Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
New River Inlet Beach unfolds where a tidal river cuts through barrier dunes to meet Onslow Bay, creating a dynamic seam of water that draws Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder into casting range. You'll walk past tackle boxes and coolers planted in the sand, their owners knee-deep in the surf, reading the water for baitfish flashes. The beach itself stretches wide and pale, littered with whelk shells and driftwood, backed by low vegetation rather than boardwalks or beach houses. The inlet's geography shifts with nor'easters and hurricanes—sandbars appear and vanish, channels deepen or silt in—so what you see this season may not exist the next. F/A-18 Hornets scream overhead in training runs, a reminder that Camp Lejeune's fence line sits just inland. The military presence keeps development at bay, leaving this stretch rawer than the resort beaches ten miles south. You'll share the sand with brown pelicans diving for menhaden and the occasional loggerhead turtle crawling ashore to nest between May and August. Bring your own shade, your own water, and respect the anglers' space when their lines are out. The nearest conveniences are back in Sneads Ferry, where shrimp boats unload at the docks and restaurants fry the day's catch in cornmeal batter.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of New River Inlet Beach.
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Swimming at New River Inlet Beach requires caution due to strong currents and unpredictable tides typical of inlet areas. The beach has no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers must assess conditions themselves. Rip currents are common near the inlet, especially during outgoing tides. The water can be choppy with boat traffic from nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Families with children should stay in shallow areas away from the inlet opening. Always check weather and tide conditions before entering the water, and never swim alone at this unguarded beach.
New River Inlet Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-August) brings warm water temperatures around 80°F and peak crowds. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather in the 70s with fewer visitors, ideal for fishing and beachcombing. Winter offers solitude and excellent surf fishing, though water temperatures drop to the 50s. For fishing enthusiasts, fall (September-November) is prime time for red drum, flounder, and bluefish. The beach's undeveloped nature makes it enjoyable in any season, though summer offers the most comfortable swimming conditions.
New River Inlet Beach is located at the eastern end of North Carolina Highway 172 in Sneads Ferry, approximately 20 miles north of Wilmington. From Sneads Ferry, follow Highway 172 east until it ends at the beach. Free parking is available in unpaved lots near the beach access. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended if you plan to drive on the beach itself, which requires a permit from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. The beach is part of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, but public access is permitted.
New River Inlet Beach itself has no amenities, so plan accordingly. The nearby town of Sneads Ferry, about 3 miles away, offers seafood restaurants, including fresh catch spots along the waterfront, plus grocery stores and gas stations. For lodging, you'll find vacation rentals, small motels, and campgrounds in Sneads Ferry and surrounding areas. More extensive hotel and dining options are available in Jacksonville (15 miles) and Surf City (12 miles). Bring your own food, water, and supplies for beach days, as there are no facilities, restrooms, or vendors at the beach itself.
New River Inlet Beach is renowned for excellent surf fishing and inlet fishing opportunities. Anglers regularly catch red drum, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and spotted seatrout from the surf. The inlet area offers access to deeper channels where larger fish congregate. Fall is considered prime fishing season for red drum. You'll need a North Carolina saltwater fishing license, available online or at local tackle shops in Sneads Ferry. Bring surf rods, appropriate tackle, and consider fishing during incoming or outgoing tides for best results. Many anglers use four-wheel-drive vehicles to access prime fishing spots along the beach.
