I've been down to Ft. Fisher the past two weekends. Since the annual beach pass at Ft. Fisher is $50, I figure using it is a good idea. The sand there is pretty fluffy, and I've seen people stuck both times. I air down to between 20 and 25 psi. Airing down is cheap insurance. There is free air at the Ft. Fisher Trading post about a mile up the road at: 33.9861465,-77.910654 (google map).
It doesn't hurt to bring a 5 gallon bucket (for water), 4 strips of 2'x6' carpet remnant, a shovel, and a recovery strap either. I think a tow costs at least $150.
Here I am at crossover 2: