Parking on Oak Island
How much is beach parking on Oak Island?
The short answer
$5 an hour, $20 a day or $80 a week, paid by license plate through the SurfCAST app, online on the SurfCAST payment site or by phone at 910-200-1497. Paid parking runs April 1 – September 30, 9am–5pm, every day. Hourly, daily and weekly permits can only be bought during those paid hours. Outside those dates and hours, public beach parking is free.
2026 season, Town of Oak Island
Passes, free spots and tickets
🎟️
Season permit: $225For non-residents, good all season at paid spots. Anyone can buy up to 4; a 5th or more costs $375 each. Only 1,500 are sold each year and they can sell out.
🏠
Resident permit: $10For Oak Island residents and property owners, up to 3 per property, with proof of residency or ownership.
🆓
Free parkingOak Island Pier lot (705 Ocean Dr): free for 2 hours. Handicap spaces: free with a valid placard or plate. October through March, and before 9am or after 5pm: no paid parking.
📱
No sticker to displayYour permit is tied to your license plate, and staff check plates on site. Have your plate number handy when you pay.
⚠️
Where you can parkPark straight and centered at a yellow parking bumper (blue for handicap spaces). In the paid zone, unmarked spots and the roadside are no parking during paid hours. No overnight parking at beach accesses.
🎫
Tickets$25 if paid the same day for a no-permit ticket in a paid zone (other tickets start at $50), $50 within 30 days, $75 after 30 days. $250 for blocking a hydrant, fire lane or emergency access, or using a handicap space without a plate or hangtag.
Quick answers
Common questions
❓
Is beach parking free on Oak Island?From October through March it is free, and outside 9am to 5pm it is free all year. From April 1 to September 30, 9am to 5pm, public beach parking costs $5 an hour, $20 a day or $80 a week. The Oak Island Pier lot is free for 2 hours.
❓
How do I pay for parking on Oak Island?Through SurfCAST by Otto Connect: the app, online at surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay, or by phone at 910-200-1497. Passes aren't sold at Town Hall.
❓
How much is an Oak Island season parking pass?A non-resident season permit is $225 this season. Only 1,500 are sold each year, so buy early.
❓
How much is a parking ticket on Oak Island?$25 if paid the same day for a no-permit ticket in a paid zone (other tickets start at $50), $50 within 30 days and $75 after 30 days. Blocking a hydrant, fire lane or emergency access, or misusing a handicap space, is $250.
Full parking guide Beach access map Accessible beach accesses More questions
Rates and dates from the Town of Oak Island for this season. The Town sets new rates each year, so check the Town parking page.