A town‑by‑town guide for residents, property owners, and visitors
Brunswick County’s beach towns continue to refine their parking rules as visitor numbers grow each year. While most island communities now use digital paid‑parking systems, each town sets its own season, rates, and rules for residents, property owners, and visitors.
Here’s a breakdown of what beachgoers should expect before heading to the coast this year.
Sunset Beach
Paid Parking: Yes
Season: April 1–October 31
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
System: SurfCAST/OttoConnect
Property owners may register two vehicles at no cost. Visitors and residents who do not own property must pay during enforcement hours. Parking is free before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Ocean Isle Beach
Paid Parking: Yes
Season: April 1–October 31
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
System: SurfCAST/OttoConnect
Property owners receive free permits. Visitors and non‑owner residents pay during enforcement hours. Parking is free from 5 p.m. to midnight and again from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. No parking is allowed between midnight and 6 a.m.
Holden Beach
Paid Parking: Yes
Season: Year‑round
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
System: SurfCAST/OttoConnect
Holden Beach is the only Brunswick County beach with year‑round paid parking. Visitors and non‑owner residents pay hourly, daily, or weekly rates. Property owners receive free annual passes. Parking is free outside enforcement hours.
Caswell Beach
Paid Parking: No
Caswell Beach remains the only island community without a paid‑parking program. All parking is free, though right‑of‑way parking is prohibited along Caswell Beach Road. Public lots operate dawn to dusk, and overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles is not allowed.
Oak Island
Paid Parking: Yes
Season: April 1–September 30
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
System: SurfCAST/OttoConnect
Oak Island does not offer free property‑owner permits. Residents and non‑resident owners may purchase low‑cost permits, while visitors pay standard rates. Resident‑only spaces are enforced until 9 p.m.
Bald Head Island
Paid Parking: Not on the island — but visitors pay to park on the mainland
Vehicles aren’t allowed on Bald Head Island, but visitors must pay to park their cars at Deep Point Marina before boarding the ferry. Once on the island, golf cart parking is free in designated spaces. Time limits apply in busy areas, and rentals carry separate fees.
What This Means for Beachgoers
With four of the five mainland beach towns now using paid parking, visitors should plan ahead and check signage before leaving their vehicles. SurfCAST allows payment by phone, and most towns offer free parking outside enforcement hours. Property owners in Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach continue to receive free or discounted access, while Oak Island maintains a low‑cost permit system for both residents and non‑resident owners.
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