Questions about Fort Fisher beach offroading

[bigCatdiesel]

Hello from the SC Upstate,

I've read a few threads here about driving on the beaches at Freeman Park and Fort Fisher. Never been, but sure sounds like a good time. Fort Fisher looks to be less crowded, which I like. I'd like to hear from those that have experience driving their rigs at these two beaches.
1) is there a place to air my tires back up or does everyone bring their own air compressor?
2) How does everyone handle the salty sand after coming off the beach? Do you go to local carwash or just hose down when you get home? I'll definitely avoid the wet but I know that sand will get everywhere.

Thanks in advance.

John

 

[SeanLX]

Both are fun. There's a different pass for each end. Freeman Park gets a lot more crowded since they allow alcohol.

I'd usually start with some pointers about driving in the sand but you'll have no issues.

1. There are a couple of gas stations with air on the beach where you can air back up. With 33"s+ I don't usually air down. With stock tires 12-15psi makes it a whole different vehicle out there.

2. There's a car wash as you leave Carolina Beach but I usually wait until I get home.

Let us know when you're interested we need to get an ONSC group out there sometime.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I brought a little compressor the first time I went out on the beach to air up. Didn't air down the second time I ventured out.


I love beach trips! Let's get a group together.

 

[GarnerFJ40]

Ditto on what these guys have said. Don't air down, usually wash once I get home. I've got a year pass to Fort Fisher, becuase I like to have a section of beach to myself to surf and let the kids and dog run around.

Beach trips with this bunch is mostly miss, so we stopped planing a full club trip, but I'm down with a small group. I'll be taking/picking up the little ones at grandma and grandpa's the first 2 weekends of August if anyone's interested...

 

[LockedNLoaded]

Any cruiser will not have any issues at Fort Fisher as long as the 4wd works. Just to give you an idea, I have taken my wifes Outback there many times and have never needed to air down or anything. I have never come close to getting stuck there. I usually just wash everything off when I get back to Raleigh, but my family has a house in Southport, so if we are staying there for awhile we will just wash everything there.

 

[SeanLX]

I haven't been to Fort Fisher in a long time but you CAN get a LC stuck at Freeman Park. When mine was stock and loaded down with people and coolers it took a little technique and some airing down to not get stuck. With 35's I don't think twice about it.

There's a new ramp at the Freeman Park entrance that should make that area a lot harder to get stuck in.

I always laugh when people say "I can drive in the snow so it won't be a problem"

 

[bigCatdiesel]

Thanks for the replies. That helps. I've read some threads about technique too...keep it slow and don't brake hard. Unfortunately I have to leave the 80 home. The bushings all around are so worn and loose its scary to keep under control during a sudden stop or turn. I'm bringing the 4Runner instead.
As for a meet at the beach, I'll keep lurking the ONSC site on Mud and jump in if something gets planned. It's a 5 hour haul for me so some planning in advance would be needed.

Cheers,

John