Image photo credit: Wilton Wescott
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM), part of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, manages the Topsail Nature Preserve to protect the site’s coastal resources while supporting responsible public access and recreation.
The Topsail Nature Preserve, located at the southern end of Topsail Island in Pender County, is a unique and environmentally sensitive coastal area valued for its natural habitats, scenic character, wildlife, and public access opportunities. Management of the site transitioned from the N.C. Coastal Land Trust (NCCLT) to DCM through a shared commitment to long-term stewardship and conservation.
The Preserve is a continually changing place due to its location in what the Coastal Resources Commission classifies as an inlet hazard area. With its proximity to the dynamic New Topsail Inlet, the Preserve is especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and other effects of sand, wind, and water in a continual cycle of accretion and erosion.
DCM’s management approach focuses on:
Protecting the site’s natural and serene character
Supporting responsible public beach access
Avoiding human disturbance to wildlife habitat
Allowing natural geologic processes to occur
Partnering with state and local government and conservation partners
Preserving the area for future generations
Public Access and Stewardship
The Topsail Nature Preserve’s beaches are open for public enjoyment and appreciation. Parking and restrooms are available at the Preserve entrance at the terminus of Shore Line Drive. The Town of Topsail Beach will be making additional restrooms and an ADA compliant ramp available soon. Visitors and a network of volunteers play an important role in helping preserve the area’s natural character and ecological value.
Prohibited Activities
Visitors are encouraged to help protect Topsail Nature Preserve by following posted rules and guidance. The rules are in place to ensure respect for wildlife, protect sensitive habitats, and ensure an enjoyable, peaceful experience for all people visiting the preserve. The following activities are prohibited at the Preserve:
1. Trespassing into dunes, wetlands, and other inland areas
2. Trespassing into posted areas (such as posted bird nesting areas and sea turtle nests)
3. Pets off leash
4. Glass beverage or food containers
5. Littering, including leaving pet waste
6. Overnight camping
7. Hunting or discharging firearms
8. Public nudity
9. Commercial activity
10. Leaving personal items overnight
11. Open fires
12. Fireworks
13. Motor vehicles and ATVs
14. Disturbing natural vegetation or wild animals
Volunteer Opportunities
Management of the area includes cooperation between DCM, the Town of Topsail Beach, research and stewardship by other state agencies, and continued volunteer support by NCCLT’s Stewardship Volunteer Program.
Additional information regarding site guidelines, access, stewardship efforts, volunteer opportunities, and management updates will be added to this page as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some areas roped off?
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission protects waterbird nesting habitat on the Preserve each year during the nesting season March 1 – September 15th. The posted areas provide excellent protection of bird nesting habitat that is important for several species of state and federally listed waterbirds, including the Least Tern, a species that has been in decline throughout much of its range but is doing well in North Carolina thanks to the protection of nesting sites. During the 2025 nesting season surveys completed by NCWRC and partner agencies in the state found that 89% of Least Tern nests were on barrier islands, making the protection of these sites important not only for the population of Least Terns in North Carolina but for the species as a whole. The posting is similar to other postings on public beaches in North Carolina including Emerald Isle and Wrightsville Beach.
Sea Turtles make their nests on Topsail Island from May to September. Volunteers approved by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission walk the beach every morning to identify nests made the previous night. Volunteers cordon nests with stakes and flagging tape. If you discover a new sea turtle nest, please contact the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hotline at 910-329-0222.
Why is beach driving not allowed?
The purchase of the land for the Preserve was an expensive venture which required winning several competitive grants, without any of which the purchase could not have been made. Fortunately, the grant programs agreed that the south end of Topsail Island was a very special place, and between four large government grants and contributions from the Town and private citizens, enough funds were raised to make the purchase.
Each grant comes with its own stipulations for the management of the property, and the grantor has the right to recover their financial interest in the project if their stipulations are not followed. If even one grant prohibits an activity, that prohibition must be implemented on the site. In this case, three of the four grants do not consider beach driving an allowable use on properties purchased using their funds according to their grant agreement. The result of this is that beach driving is not allowed on Topsail Nature Preserve.
Parking
The parking area and facilities are owned and operated by the Town of Topsail Beach. Access and parking options can be viewed on the DCM Beach and Waterfront Access map and Topsail Beach Public Access and Parking.
For questions regarding management of The Topsail Preserve, please contact:
Jonathan Lucas – Division of Coastal Management
(252) 515-5420
Additional resources:
Town of Topsail Beach Police Department 910-328-4851
N.C. Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 910-515-7354
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Hotline: 910-329-0222, option 3
North Carolina Sea Turtle Hotline 252-241-7367