State Parks News

Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island are closed, mainland areas remain open. The boat ramp is open, and the Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.

Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2025.

State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.

Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.

Lake Norman State Park will host an event on Saturday, April 20, and Eno River State Park on Saturday, April 27.

The bridge over Crabtree Creek at William B. Umstead State Park has been removed and will need to be replaced. Hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians should not utilize Ebenezer Church Road bridge due to motor vehicle traffic.

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is providing an opportunity for public comment on a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and ended the year with a total of 262,074 acres.

The access at Bean Shoals in Pilot Mountain State Park will be improved by a construction project that includes three new bridges and a stream restoration.

Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.

The road to the summit will be open daily, depending on available parking space and road conditions. Expect delays on weekends and holidays. To avoid this, plan to visit the park during the week or early in the morning or later in the evening.

Matt Windsor has been named as the new superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County.

The campground at Gorges State Park will be closed through at least November 16 due to black bear activity in the area.

Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.