Im here in Wrightsville Beach for the summer. I went down to check out Carolina Beach and its pretty cool for a day trip or you can camp out on the beach over night. Its 30$ for one day/ 50$ for holidays/ 150$ is a season pass - just learned this friday from the tenant at the entrance of the beach.
I would love to make a trip up to uwharrie sometime this month or next before the big group goes in August. I leave for college in Florida that same weekend in August so I probably won't be able to make it then.