Parking and beach access in Oak Island

Public accesses cross the dune along the island. The town posts any fee and the handicap routes. The lighthouse has its own small lot on the Caswell Beach grounds, at 300 Caswell Beach Road, separate from Oak Island's street accesses. Two towns, two parking stories.

From March 16 through October 14, dogs on the public beach need a physical leash. Voice commands and electronic collars do not count. From October 15 through March 15, off-leash time is 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. where the town has posted signs, and the dog stays under visual and voice control, out of the surf. Pick up. The lighthouse grounds are in Caswell Beach, so read that sign too.