Map of Beach Accesses
The following link goes to the NC Division of Coastal Management's map of Beach and Coastal Waterfront Accesses for North Carolina:
http://dcm3.enr.state.nc.us/website/nccoastal_access/viewer.htm
Beach Vitex
IS BANNED ON NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH!
Discussion regarding the Resolution to Eradicate "Beach Vitex" can be found in the Board of Aldermen Minutes of July 2006.
Handicapped Access
We have two handicap accessible beach access points at North Topsail Beach. One is located at Beach Access #4, which is across from the Town Park on
New River Inlet Road. The second location is Beach Access #2, which is located on Highway 210.
Weddings on the Beach
A permit is not required to have a wedding on the public beach at North Topsail. We ask that if you do have a wedding, that you leave the beach in the condition that you found it. Contact Kim Weaver at (910) 328-1349 if you would like to reserve the gazebo or picnic shelter for your event.
Holes on the Beach
Please be mindful that unattended holes left on the beach strand can cause injury to others, especially as night falls. Please be sure you fill in any holes before you leave them unattended.
Dunes
Please stay off all dunes. Use existing beach access points and crosswalks to enter the beach strand. There is a $500 fine for walking on dunes.
Why Stay Off the Dunes?
Walking on the dunes causes deterioration of beach grass and other vegetation that helps to trap and hold the sand in place. Although beach grass is a hardy plant, and is tolerant to high salinity conditions, direct sun, heat, lack of fertile soil and a fluctuating water supply, it can not survive being trampled by vehicle or man. As part of its resistance to salinity and drying conditions the plant has developed a thick brittle stalk which snaps easily when trampled or driven upon. The passage of only one vehicle or a few people over the dune at the same point will kill a strip of grass. Without vegetation, the dune is exposed to wind erosion resulting in blowouts or breaches in the dunes. These breaches or low spots not only create a weak spot in the dune but, become channels for floodwaters to move inland during storm events. As a result, inland areas become more vulnerable during coastal storms. Protecting dunes helps prevent loss of life and property during storms and protects the sand supply that slows shoreline erosion.
Beach Access #3:
Onslow County Beach Access # 3 is located at the north end of North Topsail Beach off of River Rd. The access requires four wheel drive capabilities, and parking must be within the confines of the access. Parking is not allowed in the entrance, nor is it allowed on the shoulders of River Rd. The speed limit for B.A. #3 is 5mph, and the access is not for joy riding. ATV’s, motorcycles, and go-cart type vehicles are not allowed. The launching and recovering of water craft in this area is also prohibited. Vehicles are not allowed to drive onto the beach strand as is indicated with a posted sign near where the Atlantic Ocean meets the New River Inlet. Please do not swim in the inlet as the currents are extreme and the tide changes rapidly.