4x4 Permissible Driving Area

Policies and Procedures

Onslow County Beach Access #3/4x4 Permissible Driving Area is located at the north end of North Topsail Beach off of River Road (Directions).

Rules

1. Access passes are required YEAR ROUND. Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. The fine for entering without a pass is $50.
2. The access requires four wheel drive capabilities
3. Parking must be within the confines of the access. Parking is not allowed in the entrance nor is it allowed on the shoulders of River Road.
4. The speed limit is 5 mph.
5. ATV’s, motorcycles, and go-cart type vehicles are not allowed. 
6. Vehicles are not allowed to drive as indicated with a posted sign near where the Atlantic Ocean meets the New River Inlet.
7. Please DO NOT swim in the inlet as the currents are extreme and the tide changes rapidly. 

Police officers patrol this area frequently and will enforce reckless driving violations.  

There is a paved parking lot on the north end (end of River Road before you enter the Permissible Driving Area) for visitors who do not have four wheel drive vehicles.   

In order to ensure that hours are observed, the gate will be closed and locked during hours in which driving in this area is prohibited.  Town officials will drive the area each night before closing to ensure the area is clear.  Pedestrians will still have access to the area after the gate is closed.  

Location

• Directions:  3962 River Drive

Hours

• April 1st thru September 30th:  6:00AM to 7:00PM
• October 1st thru March 30th:  7:00AM to 5:00PM

Access Passes​

Please download the SurfCAST by Otto app to pay for your 4X4 permit. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. 

• Daily - $25.00
• Weekly - $100.00
• Annual - $250.00