Battleship North Carolina
Wilmington, NC
A World War II battleship moored across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, with self-guided routes through decks, engine rooms and gun turrets. Admission is charged; allow about two hours.
Battleship North Carolina is a World War II battleship preserved as a museum in Wilmington in southeastern North Carolina, on the Cape Fear River. According to Lonely Planet the 45,000-ton ship earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific and was decommissioned in 1947.
You explore several decks at your own pace. Stops include the bake shop and galley, print shop, engine room, powder magazine and communications center. Several steep stairways lead to the lower decks, so expect some physical effort. According to Lonely Planet you reach the ship from downtown via the Cape Fear Bridge. It also says full guided tours run on weekends at 9 am; this is time-sensitive (check in advance). The source gives no prices or general opening hours; check with the operator before your visit, including for weather-related closures.
- Nearest town
- Wilmington, NC
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 34.2365, -77.9541
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Wilmington KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover8 mi from Battleship North CarolinaTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Carolina Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Battleship North CarolinaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover18 mi from Battleship North CarolinaMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover19 mi from Battleship North CarolinaMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover20 mi from Battleship North CarolinaMotorhomes
- Virginia Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Battleship North Carolina
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Battleship North Carolina?
Battleship North Carolina is in Wilmington, NC, at GPS 34.2365, -77.9541. It is about 22 mi from Southport.
Can you camp near Battleship North Carolina?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wilmington KOA Holiday, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Battleship North Carolina?
Battleship North Carolina is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cape Fear coast: Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Southport.
What is there to see near Battleship North Carolina?
Places worth a stop nearby: Carolina Beach State Park (13 mi), Fort Fisher State Historic Site (18 mi), Oak Island Lighthouse (24 mi) and Hammocks Beach State Park (55 mi).
When is the best time to visit Battleship North Carolina?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)