Bird Island Reserve
Bird Island Reserve is a 1,481-acre undeveloped barrier island in Brunswick County, North Carolina, between the Town of Sunset Beach and the Little River Inlet. It suits walkers, birders and people who want a quiet beach walk. The one thing to know is that the main access is on foot along the ocean beach from Sunset Beach, and parking near the access points is limited and paid.
Should you go to Bird Island Reserve today?
Good day to go
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Mon 19Dry daytime forecast
- Tue 20Dry daytime forecast
- Wed 21Dry daytime forecast
- Thu 22Dry daytime forecast
- Fri 23Dry daytime forecast
Weather at Bird Island Reserve, today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 50°F | N 18 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 54°F | N 21 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 59°F | N 21 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 63°F | N 20 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 64°F | N 21 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Clear | 63°F | N 20 mph | 0% |
Beach and surf
| Water Temperature | In the mid 70s |
|---|---|
| UV Index | Moderate |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:21 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:37 pm |
| Question visitors ask | How do I walk to Bird Island and the Kindred Spirit mailbox? |
|---|---|
| County | Brunswick County |
| Official site | deq.nc.gov |
How do you get to Bird Island Reserve?
Bird Island Reserve is in Brunswick County, south of Shallotte. From Highway 17 South, turn left onto N.C. 904, then turn right onto N.C. 179, which becomes Sunset Beach Boulevard. Cross the Intracoastal Waterway onto Sunset Beach, then turn right at the T intersection with Main Street.
Public access is mainly by the ocean beach from several public beach access points in Sunset Beach. From the 40th Street boardwalk beach access, turn right and follow the beach until you reach the signs that mark the reserve boundary. Boats can also reach the sound and marsh side of Bird Island Reserve through several creeks off the Intracoastal Waterway, depending on vessel draft and tide levels.
Where can you park for Bird Island Reserve?
Parking near the access point is limited and paid. There are a few paid spaces at the 40th Street and Main Street intersection, and more paid lots and spaces are along North Shore Drive and at the pier. Parking is also permitted on the side of the road and near the 40th Street crossover.
The NC DEQ page does not list parking rates, so check current rates and posted signs before you go to Bird Island Reserve.
How far is the walk to Bird Island Reserve?
From the 40th Street beach access, cross the access and walk west down the beach strand. The upland part of Bird Island Reserve begins at the Sunset Beach boundary and runs about 1.2 miles to Corps of Engineers property, about 0.4 miles from the state line. A nature trail is located 1.5 miles from the beach access.
The guided walk to the Kindred Spirit mailbox covers 1.4 miles one way, or 2.8 miles round trip, and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can you join a guided walk to Bird Island Reserve?
Bird Island Steward volunteers with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve host educational walks to Bird Island Reserve. Walks run every third Wednesday from October 21, 2026 to May 19, 2027. Meet at the marsh lookout at 40th Street and Main Street at 10:00 AM. Bring water and wear closed-toe shoes and pants.
Check the NC DEQ page before you go for any schedule changes.
What rules apply at Bird Island Reserve?
Camping and campfires are not permitted at Bird Island Reserve. The public may walk the length of the island at all times, because the Mad Inlet closure after Hurricane Bonnie in 1999 left the island open along its full length.
The NC DEQ page asks visitors to read its safety tips and reserve rules before going, but the page does not list them in full. Check those rules before you go.
When is the best time to visit Bird Island Reserve?
The public may walk the length of Bird Island Reserve at all times, according to the NC DEQ page. Guided nature walks are scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month from October 21, 2026 to May 19, 2027. Our attraction record lists the reserve as open year round.
Tide levels affect boat access through the creeks, so check tide conditions before you go by water.
Bird Island Reserve: questions visitors ask
How do I walk to Bird Island and the Kindred Spirit mailbox?
Start at the 40th Street beach access in Sunset Beach and walk west down the beach strand. The Kindred Spirit mailbox is about 1.4 miles from the beach access, so the round trip is about 2.8 miles. The NC DEQ page describes this route in its guided walk listing.
Is there a fee to visit Bird Island Reserve?
Our attraction record lists entry as free. The NC DEQ page does not state an admission charge, but parking at the access points is paid, so check current rates before you go.
Can you camp or have a campfire at Bird Island Reserve?
No. The NC DEQ page states that camping and campfires are not permitted at Bird Island Reserve.
Can you reach the marsh at Bird Island Reserve by boat?
Yes. Boats can reach the sound and marsh area from the Intracoastal Waterway through creeks such as Bonaparte Creek, Clayton Creek and East River, depending on vessel draft and tide levels. Boats may also land on sandy shorelines inside the Little River Inlet on the South Carolina side.
What should you bring on a guided walk at Bird Island Reserve?
Bring water and wear closed-toe shoes and pants, according to the NC DEQ page. The walk meets at 10:00 AM at the marsh lookout at 40th Street and Main Street and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are there sea turtles at Bird Island Reserve?
Yes. The NC DEQ page says nesting loggerhead sea turtles are among the most notable species on the island, and the upper beach is a critical nesting area. Loggerheads are listed as threatened by federal and state governments.
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