The entire North Carolina coastline is a wonderful place to explore. From beach towns to resort-like islands, you’re sure to find an atmosphere that suits your desires. But when you want to get away to a beach that’s entirely undeveloped, it can be difficult to find such a place along our coast.

But there is one place, a barrier island, that is completely unspoiled.
Google Maps
Google Maps/Masonboro Island Reserve
It's located just south of Wrightsville Beach and you'll need a boat to get there.
The island is a protected natural area but it's perfectly legal to spend time here. You can also camp overnight!
Google Maps/renato abbate
Google Maps/J. L. Sanguinetti
And that's good to know, because once you get here, you may not want to leave. The azure blue waters are crystal clear...
And the low tide means you can venture (in most places) extremely far out into the sea before the bottom falls off below your feet.
Google Maps/Michael Ladd

Related Stories

Most People Don't Know The Fascinating History Behind This Popular North Carolina Island

Most People Don't Know The Fascinating History Behind This Popular North Carolina Island

 Few People Know There’s A North Carolina Island You Can Walk To

Few People Know There’s A North Carolina Island You Can Walk To

 The North Carolina Restaurant That's A Perfect Little Oasis On The Water

The North Carolina Restaurant That's A Perfect Little Oasis On The Water
Google Maps/scott hair
The island itself is fun to explore and features a mix of a wide, sandy beach, dunes and tidal flats perfect for a variety of adventures.
Some folks paddle over and make landfall on the backside of the island or on the Masonboro Inlet between Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island.
Google Maps/Sean Reifschneider
Google Maps/Marty Longbottom
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management encourages you to stay off the dunes and to avoid walking on the grass in the grassy flats. For this reason, there are trails all around the island to make exploring an easy, and fun, adventure.
Have you discovered this hidden beach along the North Carolina coast yet? We'd love to know!
TripAdvisor/amsy2400
Google Maps/Michael Ladd

Masonboro Island is located immediately south of Wrightsville Beach. You’ll need a boat to access this undeveloped island. It’s open year-round, but has no facilities and no drinking water supply. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Primitive camping for no more than 48 hours is perfectly legal, just make sure your tent is above the high-tide line before you go to sleep. For more information, see this link of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina