Radio Island Beach is a public beach accessible by vehicle and foot from Beaufort

Radio Island Beach is a barrier island beach in Carteret County, reachable by a causeway from the town of Beaufort. The beach sits at the end of Radio Island Road, about 3 miles south of downtown Beaufort. Access is free, and the beach is open year-round during daylight hours. Parking is available in a small lot at the end of the causeway, though spaces fill quickly on warm weekends and during summer.

The beach itself is narrow and sandy, backed by marsh and maritime forest. It faces Bogue Sound rather than the open Atlantic, so the water is calmer than ocean beaches to the east. The sound-facing location makes it popular for families with young children, kayakers, and people fishing from the shore. The beach has no lifeguards, no concessions, and no facilities beyond a parking area and a few picnic tables.

Radio Island Road is the only vehicle route to the beach. The causeway crosses salt marsh and can be impassable during storm surge or heavy rain. Check local road conditions before driving, especially in winter or after severe weather. Cell service is spotty once you leave Beaufort proper.

Key Takeaways

  • Radio Island Beach is reached by driving 3 miles south of downtown Beaufort on Radio Island Road, with free parking at the causeway end.
  • The beach faces Bogue Sound, not the ocean, so water conditions are calmer and better suited to families and kayakers than swimmers seeking waves.
  • No lifeguards, restrooms, or food vendors operate at the beach, so bring water and supplies from Beaufort.
  • The causeway can flood during heavy rain or storm surge, making the beach temporarily unreachable by vehicle.
  • Summer weekends and warm-weather days draw crowds; early morning or off-season visits offer quieter conditions.

Parking and Facilities at the Beach

The parking lot at the end of Radio Island Road holds roughly 20 to 30 vehicles, depending on how tightly they are parked. On summer Saturdays and holidays, the lot often fills by mid-morning. There is no overflow parking, and no parking attendant or fee collection. Once the lot is full, you must return to Beaufort and find street parking downtown, then drive back.

The beach has picnic tables scattered along the sand, but no restrooms, no showers, and no trash cans. Bring drinking water and any food you plan to eat. Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent are useful, especially in spring and fall when mosquitoes are active. The nearest restaurants and shops are in downtown Beaufort, about 3 miles north.

What Fish and Wildlife You Will See

Radio Island Beach and the surrounding sound support a mix of saltwater fish, birds, and marine life typical of North Carolina's southern Outer Banks. Spotted seatrout, flounder, and mullet are common in the sound. Anglers fish from the shore year-round, with better catches in spring and fall. Crabbing from the shore or by hand net is also popular, especially in summer.

Wading birds—herons, egrets, sandpipers, and plovers—are present most of the year. Osprey and bald eagles hunt over the sound, particularly in winter. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on nearby barrier islands but rarely come ashore at Radio Island itself. Jellyfish and stingrays are occasional visitors in summer; shuffle your feet when wading to avoid stepping on them.

Fishing and Crabbing at Radio Island

Shore fishing at Radio Island requires a North Carolina fishing license if you are 16 or older. Licenses are sold online through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, at sporting goods stores in Beaufort, and at some tackle shops. A temporary license (1 day, 7 days, or 30 days) costs less than an annual license and is useful if you are visiting briefly.

Crabbing by hand net or crab trap does not require a license, but you must follow state rules on trap size and the number of traps you can use. Check the current regulations on the Wildlife Resources Commission website before you go, as rules change. Crabs are most abundant in summer and early fall. Bring a net, a bucket, and a way to measure your catch—undersized crabs must be released.

Seasons and Weather Conditions

Radio Island Beach is open and accessible year-round, but conditions vary sharply by season. Summer (June through August) brings warm water, calm sound conditions, and crowds. Water temperature peaks around 80°F in August. Mosquitoes are active but manageable if you use repellent. Parking fills early, and the beach is noisiest on weekends.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and good fishing. Water temperature ranges from 55°F to 75°F depending on the month. Mosquitoes are heaviest in May and September. Winter (December through February) is quiet and cold, with water temperatures in the 40s. The causeway is most likely to flood in winter and during nor'easters, which can occur any month but are most common in fall and winter.

How to Reach Radio Island from Downtown Beaufort

From downtown Beaufort, head south on Pollock Street, which becomes Radio Island Road. Follow Radio Island Road for about 3 miles. The road crosses a causeway over salt marsh and ends at a small parking area on the beach. The drive takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. There is no public transit to Radio Island; a personal vehicle is necessary.

GPS coordinates for the parking area are approximately 34.69°N, 76.67°W. If your GPS device or phone map does not recognize "Radio Island Beach," search for "Radio Island Road, Beaufort, NC" and navigate to the end of the road. The causeway is the only route; there are no alternative access roads.

Regulations and Safety Notes

Radio Island Beach is managed by Carteret County and is open to the public. No permit is required to visit. Alcohol is prohibited on the beach. Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Fires are not permitted. Camping is not allowed. Respect private property along Radio Island Road; the road passes through residential areas, and parking on the road itself is not permitted.

The sound water is generally safe for swimming, but there is no lifeguard on duty. Rip currents are not a concern in sound water, but sudden drop-offs and soft mud can surprise waders. Wear shoes with good grip. Check weather forecasts before you go; the causeway becomes impassable during heavy rain, nor'easters, or high storm surge. If you are caught on the island during flooding, you will be stranded until water recedes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to park at Radio Island Beach?

No. Parking is free. There is no attendant and no payment system. The lot is first-come, first-served and holds roughly 20 to 30 vehicles. Once full, you must leave and return later or park in downtown Beaufort and drive back.

Can I swim in the sound at Radio Island?

Yes. The sound water is generally safe for swimming and is calmer than ocean beaches. There is no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk. Wear shoes to avoid stepping on stingrays or sharp shells. Check the weather before entering the water, and do not swim during storms or high winds.

What is the best time to fish at Radio Island?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most reliable fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder. Summer is productive but crowded. Winter fishing is possible but water is cold. Crabbing is best in summer and early fall. Check tide tables before you go; fishing is often better around slack tide or moving water.

What should I bring to Radio Island Beach?

Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, and any food you plan to eat. There are no restrooms, shops, or food vendors. Insect repellent is useful, especially in spring and fall. If you plan to fish or crab, bring your license (if required), a net, and a bucket. Wear shoes with good grip for wading.

Can the causeway flood and trap me on the island?

Yes. Heavy rain, nor'easters, and storm surge can make the causeway impassable. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before driving out. If you are caught on the island, you will be stranded until water recedes, which can take several hours. Do not attempt to drive through standing water on the causeway.