Overview
Sneads Ferry began as a colonial ferry crossing on the New River—operated by Robert Snead in the 1760s—and evolved into a commercial fishing port famed for its white-shrimp harvest. Today the unincorporated village of roughly 2,550 residents supports seafood processors, charter captains, and a growing population of Marines stationed at nearby Stone Bay and Camp Lejeune.
While Hampstead is a commuter suburb and Holly Ridge a gateway town, Sneads Ferry is a rustic waterfront community: shrimp trawlers, crab shacks, and pastel cottages lining back-creeks. Housing developments are pushing north along NC-172, but the working-waterfront character still drives identity—and tourism.
Map
Fast Facts
| Population (2020): | 2,548 |
|---|---|
| ZIP Code: | 28460 |
| County: | Onslow |
| Historic Roots: | Ferry chartered 1728; renamed for Robert Snead in the 1760s |
| Annual Shrimp Harvest: | Roughly 385 tons |
| Signature Festival: | Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (54th year, late September) |
| Notable Waterway: | New River Inlet — prime red-drum grounds |
Schools
- Dixon Elementary —
- Surf City Elementary —
- Dixon Middle —
- Surf City Middle —
- Dixon High —
- Topsail High —
Things to Do
- Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival — Live music, parade, and shrimp cook-off each September.
- Charter Fishing out of New River Marina — Inshore drum and near-shore king mackerel trips.
- Fall Mullet-Run Beach Seining — Watch local crews haul nets the traditional way.
- Stump Sound Marsh Kayaking — Sunrise paddles for birdwatching and oyster-rock exploration.
- Old Ferry Road Seafood Row — Buy fresh head-on shrimp right off the docks.
- Golf at North Shore Country Club — Semi-private 18-hole course bordering the ICW.
Public Services
Upcoming Events
- Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival (Sept): Two-day seafood celebration with live entertainment.
- Shrimp Queen Pageant (Aug): Annual pageant leading into festival season.
- New River Holiday Flotilla (Dec): Lighted boat parade and waterfront viewing parties.