Carolina Beach State Park

With beaches on the Atlantic Ocean only moments away, it's little wonder this is one of the most popular destinations for North Carolina campers. But sun bathers, surfers, sand castle builders and swimmers aren't the only ones who relish this scenic paradise. It offers fishing, boating, interesting history and if you're lucky you'll get to see the Venus flytrap at work, devouring unsuspecting insects.

The area that is now Carolina Beach State Park was home to the Cape Fear Indians long before Europeans arrived in North America. Once they arrived though, things weren't peaceful for long and an uprising started in 1715. By 1725 the Indians has lost the conflict though, and moved away leaving artifacts of arrowheads and pottery fragments remain to this day.

Pirates once sailed these waters and since 1663 the 50-foot sand dune known as Sugarloaf has served as a navigational beacon for sailors on the Cape Fear River. During the Civil War it was also used as a defensive position to guard Wilmington from the North and when Fort Fisher was under siege, 5,000 confederate troops were stationed here.

Carolina Beach State Park, which was established in 1969, covers 761 acres on Pleasure Island-circled by the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It's about 10 miles south of Wilmington on U.S. Route 421 at Dow Road.

Once there you'll be able to launch your boat and explore Cape Fear River or head out into the Atlantic. There's a marina with 42 boat slips where snacks, fuel and restrooms are available.

If you'd rather keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, there are six miles of trails at the park. Flytrap trail is a must-see spot of you enjoy flora, because it's here you'll often see flytraps and native orchids blooming. It's only 1/2 mile long, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll and easy for hikers of all ages.

Sugarloaf trail is longer at three miles, but during the hike you'll get to see water birds as you pass through a thick forest of pines and a tidal marsh. Other trails include Campground Trail at a mile in length, Swamp Trail at 3/4 mile, Snow's Cut Trail, 1/2 mile, and Oak Toe Trail, which is only 1/4 mile long. The trail system is ideal for a day getaway, and provides some great diversity if you decide to camp close enough to smell the salt spray at night.

If camping is more your style, there are 83 campsites including a pair that are fully wheelchair accessible. Hot showers, barbecue grills and picnic tables are also found at the camping area. There are no RV hookups, but a dump station is nearby.

You can also fish the Cape Fear River and a handicapped fishing dock is nearby. Among the popular species caught in the mix of salt and fresh water are sheepshead, striped bass and flounder.

There are a variety of educational programs offered at the park visitor's center, including a large display of carnivorous plants-just in case you missed them during your hike. Better yet, start here so you know what you're looking for and how they lure their meals into their grasp. It's open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and plants you'll learn about include bladderworts, butterworts and, of course, the Venus flytrap.

Carolina Beach State Park is home to a wide diversity of other plant live, including several coastal ecosystems. In the coarse soil of the dunes you'll find turkey oak, longleaf pine oak and live oak. Then in the swamps thick with shrubs, pond pines, yaupon and evergreen shrubs. And near the camping area tall pines give it a the secluded feel that makes your nightly slumber a truly quiet experience.

An alligator will swim into these waters on occasion, but wildlife you're more likely to see include woodpeckers, yellowthroats, whitetail deer, raccoons and squirrels. Pelicans are common as are ospreys near Snow's Cut.

If you're looking for an unusual experience, one with camping within walking distance of the ocean, fishing, boating, swimming and more, Carolina Beach State Park is one site to see. For more information call the park's headquarters at (910) 458-8206.