Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a popular tourist attraction located in the state of North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Known for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history, there are many reasons to visit this area.

One of the main points of interest at Fort Fisher State Recreation area is the Civil War-era Fort Fisher Historic Site, which was a pivotal location during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the remains of the fort, which played a key role in the Confederacy's defense of Wilmington, NC, during the war.

In addition to the historic site, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. The area boasts miles of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and salt marshes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Interesting facts about Fort Fisher State Recreation Area include that it is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle and the Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant that is found only in a few areas of the world. The area is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds identified in the area.

The best time of year to visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, summer is also a popular time to visit, as visitors can enjoy the beaches and water activities.

Overall, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife, it is a must-see location for anyone visiting North Carolina.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks