State Parks Near Wilmington, North Carolina

3 state park units lie within 50 miles of Wilmington. The closest is Carolina Beach State Park, about 11 mi south of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Carolina Beach State Park11 mi south
Within 25 miles
1of 3 within 50 mi
With camping
32 with cabins
Dog-friendly
3pets allowed

State parks near Wilmington, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Wilmington; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Carolina Beach State Park

    11 miles south · Carolina Beach, North Carolina · State Park

    Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, fishing, and hiking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp.

    CampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Carolina Beach State Park →
  2. Lake Waccamaw State Park

    33 miles west · Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina · State Park

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites).

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Lake Waccamaw State Park →
  3. Singletary Lake State Park

    42 miles northwest · Kelly, North Carolina · State Park

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Camping is available: 3 camping areas, including tent sites and group camping. There are also cabins for rent.

    CampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Singletary Lake State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Wilmington

  1. Carolina Beach State Park 11 mi south · Campground listed
  2. Lake Waccamaw State Park 33 mi west · Campground listed
  3. Singletary Lake State Park 42 mi northwest · Campground listed

Cabins and lodging near Wilmington

  1. Carolina Beach State Park 11 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Singletary Lake State Park 42 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Wilmington

  1. Carolina Beach State Park 11 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Lake Waccamaw State Park 33 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. Singletary Lake State Park 42 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules

Hiking near Wilmington

  1. Carolina Beach State Park 11 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  2. Lake Waccamaw State Park 33 mi west · Hiking trails listed
  3. Singletary Lake State Park 42 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near Wilmington

  1. Carolina Beach State Park 11 mi south · Fishing listed
  2. Lake Waccamaw State Park 33 mi west · Fishing listed
  3. Singletary Lake State Park 42 mi northwest · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Wilmington

What is the closest state park to Wilmington?

Carolina Beach State Park is the closest, about 11 miles south of Wilmington in a straight line. Next are Lake Waccamaw State Park and Singletary Lake State Park.

How many state parks are near Wilmington?

3 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Wilmington have camping?

3 parks list camping, the nearest being Carolina Beach State Park, Lake Waccamaw State Park and Singletary Lake State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Wilmington?

Yes, at 3 parks, including Carolina Beach State Park, Lake Waccamaw State Park and Singletary Lake State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Wilmington?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

State parks near other cities

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.