Sandling Beach State Recreation Area

Nice beach! $7fee for entrance, we choose to go a little farther shelter#6. Its less crowd (Avoid the holidays, tons of ppl on Labor day weekend). There have many picnic tables, grill, restroom, changing room. Perfect for the kids n family who do not want to drive. This place is so closed to us..only 10 mins drive!

Tucked away in quietness this place is the best for a short getaway. Atmosphere is serene and just the right amount of people there to enjoy and not feel crowded. Pack your own picnic lunch, there are no vendors. Went in the summer but will enjoy it more in the fall with all the colors the trees will have.

So nice and clean. This area is awesome for small trips to the lake. My family had a blast here. Clean bathrooms and nice little play area for kiddos. Took my Pitbull and he loved it also. He even got to swim

I've been coming to Sandling Beach since I was a child. I will always continue the memories with my child as well. Nothing like Fun in the Sun during the hot summer months.

A hidden gem! The kids loved it. Our only complaint was the bees buzzing around us while we were having a picnic lunch.

FYI - their card reader "is down," so they only accept cash for the entrance fee right now.

A really cute beach like feel without the long drive to Wilmington! Super clean and fun.

Great beach! Daily fee of $7/car is a very affordable rate. There are children's life jackets available to borrow (please hang back up when finished!). No lifeguard, so watch your children, please. Swimming area is identified by yellow barricade. There are picnic areas plus playgrounds. Bathrooms available, but didn't stay long enough to warrant use. Went midweek before lunchtime and by afternoon it was busier, but still enjoyable. I'd imagine this place is full on the weekend.

Love taking my family here! Even though it’s packed Evey time we always find a spot to settle down on and enjoy the view. Park rangers are always present and pleasant and bathrooms are generally clean! Got a chance to take my 9 month old for the first time 😊 he loved it!

I'm filled with joy in bringing my dog here. Plenty of space to accommodate everyone. Heaven on earth.

Clean, beautiful view, serene aura, and perfectly private despite the fact it is a public beach. <3

One of my favorite places to go!! Today I was able to get some great pictures since there were only a couple of people there (it’s currently after Labor Day on a Thursday). I like to take my chair out into the water and relax.

I like that there is a playground & life vests for kids. The restroom area was clean. It was easy to get there with signs directing us along the way. We paid $7 to park the car. Parking spots are only a few feet from the water so its not alot of hassle to find a spot. There were 4 other families when we went so not busy at all & the crowd was diverse.

LOVE this place. Prefect for a day with the kids or family, especially at only $7 per car. Lots of parking available, has grills , picnic tables and a shelter area at each parking area. We go about 4 - 5 times a month since finding this place & we live over an hour away.

We were here all day. Beautiful beach(s), area to grill, and eating area with shade. Trails and tons of trees for shade. During the week is less crowded. Sundays are extremely packed but we still had a fantastic time.

Didn't expect I can find such beautiful beach in Raleigh Durham Wake Forest area. Very clean, well maintained (thumbs up to local office), and the annual fee is very reasonable. Guards at the door are very friendly and helpful, providing me all info I need for future visit.

This is a fun alternative to driving to the coast. Relaxing atmosphere!

Yes!!!!! The beach without the drive!

Bring a cooler with drinks and snack, your towels and something to lay on in the sand, and SUNSCREEN!

Super cheap! Great play day for families!

Sandling will be CLOSING on last day of September! Only 2 weeks left so if you want to hit the beach, time is running out!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! My family and I had a blast!!! So beautiful!! Definitely going back next year!!!

It’s was cool need more plants water is not clean aaaaaaaaat aaalllllll