Looking for Private Boat Launch / Trailer Parking Options Near Wilmington
Looking for some creative solutions for Wilmington boat launching/trailer storage access.
I lived here about 4 years ago and used to launch out of Trails End all the time. Back then, parking was basically never an issue. This past weekend I got there around 8:30am and the lot was already completely full.
Now I’ve got a baby, so I’m a lot less flexible with launch times than I used to be, and I’m trying to figure out a better long-term setup.
I’ve already reached out to Mason’s Marina and Canaday’s, but both have waitlists that sound like they’re years long. Hampstead Marina seemed like a decent option, but it’s just a little too far of a drive for frequent use.
Does anyone know of:
- A private boat launch that charges a membership fee?
- A private individual willing to let someone use their ramp for a fee?
- Someone renting out a boat slip?
- Anyone near Trails End or Wrightsville Beach boat launch who would be willing to let me park my trailer at their house/property on busy days when the lot fills up?
Happy to pay for access/parking and be respectful/reliable. Just trying to find a practical solution now that the public launch situation seems way more crowded than it used to be.
Appreciate any leads or ideas.