Carolina Beach State Park is located south of Wilmington on Pleasure Island near. It is on the Cape Fear River and Snow's Cut, a part of the Intercoastal Waterway.

The campground has 83 rustic sites and two bath houses with hot showers. The park does not offer electric and water hookups, but does have a dump station.

There are several trails, but come prepared with insect repellent during the warmer months. One of the best trails is the Venus Flytrap trail. It is a short easy hike with opportunity to see native plants, including the Venus Fly Trap. Deer and other wildlife also flourish in the park.

Another hiking trail leads to the Sugarloaf Dune, the site of a Confederate encampment during the Civil War.

The park has a marina on the Cape Fear River, and camp store, as well as a small fishing pier.