Beach Rules

The Town of Oak Island welcomes all who decide to spend their time on our beautiful beachfront; and hope wonderful memories with friends and family are made. To help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please be aware of the following Beach Rules, as noted in the Town Ordinances and listed on this page.

To view ALL Town Ordinances related to the public beach areas, click the link below.

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BEACH RULES 

Access

  • The beach can only be accessed through the designated walkovers, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided.

Beach Equipment

  • Chairs, umbrellas, canopy frames, blankets, towels, toys, electronic devices, and all other personal items must be removed by the end of each day
  • Tents larger than 400 sq. feet will need to be inspected prior to use- call 910-201-8053 for more information)
  • Beach equipment and personal property is not allowed within 15 ft. of an Emergency Vehicle Access, or within 10 ft. of marked sea turtle nests

Dunes

  • Walking, running, playing, climbing, or other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and sand berms is PROHIBITED.
  •  Access to the beach is only available through designated Beach Access Locations).

Emergency Vehicle Access

  • Emergency Access Locations must remain clear and open!
  • Parked vehicles must not block the access pathway 
  • Beach equipment or personal property is not allowed within fifteen (15') feet of any emergency vehicle access

Glass Containers

  • Not allowed on the beach or in the beach access .areas

Holes

On July 8, 2025 the Oak Island Town Council approved an update to Ordinance 14-142, which will now limit the depth and tools used to dig recreational holes on the public beach areas.

As noted in the new Ordinance Amendment, Holes dug on the beach strand:

  • Cannot be deeper than 12” 
  • Can only be dug using toy shovels intended for use by children 
  • Must be attended at ALL times, and completely filled in by 6:00 PM

Metal Detecting

  • Allowed in the public beach areas, as long as activities do not encroach on any personal property lines
  • Remember to practice safe and responsible detecting: do not dig in uncertain areas, do not handle questionable materials, and be sure to fill in all holes / divots created.

Piers

  • Swimming, surfing, and ALL in-water activity under, beside, or immediately near a Pier is DANGEROUS and PROHIBITED!
  • Town Ordinance 22-12 prohibits swimming or other in-water activity within 250 ft. of the Pier, and Section 22-5 further extends this for surfing to 350 ft. away.

Pets

  • Must be on a physical leash (strap, rope, chain, etc.) when in the public beach areas from March 16 - October 15 (NOTE: voice command and / or electronic leashes are not recognized as adequate restraints). Additionally:
    • All dogs must be physically restrained and under control by owner / keeper at all times
    • If a dog exhibits aggression toward other dogs or people, it must be removed from the public areas immediately
    • Shade and fresh water must be provided for dogs kept outside
    • Owners shall properly and promptly remove and dispose of all feces left by their dog(s)
    • CLICK HERE to view FULL dog / pet information

Trash

  • Must be removed completely from the beach area and be properly disposed of (please leave the beach better than you found it!)

Vehicles / Electric Bicycles 

  • Motorized vehicles and personal transportation devices such as electric bicycles, "one wheels", etc., are NOT ALLOWED on the public beach areas (including the Lockwood Folly Inlet / The Point).
  • Exceptions include Town approved Mobility Assistance Devices, Emergency Rescue Equipment or other official vehicles in the performance of official duties. CLICK HERE to view Town Ordinance 28-5. 

Weddings / Gatherings / Private Events

  • Small wedding ceremonies on the beach do NOT require a Special Event Permit permit
  • Obtaining a Permit is strongly recommended, so that first responders can be aware of your group's location if emergency response is needed. 
  • If needed, a marriage license can be obtained from the Brunswick County Register of Deeds Office by calling 910-253-2690 or through their website at www.rod.brunsco.net.
  • REMINDERS
    • SPACE: The beach is a public area, space is provided on a first-come, first-available basis. While you may politely request others to move, they are under no obligation to do so.
    • TIDES: It is highly recommended to check the tide forecast and how your selected location is affected at high tide.
    • EQUIPMENT: Items such as tents, chairs, arbors, etc. should not be placed on the beach before 7:00 AM. All items must be removed immediately after the ceremony.
    • PRESERVATION: To help preserve sand dunes and berms, please use only the designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided by the Town.

CITATIONS & FINES

Citations will be issued as directed under the Town Ordinances, starting as a civil penalty of $100.00 for the first violation, $200.00 for the second violation, and escalating to a criminal offense after the second violation or at the officer's discretion.

Each day that someone is in violation will constitute a new and separate offense.

Why are these rules in place?

In a word, “SAFETY!” in addition to showing a lack of concern for the environment, littered trash, glass containers, large holes, unattended beach equipment can all become serious injury hazards for beachgoers, pets, wildlife, and first responders.

The Town of Oak Island wants all residents and visitors to have a fun and enjoyable time on the beach, but that comes with being safe and responsible. 

Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding the Beach Rules presented on this page, please use the Administration Contact Form for at OakIslandNC.gov/CONTACT or click the link below. 

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