep out unto the beach.

So, you can get there by boat but it's not easy. There's a public ramp with room to tie up 6-8 boats on the southern side of the southern-most canal, which is about 1/4 mile walk, including over a dune, to get to the beach. It's a long walk on a hot day, for sure. Don't carry too much. Getting there via water will require a shallow draft boat, such as a pontoon, Tritoon, flats boat or jet ski. Don't try it if you can't trim up to 24 inches or less. You won't make it. There's also a huge sea grass field right in front of the canal, so be prepared to stop several times to clear off your running gear. When you make the left to go down the canal stay right. It's inches deep on the left of the turn, but then go down the canal center or center-left. Nice bathrooms (horse tours also stop to use them) and a small park with play area for kids. Looked like a single covered table and a park grill. Dock space fills up quick. Don't leave anything unlocked in your boat. Saw some folks there I wouldn't trust to walk away from my boat with unsecured bags, etc. left in it.

Great park with access to the Carova canal system, and a small play set for kids as well as a covered area with tables. Bathrooms are clean and there is even an outdoor shower. Well maintained.