CAROLINA BEACH-- Campers at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach could face a hefty fine if they don't make reservations.
The town implemented new rules starting April 1 that put new restrictions on visitors to the popular beach.
Ronnie Downer and his wife are celebrating their 33rd anniversary by camping at Freeman Park. Downer said the new online reservation process is simple.
"Picked a spot I wanted and it will tell you if it's available or not and if it is it will say okay. And then once you find your spot you just put your credit card number in there and I think it's like $10 a night and a $2 processing fee," said Downer.
Depending on the tide and weather, Freeman Park will have between 70 and 100 camping spots available. Anyone who camps without a reservation or outside their designated spot could face a $50 fine.
"This is a learning process, not only for us but for our visitors. They're gonna have to work through how aggressively they want to apply those fines, especially during the first year or two when people are trying to-- we're trying to work through the bugs. So you know, I'm sure they'll be a warning process,” said Carolina Beach Mayor Dan Wilcox.
Downer understands the need for the regulations, but says folks shouldn't be fined on their first offense.
"If people don't know about it I think you ought to kind of give them a warning and a chance. Say ‘Hey, listen you're going to have to sign up or register or something.’ And then if they just dont pay attention or ignore you, then you fine them and kick them out. Whatever you gotta do," said Downer.
Daytime visitors can still set up tents and canopies all along the beach, as long as they're removed by 11:00 p.m.
"The entire council agreed that we need to make some adjustments to solve some of the issues we had down there," said Mayor Wilcox.
Campsites must be reserved from April 1st through Sept. 30. There is a $10 per night fee for a campsite permit. Campers must also purcahse a Freeman Park Access Pass.