The Best Outdoor Places to Enjoy in Onslow County

July 22, 2022

North Topsail Beach

If you and your children enjoy a day at the beach, spend an afternoon or weekend leaving the mainland behind and entering vacation mode at North Topsail Beach. With two public access beaches, you’ll have plenty of space to sunbathe, build sandcastles, or play catch. North Topsail Beach is one of the best places to play and unwind in Onslow County.

Visit: There are three access points available.

County Beach Access #1: 1798 New River Inlet Road

County Beach Access #2: 2950 Island Drive (handicap accessible)

County Beach Access #3: 4000 River Road Extension

County Beach Access 4: 484 New River Inlet Road (handicap accessible)

Click here for a list of additional beach access points.

Although beach access is free, parking is not. If you decide to enjoy the beach, parking is $5/hour, $25/day, $100/week, or $250 for an annual fee.

Hammocks Beach State Park

(As of June 2024, the ferry and campsites at Bear Island are closed at Hammocks Beach State Park due to construction. Hiking and paddle trails are still open for use. Click here for updated information.)

With beautiful trails perfect for hiking and an educational visitor’s center that includes an interactive children’s exhibit, Hammocks Beach is a wonderful place for families to visit.

When you visit Hammocks Beach State Park, make sure to check out Bear Island: a four-mile-long undeveloped barrier island. It’s only accessible via the Park’s passenger ferry or, if you’re feeling adventurous, by canoe or kayak. Roundtrip tickets for the ferry cost $6 for adult passengers, $4 for child passengers between the age of 3 and 12, and $4 for all senior citizens 62 years or older. Children 2 years and younger ride for free. Learn more about ferry schedules and prices here.

Visit: 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584

Onslow Beach

Located on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Onslow Beach is open to all authorized DoD ID cardholders with proper base access. If you’re a military family in Onslow County, this beach offers rental lodging units, an RV campground, pavilions, volleyball courts, and swimming areas.

Click here for a schedule of upcoming events for things like Yoga By the Sea, Seaside Cinema and other family friendly activities.

Visit: Call (910) 440-7502 for more information.

Biking Trails

If your children are old enough to enjoy a family bike ride, Onslow County offers miles and miles of beautiful trails—from downtown Jacksonville and stretching all the way to the coast.

Big Branch Bike Park: Located in Jacksonville, this park features a 1.6-mile flow trail and a 4.6-mile mountain bike trail. Although the mountain bike trail is best suited for intermediate bikers, the loop trails are perfect for all levels.

Rails to Trails Greenway: Perfect for beginners! There are more than 23 miles of trails and greenways within the city limits of Jacksonville. Paths are open to pedestrians and bicyclists to visit city parks, memorials, the waterfront, and other places of interest. Check out the Jacksonville Trails & Greenways map to plan your next outdoor adventure.

Richlands Loop Trail: If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, Richlands Loop Trail offers a 50-mile and a 20-mile road loop through the rural coastal plains of Onslow County.

City-to-Sea Trail: See all that Onslow County has to offer with the City-to-Sea Trail, a 21-mile ride from Jacksonville to Hammocks Beach State Park.

Parks, parks, and more parks!

Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy all that Onslow County has to offer. From playgrounds and picnics to basketball courts and splash pads, the Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department maintains multiple family-friendly parks throughout the county.

Swansboro

Bicentennial Park: Located on the shore of the White Oak River, this park is home to a fishing dock, a picnic area, a boardwalk, and plenty of green space to play and enjoy the summer weather.
Pirate’s Den Park: If you’re looking for a fun, nautical-themed playground, check out Pirate’s Den located at the junction of Broad Street and Shore Drive.
Riverview Park: Riverview Park features elevated shoreline walks along the White Oak River and a view of Jones Island. Enjoy beautiful, panoramic views of the river and plenty of marshland flora and fauna to observe.
Swansboro Municipal Park and Parks and Rec Center: Nearly 20 acres, this Municipal Park includes a rec center, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, and a playground. If you’re looking for a place with tons of options for your children to explore, this is the perfect spot.
Ward’s Shore Park: A great place for a picnic, Ward’s Shore Park offers scenic views of the marsh. Plus, it features picnic tables, plenty of seating, and a rain garden area.

Maysville

Deppe Park: Deppe Park has a fun playground, pavilion, restrooms, and a volleyball court for families and children to enjoy.

Richlands

Richlands Steed Parks: Located in Richlands, Steed Parks includes a playground and nearly 40 acres of recreational areas—perfect for playing outside with your children.

Sneads Ferry

Stump Sound Park: Spanning over 50 acres, Stump Sound includes a 1,600 nature trail, a playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, and soccer or football fields.

Hubert

Hubert By-Pass Park: Hubert By-Pass Park hosts one of our favorite Story Walks, where your child can enjoy an illustrated story mounted on a pathway. Plus, there are picnic areas, charcoal grills, and places to play basketball, volleyball, or soccer.

Jacksonville

Branchwood Park: A charming neighborhood park that includes a great playground and a short nature trail.
Discovery Gardens: One of the most beautiful and serene places in Onslow County, Discovery Gardens is a 4-acre outdoor area that includes a nature trail, greenhouse, garden pavilion, and children’s garden.
Georgetown Park: Spend a spring afternoon at Georgetown Park, featuring basketball courts, a playground, a walking trail, a grill, and a multipurpose field.
Hines Farm Park and Stables: If your child loves horses, consider spending some time at Hines Stables. They offer horseback riding lessons, summer camps, and 4H programs.
Jacksonville Commons: This large recreational space is home to Jacksonville’s Parks and Rec department and includes many outdoor spaces, including a skate park, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a nature trail.
New River Waterfront Park: For a quiet, serene park, try New River Waterfront. It offers two piers to enjoy, overlooking the river.
Northeast Creek Park: Perfect for a hot summer day, Northeast Creek Park features a splash pad, playground, and boating access.
Phillips Park: Home to an expansive open field and playground, Phillips Park is located along the New River.
Riverwalk Crossing Park: If you’re in downtown Jacksonville and searching for a little bit of nature, check out Riverwalk Crossing Park. Paved paths are filled with flowers and benches to stop and enjoy the sunshine.
Oakhurst Nature Park: For a more adventurous day spent at the park, head over to Oakhurst. This park features a kayak launch, a walking trail through the woods, and plenty of wilderness to explore.
Onslow Pines Park: One of the largest parks in Onslow County, Onslow Pines is home to a baseball field, football field, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground.
Sturgeon City Park: Sturgeon City Park provides a quiet, relaxing atmosphere to go for a walk or play on the playground.
Wilson Bay Park: Another great riverfront park, Wilson Bay is home to a playground area, a boardwalk, and green space to stop and enjoy.

Let us know how you and your family are spending time in nature this spring and summer! Follow One Place on social media to join the conversation.