Heading out to Oak Island for vacation, but want to make sure you have the lay of the land before you go? You're in the right place. For all you need to know regarding beach access, parking, and permits, read on!
Do I Have to Pay to Park on Oak Island?
Yes, you do, at least if you're visiting during beach season! From April 1st-September 30th, between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, you must purchase a parking permit. There is 2-hour free parking at Oak Island Pier Complex (the lot at 705 Ocean Drive), but you will be charged for any time over 2 hours. In the off season, you don't need to pay a parking fee.
For public access parking:
Paid Parking Permit Rates for April 1 - Sept 30, from 9am - 5pm
- $5 per hour for up to 3 hours
- $20 per day, or any duration greater than 4 hours
- $80 per week for 7 consecutive days
NOTE: The total amount spent per vehicle will be monitored. When the total in a day reaches the equivalent of a day permit, the system will automatically upgrade the permit for that vehicle to a day permit, capping total charges at $20 per day. This is the ONLY tier at which charges are capped.
How Can I Purchase A Parking Permit?
NOTE: The Hourly / Day / and Weekly passes will not be available until the Paid Parking season begins on April 1st. The Seasonal Parking Permits are available now on the Town of Oak Island's website. Buy a Seasonal Parking Permit Here.
There are 3 ways to pay for parking on the SurfCAST system:
- Download the “SurfCAST by Otto Connect” mobile app to setup your account, register your vehicle, and pay for parking - this app is available for Apple and Android devices.
- Scan the QR code on the parking signs to link to a secure website. Follow the prompts to pay for parking, or visit the secure website: https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay (NOTE: There are no advance purchases, permit will go active immediately upon purchase).
- Call the Otto Connect team at 910-200-1497.
You will need to provide:
- Phone Number
- License Plate Tag Number / State of Registration
- Credit / Debit Card
Once registered, you only need to select your parking zone, duration, verify the vehicle you are using, and pay.
What Happens If I Don't Pay to Park?
Well, our wisest advice would be: don't forget to pay to park! If that does happen, you could incur the following citation fees:
Parking Violations & Citation Fees
- $25 Same Day Violation (SDV) if payment by midnight on the day the citation is issued
- $50 next day through day 30, then $25 late payment penalty ($75 after 30 days)
- $250 fine for Special Violations
- NOTE: SDV is limited to 3 times per account and license plate.
What Public Beach Access Points are on Oak Island?
There are over 65 public beach access points on Oak Island! That's a lot of places to go to the beach. Check out the full list of public beach access points on the Oak Island Town Website.
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