The Children’s Building is a classroom building with three classrooms located next to the Chapel and Chapel Annex. In the summer months, it is used for Camp Seabreeze, a children’s day camp. A small fenced-in playground is located behind it.
In the distant past, this building served as one of the Quartermaster Corps storehouses.
Seagull is a part of the Holbrook Village. It is situated on an asphalt drive that leads behind Sandpiper Cottage to a walking path through the dunes to the beach. It has a split layout and on each side, it features two chaperone rooms, a large bunk room, and bathrooms. The building is designed to hold groups of 16–32.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
Yucca originally served as the headquarters building for the US Army Coast Artillery Corps. Now it can serve as headquarters for your group during a visit! Adapted to service as a cottage, this building offers a large dining room and space to accommodate 32–50 people.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Night lighting available.
Yaupon was built at the turn-of-the-century by the US Army. It served as housing for an officer’s family. Today it’s been repurposed as one of our cottages. It’s a relaxing spot for your group to spend time together under the shade of live oak trees.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
In the summer months, this residence building is used to house our summer staff, hence the name, but the rest of the year it’s available to groups who need a building with great capacity in a good location, right next to the cafeteria. For groups of 34-68.
Buildings classified as a Residence are intended for groups, especially youth group use, and feature mostly bunk bed space with no linens provided. Linens may be arranged if called for in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
Our Conference Center was named in honor of former Assembly Director, Fred Smith, and his wife Eudell. It is furnished with all of the amenities you’d expect from a modern hotel, aside from TVs in the bedrooms. The top two floors feature guest rooms that face either the beautiful Cape Fear River or the historic old fort to the south. The building has a maximum capacity of 215.
Downstairs you will find a full-service cafeteria on one side and five classroom spaces on the other. This makes Smith Conference Center the ideal place to sleep, meet, and eat under one roof at Fort Caswell.
Our chapel serves groups of up to 200 as a place to meet and worship.
In the distant past, this building served as one of the Quartermaster Corps storehouses.
Tucked away in the corner of Fort Caswell’s historic parade ground, you’ll find Seashell Cottage. A former officer’s house for the US Army, this particular cottage is centrally located with good access to all points of the campus.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Sea Oats is a part of the Holbrook Village. It is situated on a gravel drive which leads to a walking path through the dunes to the beach. It has a split layout and on each side, it features two chaperone rooms, a large bunk room, and bathrooms. The building is designed to hold groups of 16–32.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
At the center of the Holbrook Village, you will find our largest, and most recently constructed cottage. Sandpiper was completed in 2013 and offers breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean from its balconies. Another noted feature is its split dining/kitchen space with room for everyone. It may seem unusual to refer to such a large building as a cottage, but at Fort Caswell is the designation for this type of lodging (see below). Capacity is 64–116.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Sand Dune is a converted US Army officer’s house located on the corner of the historic parade ground. It is surrounded by shady trees and is centrally located on our campus. The capacity for the building is 16–24.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
The Riverside cottages are a collection of structures built by the US Army to house officers. Today, these lodgings are beloved by guests for their picturesque placement next to the sea wall, where land sharply gives way to the water. They are also very close to recreation options like fishing and tennis. The building’s capacity is 8–14 people.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
The Riverside cottages are a collection of structures built by the US Army to house officers. Today, these lodgings are beloved by guests for their picturesque placement next to the sea wall, where land sharply gives way to the water. They are also very close to recreation options like fishing and tennis. The building’s capacity is 8–14 people.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
The Riverside cottages are a collection of structures built by the US Army to house officers. Today, these lodgings are beloved by guests for their picturesque placement next to the sea wall, where land sharply gives way to the water. They are also very close to recreation options like fishing and tennis. The building’s capacity is 8–14 people.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
The Riverside cottages are a collection of structures built by the US Army to house officers. Today, these lodgings are beloved by guests for their picturesque placement next to the sea wall, where land sharply gives way to the water. Riverside A/B is unique from its neighbors in that it can be split in two and used by two separate groups, or combined for a larger single group. Capacity is from 6–24.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Redwine Cottage is set apart from other cottages on our campus on the tip of Oak Island. It is named in honor of Fort Caswell’s first director, Dr. Richard Redwine, and its location lends it a quality of peace and privacy. It has space for medium-sized groups of 32–44. Access is by stair only, with a back porch facing the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
The reception center serves as the site for group check-in during summer youth weeks and as office space for our staff. During the summer it is staffed 24 hours with Guest Services team members. During the rest of the year, you should visit the office next door for assistance.
No visit to Fort Caswell is quite the same without a visit to the PX Gift Shop. Here you will find clothing and accessories featuring Fort Caswell’s brand and exclusive designs. We also sell books, candy, soft drinks, and necessities you may have forgotten to pack for your visit. Hours of operation vary, so please check with Reservations Staff in the office for details on the PX’s schedule.
A Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool with a deep-end diving area. Open in the summer months and on select weekends in the late spring/early fall. Call ahead for more information at (910) 278-9501. The office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday.
Pelican is a part of the Holbrook Village. It is situated on an asphalt drive that leads behind Sandpiper Cottage to a walking path through the dunes to the beach. It has a split layout and on each side, it features two chaperone rooms, a large bunk room, and bathrooms. The building is designed to hold groups of 16–32.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
Paradise cottage is well-named, especially if you like fishing! It offers access to stunning sunset views and recreation activities. Paradise is near the sea wall, the riverbank, our fishing pier, and the tennis court. Holds 22–30.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Palmetto is another converted turn-of-the-century officer’s house. It is located next to the old brick fort and features panoramic views from its porches. The character of the building’s original use as a home shines through, giving it a cozy feel. Palmetto has nine bedrooms.
Buildings classified as Hotels feature rooms with double beds and are a favorite choice of families and visiting adults.
Oleander is another converted turn-of-the-century officer’s house. It is located on the east end of the historic parade ground. The character of the building’s original use as a home shines through, giving it a cozy feel. Oleander has nine bedrooms.
Buildings classified as Hotels feature rooms with double beds and are a favorite choice of families and visiting adults.
Caswell’s Office is where most guests will check-in when visiting. It is where our Reservations Staff are located, so when you need to make a reservation or have needs during your stay, please visit us here or give us a call. The office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday–Friday. Our phone number is (910) 278-9501.
Oceana Motel is Fort Caswell’s only ground-level motel accommodation. It is located next to the boat basin and each room has access to screened-in porches with waterfront views. These are great spots to watch the sunset and lighthouse! Rooms feature two double beds. For an additional fee, you can request access to a kitchen that connects two bedrooms. There is a maximum occupancy of four people per room.
Longbay started its service as a barracks, but unlike the other two, it saw extensive renovation to convert it to our residence style of lodging. Now the building features private bunk rooms for groups with bathrooms for each bunk room. The second floor porch offers stunning views of the ocean. The capacity for the building is 165 maximum.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
Another of our renovated historic buildings, Live Oak has been converted into a residence accommodation. It features two sides, with chaperones rooms and large bunk areas in each. Live Oak is conveniently located next to the Gym and Cafeteria on one side, and the barracks and Drift Inn on the other. It has a capacity of 14–28.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
Little Pier is a unique cottage situated right next to the floating dock at Caswell’s boat basin. It is two stories and features a living room downstairs and a screened-in porch. Capacity is from 4–10 people.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
Lantana Lodge is Fort Caswell’s premier accommodation for groups of adults. The building was constructed in 1898 and served as the Post Hospital throughout the military’s time here. It was renovated in 1999 and now features all the comforts of modern appointments while cultivating the atmosphere of America’s finest inns.
Lantana features a parlor with television and a semi-commercial kitchen with a large attached dining and meeting room.
The main classroom building at Fort Caswell was named in honor of J Dewey Hobbs. He was a council member at the Baptist State Convention and a friend of Caswell.
Hobbs features two hallways with 10 classrooms each. The main halls are connected by a central hallway with restrooms. There are four larger classrooms, one at either end of each main hall. These are called quads because they can be subdivided by accordion dividing walls into four smaller spaces.
Our main auditorium was completed in 1968 and named in honor of Ms. Rachel Hatch, whose gift made its construction possible. It is configured to seat 980 people and features a large stage with modern sound, light, and video projection capabilities.
Our basketball gym is open for guests year-round. Ask our Reservations Staff if either will be open during your visit. Mini-golf tickets can be purchased at the gym during the summer. At other times of the year, you may make arrangements for mini-golf through Fort Caswell’s Reservations Staff.
This is the post for our 24-hour security guards. No one is permitted on the grounds without first making arrangements for their visit by calling our Reservations Staff in the office. This is especially true during the summer months. Always call before a visit to Fort Caswell to ensure you will be granted entry. (910) 278-9501.
The functionality of the barracks hasn’t changed much since the US Army built them at the turn-of-the-century. They feature large, open floor space in four sections. Each section is filled with bunk beds. Modern updates include dorm-style bathrooms and central heating and air. Space in the barracks is assigned by the number of beds you need, so other groups may make reservations to stay in the same section as your group. Max capacity is 150.
The barracks represent the best value in lodging at Fort Caswell and are a great option for school groups and youth retreats.
Gingko Cottage was built at the turn-of-the-century as officer’s quarters, but today we have adapted it for reuse as a cottage. It sits on the historic parade ground offers private rooms, community spaces, and great views from the porches. Capacity for groups of 16–32.
Buildings classified as Cottages at Fort Caswell typically offer a mixture of double bed and bunk space. They feature their own kitchen and dining areas for guests to prepare meals. Cottages are a great option for groups who want to eat and sleep together under the same roof. Guests provide their own linens.
This building served as the Field Officer’s house during the US Army’s use of the property. It is now called Fort Caswell and is a favorite hotel of our guests. Fort Caswell is located on the perimeter of the historic parade ground with views of the river and ocean. It features wrap-around porches with rocking chairs both upstairs and down. Fort Caswell features 10 bedrooms in total.
Buildings classified as Hotels feature rooms with double beds and are a favorite choice of families and visiting adults.
Without the fishing pier, Fort Caswell just wouldn’t be the same! Our modern fishing pier is a place of relaxation and fun for fishermen and all guests. Please remember that state law requires all anglers to have a North Carolina Saltwater Fishing License.
The pier is located over the remains of the military’s old iron wharf. This was where visitors docked when visiting Fort Caswell before a bridge to the island existed.
The US Army constructed Driftwood as an officer’s home at the turn-of-the-century. Today it has been renovated and is used as one of Fort Caswell’s hotels. Driftwood is located on the perimeter of the historic parade ground with views of the river and ocean from its second floor. It also features and wrap-around porches with rocking chairs both upstairs and down. It has nine bedrooms.
Buildings classified as Hotels feature rooms with double beds and are a favorite choice of families and visiting adults.
The Drift Inn is a snack shop famous for delicious milkshakes, frappes, and coffee drinks. Hours of operation vary, so be sure to check the schedule through our main office for the dates that you’ll be visiting.
During the military’s use of the property, this building was one of the mess halls.
The Chapel Annex is a classroom building with two classrooms and two restrooms. It is connected by walkway to the Sherrill Chapel.
In the distant past, this building served as one of the Quartermaster Corps storehouses.
Cape Fear started its service as a bakery for the US Army. Today it is the home of Fort Caswell’s Environmental Stewardship Program, an educational field trip program that serves schools and educators from across the state and beyond.
Our large cafeteria is located at one end of the parade ground. It can serve up to 325 guests at a time through two cafeteria-style lines. If your group is larger, or if other groups are dining on campus as well, you will be assigned a mealtime to ensure everyone can get through quickly and have space to eat comfortably.
The functionality of the barracks hasn’t changed much since the US Army built them at the turn-of-the-century. They feature large, open floor space in four sections. Each section is filled with bunk beds. Modern updates include dorm-style bathrooms and central heating and air. Space in the barracks is assigned by the number of beds you need, so other groups may make reservations to stay in the same section as your group. Max capacity is 150.
The barracks represent the best value in lodging at Fort Caswell and are a great option for school groups and youth retreats.
Immediately to the right as you pass through the gate, you will find the authorized beach access. This is the only designated swim area on the beach and swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty (typically during the summer weeks). Swimming anywhere else in the river or ocean on our campus is dangerous and prohibited.
Our floating dock is perfect for small sailboats and fishing or recreational boats. This is also the site where kayak tours launch for summer campers and field trips. A boat ramp is available to make it easy to launch and retrieve your boat. No boat is allowed to dock in one of our slips unless the owner is a registered guest of Fort Caswell.
Atlantic is a part of the Holbrook Village. It is situated on a gravel drive which leads to a walking path through the dunes to the beach. It has a split layout and on each side, it features two chaperone rooms, a large bunk room, and bathrooms. The building is designed to hold groups of 16–32.
Buildings classified as a Residence are ideal for groups, especially youth groups. They feature bunk rooms and private chaperone rooms with double beds. Linens are typically not provided but may be ordered in advance. There is a fee of $5 per bed, and beds are not pre-made prior to arrival.
