Oak Island Lighthouse
Caswell Beach, NC
A 1958 concrete lighthouse with bands of gray, white and black mixed into the concrete itself. Volunteers open it for tours on set days in summer; the public beach access next door is free.
The Oak Island Lighthouse stands at Caswell Beach on the southern coast of North Carolina. The US Coast Guard built it in 1958. The tower is 155 feet (47 m) tall, and its light sits 169 feet (52 m) above the sea. The lights remain an active aid to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard.
The construction is unusual: the eight-inch (20 cm) concrete walls were colored during construction, so the tower never needs painting. Its daymark is black, white and gray. In 2004 the site passed to the Town of Caswell Beach, and since summer 2006 volunteers of the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse have offered tower tours.
Practical notes: according to the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society (page undated), public tours run Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day and go up to the second level. Volunteers arrange climbs to the top year-round with at least two weeks' notice. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, and parking at the base of the tower is limited to 30 minutes. Check dates in advance.
- Nearest town
- Caswell Beach, NC
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 33.8930, -78.0352
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–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover5 mi from Oak Island LighthouseMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover5 mi from Oak Island LighthouseMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · SouthportMotorhome stopover9 mi from Oak Island LighthouseMotorhomes
- Carolina Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Oak Island LighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Holden Beach RVCampsite14 mi from Oak Island Lighthouse
- Holden Beach RV CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Oak Island LighthouseTentsCaravans
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Oak Island Lighthouse?
Oak Island Lighthouse is in Caswell Beach, NC, at GPS 33.8930, -78.0352. It is about 2 mi from Southport.
Can you camp near Oak Island Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Carolina Beach State Park Campground, about 13 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Oak Island Lighthouse?
Oak Island Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cape Fear coast: Wilmington, Fort Fisher and Southport.
What is there to see near Oak Island Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Fisher State Historic Site (9 mi), Carolina Beach State Park (13 mi), Battleship North Carolina (24 mi) and Myrtle Beach State Park (54 mi).
When is the best time to visit Oak Island Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)